Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 January 2000 — Page 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2000

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

1

FAITH ContiniMd from A1

BRIEFS Continued from A1

Mall, 10935 Pendleton Pike, and 1-70 and Emerson. Their newest location is on the corner of 16th and Meridian. Despite their success in Denver, the couple saw Indianapolis as adifferent challenge. “Indianapolis is so different that we looked at things in a new perspective. It’s a challenge running a business in the innercity" said Mr. Jones. “People received us differently, but we learned, adapted and stayed focus on our vision.” The couples’ vision is one that reaches far beyond the services that come to mind when one sees the golden arches. “We want to better the lives of our kids throughout our communities through our various programs and employment opportunities,” said Tracey. “We pray that we make a difference in their lives. Hopefully, they will go out and do the same. Then it will become a chain reaction, thus bettering the community.” Kevya Jones, 18, —who is no relation to the owners — said she has grown with the Joneses and McDonald’s, where she has been working for nearly two

years.

“I’m excited about the new location,” she said. “I’m also excited about the opportunities that have developed for me.” Kevya has received several job offers which stem directly from the Joneses and her work at McDonald’s. Her job flexibility has also allowed her to attend Martin University. “I can see the skills I have developed,” said Kevya. “The obstacles I have faced at work have helped me develop good social skills and proves that I can keep a stable job. I’m also making good money as a crew trainer. The Joneses have helped out a great deal.” Reginald and Tracey hope to

youth as possible. Recently, the corporation held its fourth annual McMiracle on 38th Street. The program provided a little holiday hope to 75 area students from IPS School 43 with bicycles, books and gift bags. Janice Newsom, principal of School 43, said that programs like McMiracle and people like the Joneses are more important now than ever. “It really does take an entire village to raise a child,” she said. “The Joneses are a living and perfect example of a family committed to giving back to the community. Community involvement serves as an extended family to children. It makes a difference in their success.” The couple extend their helping hand not only during the holiday season, but year round. Faith Corporation has provided a seven-year-old student with a four year scholarship to attend Eastern Star’s JEWEL Christian Academy. The student is in the second year of the scholarship, which is worth approximately $4,500. “When an individual shares their treasure in the form of an educational scholarship their heart is committed to a child and his/her future,” said JEWEL Christian Academy Principal Kerstin Goode. Reginald said the blessings are also invaluable. “The Lord has blessed us with economic power,” said Reginald Jones. “He is changing our communities through McDonald’s and through us. People have to realize that if we can do it, they can make it also. We have to empower the com-

munity.”

The couple hopes to bridge socioeconomic gaps that exist in areas plagued by drugs, prostitution and low wages. They know the task is not an

an unwavering effort. Faith Corporation can’t help and save everyone, but they can affect individuals. That’s were Faith Corporations has had an impact. Approximately 200 youth work throughout the corporation. “We train our employees to love and value people while believing in themselves,” said Reginald. “By employing our people, we contribute a significant amount to the Indianapolis tax base.” The Joneses vision has also coincided with another’s - Mayor Bart Peterson. “Reginald and Tracey are committed to my vision of a city that values and lifts up all neighborhoods,” Peterson recently told McDonald’s officials. “By bringing jobs to the center of our city. Faith Corporation will provide economic and learning opportunities to young people who might otherwise have none.” Peterson was the keynote speaker at the grand opening celebration dinner, which was held Wednesday. The event preceded the opening of the Jones’ new look McDonald’s which opened Friday. According to Tracey, the restaurant at 16th and Meridian Street, will “bridge” inner city with city by attracting business professionals commuting on the Meridian Street Corridor and persons traveling east and west via 16th St. The couple plans on continuing the growth of Faith Corporations and its impact on the community. They want to increase the number of children participating in McMiracle and would like to provide more scholarships. “When the Lord wants us to do more, he’ll provide us with the resources,” said Reginald. “I have the faith.”

ers read the year 2000 as 1900, since most were designed with only a two-digit space for the year. But the Y2K bug was superseded by the flu bug, for many.

IUPUI team joined “Take A Kid to Game” program The IUPUI men ’ s and women ’ s basketball teams scored big points with local kids at their game Thursday against Youngstown State as both teams joined the NCAA’s “Take a Kid to the Game” program. The teams offered free tickets to the games for children ages 14 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Both games were played in the IUPUI Gymnasium in the Natatorium, 901 W. New York St. “Take a Kid to the Game” is a nationwide grassroots program that encourages adults to expose children to NCAA women’s and men’s basketball and football games: The five-year-old program is sponsored by Regal By Buick and NCAA. Last year 350 NCAA sites in 47 states participated in the program. For more information please contact IUPUI Athletics at (317) 274-0622.

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O’Bannon enlists support in northern Indiana for Taxpayer Protection Plan Visiting northern Indiana, Governor Frank O’Bannon urged the public to help him convince lawmakers to cut property taxes across the state instead of letting them rise dramatically for some

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“Our lawmakers will have three choices when they convene next week,” O’Bannon said. “They can pass my Taxpayer Protection Plan. They can pass a plan of their own Or they can allow unacceptable increases in property taxes,

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