INRoads, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Christian organization, is expected to begin new mentoring methods and events in March designed for 'bridge kids'.

The much-awaited programs are ingrained in Broad Ripple history: INRoads' graduates are all around Indianapolis, like the two female heroine addicts reforming their lives after speaking with INRoads volunteers.

"We want to develop relationships with the kids, provide a safe environment and a place to be themselves," said Greg Wegesin, Executive Director of Inroads.

Wegesin, a newly hired executive director, gained a passion for disenfranchised youth while working with the YMCA as a program director. However, Wegesin has found that INRoads' newest challenge is not assimilating the youth into society, but creating steady funding and leadership for itself.

A weekly pizza night, INRoads' claim to fame, lost steam in May 2006 due to funding and leadership challenges. Prior to its disbandment, the Saturday pizza nights attracted 65 to 100 'bridge kids' steadily since 1998.

Former Executive Director Michelle Shelburne admits that many kids came for the free food, but others came for spiritual support. Nevertheless, INRoads grew - and even had to relocate from Paradigm Church to Broad Ripple United Methodist.

While pleased with the program's growth, INRoads' Board of Directors will face larger problems in the future. Its potential size and importance among the Christian community could make funding and volunteer support difficult to generate.

Being a 501(c)(3) gives INRoads a tax-exempt status, but does little to promote revenue. Pizza nights, mentoring, and building a headquarters for the organizations are a few of the goals for 2007 that require careful planning and immense fund-raising. In the past, churches and individual donations funded the organization.

It may be necessary for Wegesin to focus a great deal of time and energy into budgeting INRoads, but Shelburne and Wegesin admit that for the program to be successful, new volunteers must be trained and recruited. Each volunteer who works with INRoads is given training on what to expect from some of the kids and how to handle or diffuse turbulent situations. Aside from eight stable Board Members, volunteer response varies.

"Volunteers are taught to respond to situations such as child abuse," Wegesin said. "We'd like to have an eight-to-one ratio of kids to volunteers."

INRoads hopes to reach out in larger ways than offering free food and a volunteer to listen. Providing social service programs, helping kids achieve GEDs, computer training, and offering addiction specialists are only some of the programs that Broad Ripple can hope to see from INRoads in 2007.