Choice Neighborhood Initiative is a collaborative effort to revitalize the Allendale, Ledbetter Heights and West Edge Neighborhoods and create a safe, thriving and mixed-income community.
Volunteers of America is the lead agency for all supportive services.
Education
Partner with neighborhood early learning centers to ensure young Choice Neighborhood children are ready for kindergarten.
Work with Communities In Schools and LightHouse after-school program to ensure children have academic support to perform at or above grade level.
Help high school students develop a plan for college or careers.
Community organizations will bring life skills and cultural opportunities to youth.
Connect adults to GED preparation and higher education.
Employment
Workforce training and job placement in high-demand employment sectors, such as culinary and health care.
Career training services associated with the Milam Street Kitchen Incubator and Culinary Kitchen.
Create opportunities to both launch and nature small businesses.
Connect unemployed residents to soft skills, interview and other job readiness training that will prepare them for work.
Help families reach financial stability through education in budgeting and banking.
Youth may be able to access summer jobs through the city’s workforce program.
Health Care
Working with clinics to ensure each resident has a medical home.
Basic health care and screenings for chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Prevention education programs including nutrition and smoking cessation.
Behavioral health services, both in the community and in the schools.
