Communities Re-Imagined, Re-energized and Renewed for Future Generations
Never give up on your community – that is the overwhelming message from the following examples of local citizens who knew their neighbors had potential for good! Friends, this is hope that is turbo-charged with skills, volunteers, creativity, dedication, expectation. There is so much good that can be accomplished!
Be inspired. Better yet, be moved to ACTION – in your own community or in support of these:
Chicago CRED (Creating Real Economic Destiny) to reduce Gun Violence
The purpose is to achieve a transformative reduction in gun violence in Chicago. CRED believes that the best solution is recruiting men most likely to be perpetrators or victims of shootings and transition them to jobs in the legal economy that pay as much or more than what they earn in the violence-plagued illegal economy.
ENROOT Education to empower Immigrant Youth to succeed in life!
The mission of Enroot (Cambridge and Somerville Massachusetts) is to empower immigrant youth to achieve academic, career, and personal success through supportive and inspiring out-of-school experiences. Students are given a practical lens through which they can actually envision their future in new, achievable roles. Adult mentors, tutors, instructors and case managers team up to support each student in a multi-year program.
A two-year residential program based in Nashville, Tennessee provides housing, food, healthcare, therapy and education to women who are determined to thrive in their lives. Thistle Farms is safe, supportive and meaningful. “This is the place where we get second—and third and fourth—chances. It’s where we can show our families and our kids that it is possible to regain our lives. I think I’m living proof that it happens.” Chelle, 2005 graduate, Account Manager. See this video from PBS NewsHour.
Communities helping each other relieve the root causes of trauma and violence in Chicago is the focus of I Grow Chicago. Over 3,000 people per year are being supported by experts – the neighbors themselves – with skills training, practical supplies and funding. “Everything we do is collective and collaborative, working across lines of differences to build a brave space for all.”
Natural climate solutions are proven ways of storing and reducing carbon emissions in the world’s forests, grasslands and wetlands. Better stewardship of the land also has a positive impact on other critical environmental, social and economic endeavors. The kicker? These solutions are available immediately and everywhere.
