October 5, 2013
Volume 2, Issue VII
New Orleans Learning Journey an Eye-Opener 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 NJNI board member Amy Hutson takes a moment to enjoy a portion of the garden space 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.” Inside This Issue 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 New Orleans Journey 1 the founder of the Backyard Gardeners Network. The mission of Jenga’s organization is National Night Out 2 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 garNetwork Updates 3 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 Board of Directors journey.
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Community Calendar 4
More to come about our learning journey to New Orleans in the next issue.
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North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative
NJNI Community Fair/National Night Out 2013—University Lions Park
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North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative
Volume 2, Issue VII
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 minister 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 Jonesboro community.
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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
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. MISSION
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
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.
BEN OWENS, Retired-St. Bernard's, Chairman MELODY ROBINSON, Jonesboro Human Development Center LESHIA STEVENs, Retired, Nettleton School District
Community Calendar 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
Caption describing picture or graphic.
October 31, 5:30 p.m. (tentative due to Halloween) - NJNI Community Meeting
Emma Agnew, Editor and
Your Events Go Here
NJNI Coordinator 870-336-7210
City of Jonesboro North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative P.O. Box 1845 300 S. Church St. Jonesboro, AR 72401-1845