Launching Neighbors with a Purpose

Welcome!

It is with gratitude and excitement that we announce the launch of Neighbors with a Purpose. We invite you to explore our site, get to know us, support us and share your thoughts as we grow.

Our list of potential neighborhoods is getting longer. We recently had the privilege of meeting with a city’s Youth Services staff. We toured schools, community centers, and neighborhoods throughout. The most exciting part of our visit was in meeting with the teens who represent their districts. Although their “wish lists" are found in many cities and neighborhoods across the country, we felt honored to spend time with these young leaders. Getting feedback from youth directly is always more powerful than reading about their needs and wishes.

We asked an important question while visiting:

"If you had a magic wand and could get whatever you want or need for your local neighborhoods, what would it be?"

Here is what they shared with us:

• Real Life Experiences. Mentors to learn from, job experiences, building new skills.

• Social Media Posts for Events. Places to find what is happening in their city.

• Computers and Instructions. Working and accessible computers.

• Parks Cleaned and Equipment to Play. Including accessible equipment.

• Fun Activities. Malls, skating rink, theaters to see movies.

• Clothes. Access to daily wear clothing and special occasions like prom.

• Security. Safety in places where you have fun.

• Food. Access to healthy food at the community center/after school.

• Wellness Clinic. A place to talk to a nurse or therapist. Access to hygiene products. Counselors available.

• Churches. Places for classes or activities. Use vans for transportation.

• Job Opportunities. Businesses investing in students.

• Scholarships. Based on good behavior/character, not just grades.

• Volunteer Hours. Places or organizations that allow easy access to volunteer.

• Stores and Shops. Local businesses to grow.

• Summer Programs. Current programs fill too quickly or cannot access.

• Libraries in Community Centers. Computers, resources, events, opportunities.

• Camp/Classes for Music and the Arts.

• Gardening. Time with nature and safety being outside.

• Places to Hang Out. Affordable spaces to spend their time in outside the home.

• Renovations. Improve current old buildings and infrastructure.

Our next step is to decide which direction we want to go, as we collaboratively partner with these young leaders and their neighborhoods.

We invite you to join us on our journey as we make a difference in neighborhoods across the United States.

Our ultimate goal is to empower youth to find support, safety, joy and a sense of purpose in their lives. So they too can make a positive difference. We feel confident in the changes we can make together.

Please check back regularly to see what you can do to help!

With gratitude,

Neighbors with a Purpose Board of Directors