Community Development Tactic: Holistic Engagement May 20, 2023 It’s wonderful to desire positive change in your community. It’s admirable to want to see neighbors flourish. However, too many current strategies emphasize a limited view of the people we wish to “serve.” In order to join with neighbors in removing barriers to a... Shawn Duncan
Testimonials on Open House April 17, 2023 We were so happy to present our first post-pandemic Open House this March! After such a long hiatus, it felt amazing to be able to showcase the work of FCS and our neighbors in the community of Historic South Atlanta. Throughout the two days, we were able to welcome... Elizabeth Moraff
Client Experience: Ali Parrish of Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity on the Flourishing Neighborhood Index April 4, 2023 We love to hear stories of neighbors and leaders finding creative ways to lift the lives of those who live around them. Today, we’ll be sharing a story from Ali Parrish, Executive Director of Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Ali joined with her team and the... Elizabeth Moraff
FAQs on the Flourishing Neighborhood Index March 2, 2023 We’ve discovered that many communities struggle to implement a strategic plan to revitalize their neighborhoods. It’s difficult to develop a cohesive plan when you’re not sure where the problems lie. This is why the Flourishing Neighborhood Index is a powerful tool.... Shawn Duncan
4 Hallmarks of a Good Neighbor January 30, 2023 Community doesn’t exist without neighbors, and transformation rarely happens without the involvement of great neighbors. Whether they live next door, across the street, and down the block, they are the ones who truly understand your daily life. But what makes a good... Shawn Duncan
Can Neighbors be Friends? January 12, 2023 We all have neighbors, but you may be wondering if neighbors can double as friends. Loneliness has become an epidemic in our modern world. Though the pandemic hasn’t helped, the situation was bad even before COVID. In 2019, 61% of Americans over the age of 18 reported... Shawn Duncan
Are Neighbors Good? December 16, 2022 Should we really care so much about neighbors? Sharing pieces of everyday life with those around you sounds like a nice idea, but is it really necessary? Lots of us would love to have more fulfilling relationships with our neighbors, but is it worth the time and... Shawn Duncan
What is a City Catalyst: Interview with Jake Norris November 2, 2022 Now that we have 3 City Shapers cohorts fully underway, we’re getting a clearer, first-hand view of what makes an effective City Shapers cohort. You can probably guess a few of them: strong partnerships, a clear geographic focus, flexibility. Relationships and... Shawn Duncan
Sense of Place and Architecture October 11, 2022 Sense of Place is a concept that Community Developers use to describe how a resident or neighbor experiences their space. When we talk about sense of place, it’s usually to capture a resident’s relationship with their neighborhood. Environment is a powerful factor in... Shawn Duncan
City Shapers Update: Holland, Michigan August 30, 2022 As you know, we have been launching City Shapers cohorts across the country! We recently got back from our second gathering with the Holland City Shapers team. We caught up with Lead Trainer David Park to hear about the progress being made in this city. If YOU are... Shawn Duncan