Mayor Melton invites Community Leaders to Think B.I.G. 

This week, a diverse group of influential and engaged community leaders gathered at City Hall to learn about Think B.I.G. (Beauty in Gary), an ambitious blight elimination program. The initiative, championed by Mayor Eddie Melton and modeled after a successful work-based learning initiative in Detroit, aims to revitalize areas while equipping residents with essential foundational skills in blight remediation and workforce readiness.   

The half-day session offered attendees — including Dr. Yvonne Stokes, superintendent of Gary Community School Corporation; Chris White, Executive Director of United Way of Northwest Indiana; and Dennis Walton, Pastor of Faith Temple of Christ and founder of Computer Skills Training Center — a chance to review strategies aimed to aid unemployed citizens of Gary through direct employment, job training, and skill-building activities including work ethic, financial and digital literacy.  

The desired outcomes include a revitalized Gary with improved economic opportunities, empowered residents, and enhanced workforce development partnerships. Mayor Melton welcomed and thanked the invitees, explaining the origin and vision of Think B.I.G.  

“I knew coming into office that among our many priorities, addressing blight and developing the workforce were key,” Melton said. “I contacted the Center of Workforce Innovations, and we studied a program in Detroit that helped us create a custom plan for Gary that trains residents to help care for and beautify our city.”  

Details of a paid, 15-week, hands-on training opportunity that teaches and certifies skilled workers in urban blight removal were presented. The Think B.I.G. Training Program will prepare interested residents to work in blight removal, focusing on abandoned and underutilized structures throughout Gary. Graduates of the training program will be prepared for successful career pathways, helping revitalize the City of Gary or working for local employers in in-demand industries.  

The group discussed potential challenges, community impact and best practices for recruitment, retention and sustainability. The meeting concluded with optimism and support, with many attendees committing to serving as Think B.I.G. ambassadors.   

“We’re thrilled to introduce this transformative program to our most important partners,” said Mayor Melton. “This project is not simply about blight and decay removal, but about creating opportunities based on pride and advancement for our community both now and in the future.”  

Think B.I.G. is a collaborative project managed by the City of Gary and Center of Workforce Innovations in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Ivy Tech Community College, and WorkOne Northwest Indiana. The program targets the area’s unemployed and underemployed, providing them with the foundational skills necessary to work in industries such as logistics, construction and manufacturing. For more information about Think B.I.G. Training Program, contact Ami Reese at areese@cwicorp.com or (219) 981-4126.