Comprehensive Community Development

We, at The Neighbor Project, work to empower our neighbors by building generational wealth through homeownership and financial empowerment.  We do that by teaching how to improve your credit score, guiding you through the homebuying process, providing resources for home repairs, and so much more!

background

Measuring Our Impact on the Community

In the last five years, The Neighbor Project has undergone rapid growth, nearly tripling its staff and transitioning from serving hundreds to thousands annually. This upward trajectory is set to continue with plans for additional buildings and units, expanded partnerships, and increased funding, showcasing the organization’s commitment to sustained impact in community development and affordable housing solutions.

As TNP continues to grow, the transition from individual outcomes to place-based outcomes is crucial because it enables a more comprehensive and holistic approach to community development. While individual outcomes focus on the impact on specific participants, place-based outcomes consider the interconnectedness of various factors within a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood or community. This shift allows TNP to understand and address the broader systemic issues that may be affecting the well-being of an entire community. By focusing on place-based outcomes, the organization can develop interventions and initiatives that have a more significant and sustainable impact on the overall health, economic conditions, and quality of life within the communities they serve. It aligns with a more inclusive and community-centric strategy, fostering a more resilient and thriving environment for all residents.

Greenman Elementary Neighborhood

Aurora, IL …….(view area)

Why This Neighborhood?

  • Proximity to NRSA: Chosen for impact measurement due to its strategic proximity to the City of Aurora’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).
  • Alignment with City Goals: Ensures interventions align with broader city revitalization efforts and development goals.
  • Neighborhood Size: Neighborhood with fewer than 1,000 households.
  • Impact Assessment: Provides clear boundaries for effective impact assessment.
  • Working-Class Profile: Mirrors a working-class demographic.
  • Non-Homeownership: Over 50% non-homeownership, indicating both need and potential for targeted interventions.

  • Existing Connections: Leveraging existing relationships, connections, and service delivery points within the neighborhood.

Establishing a Resident-Led Leadership Committee

  • Purpose: Foster community engagement and empowerment.
  • Bridge: Links The Neighbor Project and Greenman Elementary community.
  • Decision-Making: Residents take the lead in decision-making, recognizing their inherent expertise and knowledge of community dynamics
  • Informing Needs: Informs The Neighbor Project of specific community needs.
  • Event Coordination: Plays a pivotal role in coordinating and organizing community events.
  • Participatory Approach: Essential for building trust, increasing community ownership, and ensuring culturally sensitive interventions.
  • Commitment to Development: Reflects a commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable community development.

Outreach Plan

  • Diverse Engagement Events:
    • Ice Cream Socials: Informal gatherings for community mingling.
    • Resources Fair: One-stop-shop connecting residents with local services.
    • Block Party: Festive celebration fostering community identity.
    • Clean-Up Initiatives: Practical efforts for a safer and visually improved environment.
  • Goals:
    • Foster Connections: Build stronger community ties.
    • Increase Awareness: Inform residents about TNP & local services.
    • Celebrate Identity: Enhance community identity through festivities.
    • Resident Empowerment: Empower residents to actively participate.
    • Responsive Initiatives: Ensure future initiatives align with unique community needs.

How to Get Involved

  • Attend Events: Join events with friends and family, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
  • Join the Resident-Led Leadership Committee: Consider joining, shaping the direction of community initiatives.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities:  Individuals & local businesses that are passionate about positive change can sponsor events.

Proposed Events & Timelines

March

  • Host informational workshop for local leaders, residents, and businesses
  • Identify individuals for Resident-Led Leadership committee
  • Design all marketing material for events

April/May

  • First meeting of the Resident-Led Leadership committee
  • Host informational workshop for local leaders, residents, and businesses
  • Ice Cream Social #1

June

  • NeighborWorks Community Festival
  • Meeting w/ Resident-Led Leadership committee
  • Ice Cream Social #2
  • Block Clean Up #1

July

  • Meeting w/ Resident-Led Leadership committee
  • Block Party
  • Block Clean Up #2
  • Ice Cream Social #3

Aug-Dec

  • Meeting w/ Resident-Led Leadership committee
  • Ice Cream Social #4
  • Block Clean up #3
  • Meet Santa Event (Dec)