Outreach Honored with 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award
2025 Shalom Zone Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major For Justice Award
We are deeply honored and excited to announce that Outreach Indiana has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award. This prestigious award was presented at the 7th Annual Shalom Zone Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Service on Monday, January 20th, 2025.
The Drum Major for Justice Award is presented each year to an organization that exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all people. The Shalom Zone—a coalition of seven faith communities in the Indianapolis area—works tirelessly to promote peace, justice, and holistic well-being for all. As part of their mission, the Shalom Zone gathers annually to honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate those who carry forward his vision of a beloved community.
In announcing this year’s recipient, the Shalom Zone shared, “We are deeply inspired by Outreach Indiana’s tireless efforts to serve and uplift vulnerable youth in our city. Your work resonates with the values Dr. King held dear, and it is our privilege to recognize your life-changing impact.”
In addition to this honor, Outreach Indiana will receive a generous contribution of $1,000 to support our mission of empowering youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
To further amplify this effort, the Shalom Zone congregations—comprising Allisonville Christian Church, Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Epworth United Methodist Church, The Garden Community Church, First Friends Meeting, Metanoia Church of Transformation UCC, and St. Pius Catholic Parish—are organizing a special donation drive. Each church has committed to collecting clothing and other essential items from our wish list, with donation boxes conveniently placed in their Narthex areas. This initiative is being facilitated by Vicki Bass of Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and the generous spirit of the Shalom Zone community.
This recognition is a testament to the strength of the resilient youth we have the privilege to walk alongside every day—and the unwavering support of our community. Together, we are creating a brighter future rooted in hope, justice, and love.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and to continue partnering with us as we strive to carry forward Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community for all.