New Orleans Learning Journey an Eye-Opener October 5, 2013 Volume 2, Issue VII The New Orleans ‘Learning Journey’ was an unforgettable experience. We met committed, dedicated and engaged residents who refused to be victimized, and organized themselves to create, rebuild and reestablish themselves in post-Katrina New Orleans. Our first stop on the journey was the Lower Ninth Ward, which is recognized as an area hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina. We met an amazing woman name Greta Gladney, who founded the Renaissance Project in 2001. While the organization is multi-faceted, I most enjoyed hearing about how the Project puts fresh, affordable food within reach of vulnerable families by sponsoring mobile Fresh markets and food banks at social service agencies and public housing facilities. “Ours is a system approach to poverty alleviation, which includes multiple stakeholder participation. We leverage the existing client bases of our social service agency partners and collaborate with social service providers to fill gaps in services to low-income, at risk clients, our target population. Surveys and focus groups allow clients input on systems design.” You can learn more about the Renaissance Project at www.therenaissanceproject.la/ Jenga Mwendo is an urban agriculture community organizer in the Lower Ninth Ward and the founder of the Backyard Gardeners Network. The mission of Jenga’s organization is community building, neighborhood revitalization and cultural preservation through urban agriculture. We were privileged to spend some time with Jenga in her beautiful gardening space. Ms. Mwendo has been recognized nationally for her work in New Orleans. The gar- dens not only provide fresh produce, but a sense of community and a gathering space. Thanks to the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation for their partnership and sponsorship of this journey. More to come about our learning journey to New Orleans in the next issue. Inside This Issue New Orleans Journey 1 National Night Out 2 Network Updates 3 Board of Directors 4 Community Calendar 4 NJNI board member Amy Hutson takes a moment to enjoy a portion of the garden space
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New Orleans Learning Journey an Eye-Opener
October 5, 2013 Volume 2, Issue VII
The New Orleans ‘Learning Journey’ was an unforgettable experience. We met committed, dedicated and engaged residents who refused to be victimized, and organized themselves to create, rebuild and reestablish themselves in post-Katrina New Orleans.
Our first stop on the journey was the Lower Ninth Ward, which is recognized as an area hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina. We met an amazing woman name Greta Gladney, who founded the Renaissance Project in 2001. While the organization is multi-faceted, I most enjoyed hearing about how the Project puts fresh, affordable food within reach of vulnerable families by sponsoring mobile Fresh markets and food banks at social service agencies and public housing facilities.
“Ours is a system approach to poverty alleviation, which includes multiple stakeholder participation. We leverage the existing client bases of our social service agency partners and collaborate with social service providers to fill gaps in services to low-income, at risk clients, our target population. Surveys and focus groups allow clients input on systems design.” You can learn more about the Renaissance Project at www.therenaissanceproject.la/ Jenga Mwendo is an urban agriculture community organizer in the Lower Ninth Ward and the founder of the Backyard Gardeners Network. The mission of Jenga’s organization is community building, neighborhood revitalization and cultural preservation through urban agriculture. We were privileged to spend some time with Jenga in her beautiful gardening space. Ms. Mwendo has been recognized nationally for her work in New Orleans. The gar-dens not only provide fresh produce, but a sense of community and a gathering space.
Thanks to the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation for their partnership and sponsorship of this journey.
More to come about our learning journey to New Orleans in the next issue.
Inside This Issue
New Orleans Journey 1
National Night Out
2
Network Updates 3
Board of Directors 4
Community Calendar 4
NJNI board member Amy Hutson takes a moment to enjoy a portion of the garden space
Page 2 North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative
NJNI Community Fair/National Night Out 2013—University Lions Park
Page 3 Volume 2, Issue VII
North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative
Network Updates
Carter Shoe Shop on East Nettleton, donated 15 pairs of boot to FSCIA, for students at success School to working at the Gardens.
Last Sunday, FSCIA and Home Depot prepared the 2013 Fall garden. Home Depot has been a FSCIA sponsor since the beginning. John Hansen, store manager, is leaving Home Depot today (October 5) Best wishes John and thank you for your service to FSCIA and the North Jonesboro Community. You will be missed!
Fifth Sunday! Ministers for a Better North Jonesboro held another anointed and spirit-filled 5th Sunday service at New St. John MBC. Rev. Charlene Johnson, an associate minister at First Baptist, brought the message. Fifth Sunday services are held at a different church each 5th Sunday and a different minis-ter brings the Word. Minister Cynthia Quarrels of Miller’s Temple COGIC directs the united praise team. And Pastor Matt Smith of Jonesboro First Assembly is the chairman of the group. The group is non-denominational and open to all churches. Offerings raised will benefit the North Jones-boro community.
October 17, 10:00 a.m. - Ministers for a Better North Jonesboro (call for location)
October 17, 5:00 p.m.—NJNI Board Meeting—E. Boone Watson Center
October 17, 5-8 p.m.—Alive After Five—Downtown Jonesboro
October 31, 5:30 p.m. (tentative due to Halloween) - NJNI Community Meeting
Your Events Go Here
Communi ty Calendar
Caption describing picture or graphic.
VISION Collaborative community change strategies where engaged residents, local businesses, faith communities, social service providers and funders work together to build vibrant neighborhoods, foster community cohesion, and build a strong infrastructure of services and supports for families.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WILLIAM CASH, Entrepreneur, Vice Chairman
CHARLES COLEMAN, Retired, ASU
JEANETTE DOTSON, East AR Area Agency on Aging
LILLIE FEARS, ASU
CARTER FORD, ASU Sports Foundation
DAISY FREEMAN, Retired, St. Bernard's, Secretary
JANICE GRIFFIN, Craighead County DHS
AMY HUTSON, Frito Lay
JANE MCDANIEL, Retired, St. Bernards
M.G. MEYERING, Habitat for Humanity
RUBY MCKINLEY, RETIRED, JONESBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ROGER MCKINEY, RETIRED, DELTA CONSOLIDATED & CITY OF JONESBORO
BEN OWENS, Retired-St. Bernard's, Chairman
MELODY ROBINSON, Jonesboro Human Development Center
LESHIA STEVENs, Retired, Nettleton School District
Emma Agnew, Editor and
NJNI Coordinator
870-336-7210
City of Jonesboro North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative P.O. Box 1845 300 S. Church St. Jonesboro, AR 72401-1845
MISSION To encourage two-way communications between neighbors, residents, stakeholders, and officials to participate in the decision making process to enhance safety, strengthen families, and transform neighborhoods through involvement and engagement.
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