Student magazine sets out to show 'good things are happening on the far east side'

A new free monthly magazine wants to share good news from the city’s far east side.

Warren Central High School students, community members and media professionals have been publishing “The Indy Far East '' since May.

Communications Director Dennis Jarrett said there tends to be a negative perception of the city’s east side, but there are many positive stories that need to be told.

“I believe, in a very small way, we could be a part of its impact in this community for good by letting people know that there's good things happening. And then if we can start mobilizing and getting people to see that, you know, just because I'm on the east side doesn't mean I have to be ‘the least side.’ We're just trying to make that impact,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett said the magazine highlights many sectors of the community.

“We try to focus on and not just exclusively, but we try to make sure our focus is kind of like on community development, workforce development, health and health and wellness, education, and jobs. So those are kind of the five pillars of what we're doing out here,” Jarrett said.

There is a digital version of the magazine and a print version is distributed throughout the community.

The magazine is part of a collaboration with the nonprofit Next Gen Initiative, where young people train for careers in media communications.

The Warren Township school district helped with the costs for the first four months of printing.  Jarrett said it’s now up to the magazine to find advertisers, sponsors, and donors to keep things going. 

“We have also applied for grants. We're not just sitting around; we hope that we can secure some funding.” Jarrett said.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.