Darian Benson

‘We are here for the community:’ Damien Center opens new headquarters An expanded campus now includes a dental clinic and pharmacy.

New Damien Center HQ just opened! @darianbenson.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/damien-cente...

Indy removes eastside community recycling site The Department of Public Works has removed the community recycling drop off site at Washington Square Mall.

The community recycling drop off site at Washington Square Mall has been removed. Officials say fires and illegal dumping have been a problem.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...

Damien Center opens eastside coffee shop, training center Cafe Oztara was created as a sober safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Cafe Oztara opened Friday. The coffee shop was created as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and surrounding neighborhood. Plus, the cafe will offer hands on hospitality training through Damien Center’s employment skills development program. mirrorindy.org/damien-cente...

Why one generation of Indy Black men have been dying of overdoses for decades, and how survivors are fighting to help In Indy, survivors are fighting to help the next generation.

In Indy, Black men born between 1951-1970 have died nearly 3 times the city’s rate and 10 times the national rate.

But there are reasons to be hopeful. We spoke to men in recovery who are working to fight systemic barriers to help the next generation survive. mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...

Lawrence Township residents can get free rides to food pantries The Lawrence Township Trustee’s Office and Pathways Resource Center will offer residents free rides to food pantries.

New resource in Lawrence Township: Residents can get free rides to two food pantries in the area. mirrorindy.org/lawrence-tow...

I love Indy. Midday countdown at the best (and largest) children’s museum.

I’m back to work Thursday and have a few stories I’m really excited about publishing in the coming weeks. I promise I’ll use Bluesky more in 2025…

Woodruff Place finds replacement statue in Germany for historic fountain Only a dozen “Venus Rising from the Sea” statues are believed to have been created.

Public history and architecture buffs, this one's for you: Woodruff Place finds replacement statue in Germany for historic fountain cc @darianbenson.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/historic-woo...

I love all of the upgrades at Frederick Douglass Park, but this double swing is a personal favorite. A lifesaver for a mom of two toddlers.

Indy Parks opens city’s first basketball pavillion The eastside pavilion has two full courts, two half courts, bleachers and lighting at Wes Montgomery Park.

The city’s first covered basketball pavilion features two full-sized basketball courts, two half courts, bleachers and lighting. And it’s on the east side! mirrorindy.org/indy-parks-r...

Broken Housing: How Indy’s public housing agency fuels a crisis The Indianapolis Housing Agency’s failures are leading to evictions and homelessness.

New from me and @tyfenwick.bsky.social:

Years of mismanagement has hampered the Indianapolis Housing Agency's ability to provide subsidized housing to low-income residents.

We spent six months trying to understand why.

mirrorindy.org/broken-housi...