Deep Roots Drive Newhallville Stakeholders To Advance Neighborhood Equality

Despite being an island of seamen, Iceland used to experience high numbers of drownings every year, fostering a keen interest in swimming education. The government stepped up and tapped into the underground hot water generated by Iceland’s volcanic activity to create geothermal pools, which quickly became more than a humble municipal investment, but perhaps the very secret to the country’s happiness. Every town now enjoys communal pools, which create a neutral, recreational space that brings all manner of people together.

In Chicago, where seasons as well as subpar local investment in the South Side limit children’s ability to play outside year-round, the new Pullman Community Center is a huge improvement. Beyond fostering recreational opportunities for youth, the community center employed over 200 people, mostly local residents, in its construction. Best of all, “It was a key component to have the whole thing owned, operated and managed by a local group that looks like the community,” says local Alderman Anthony Beale. They succeeded.

Women only gyms are gaining popularity in Turkey, encouraging women to work out in a comfortable setting as well as to gain financial independence and entrepreneurial advice. Many of these women use their gym networks to overcome obstacles in the business community in open their own gyms, despite the pushback against women working outside of the home.

To help veterans struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, the Phoenix VA Health Care System has started using sports and outdoor recreation as a means of therapy. Although it does not replace medications or act as a cure-all, this practice has been shown to reduce symptoms and can lead to a reduction in medications.

Guaranteed income programs aim to reduce poverty by providing cash to those in need with no strings attached. One of these programs in New York City, The Bridge Project, focuses on helping women of color who are mothers.

Young adults aging out of foster care are given monthly cash payouts to provide a financial security net. The universal basic income program is meant to mitigate the high rates of homelessness amongst foster youths.

The Golden Girls shelter has been providing meals, medical aid, and other support services for women with children who are experiencing homelessness. Since the Golden Girls living space opened, the program has served a total of 50 women ranging in age from the early 50s to late 70s. While at the shelter, staff members help them complete paperwork so they can receive Social Security payments, pensions, or alimony, and apply for affordable housing. They’re also provided medical care, counseling, and assistance finding jobs.

In Kansas City, the nonprofit Pawsperity trains parents facing financial instability to groom dogs. Students of the program learn the basics of dog grooming four days a week and like skills one day each week to help break the cycle of poverty and prepare them for a job in the field.

Westminster Presbyterian Church in New York opens its doors to create the Pride House, a safe space for local LGBTQIA+ youth, once a week. Organizers provide snacks and games, and participation in the church is not required.

Naku, un centro de ecoturismo creado por los sapara (una de las once nacionalidades amazónicas del Ecuador), protege la selva, comparte su cosmovisión y genera recursos económicos de manera sostenible. El proyecto emplea a más de 30 familias y los ingresos generados van a un fondo común para financiar la educación de los niños y brindar servicios de salud.