NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS OF JOHNSON COUNTY
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Mission Statement
Mission Statement: Neighborhood Centers work together with neighbors and neighborhoods to build better futures through education, outreach, and inclusive programs that celebrate diversity, strengthen families, and create safe spaces for community. Vision Statement: Neighborhood Centers S.H.I.N.E. Safe Healthful Inclusive Neighborhood- level Engagement Tagline: A Safe Space
About This Cause
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed disparities in Johnson County, disrupting health, well-being, and economic stability. Many low-income families still face barriers to essential services, affordable childcare, and safe environments for their children. Neighborhood Centers acts as a vital bridge, stabilizing these families through comprehensive support and connections to build a healthier community. We focus on new Iowans—immigrants, refugees, undocumented families, and individuals resettling from larger cities—alongside low-income households. While open to all, we prioritize welcoming these populations who often encounter unique challenges, such as language barriers and systemic inequities. Our programs link families to services, educational support, and resources for stronger futures. Childcare Access: The Better Together 2030 report cites the Iowa Women’s Foundation: for every licensed childcare slot, three children need care – a significant gap. During the pandemic, closures and reduced capacity disrupted employment and child stability. We help fill this gap with affordable, quality childcare that supports children's development and allows parents to maintain employment. Youth Safety and Well-Being: Community safety and student well-being are pressing concerns. In the 2023 Iowa City Community School District’s Conditions for Learning School Climate Survey, only 21.04% of elementary students and 30.11% of secondary students perceived their emotional safety at school positively. For physical safety, 57.3% of elementary students and 56.29% of secondary students reported feeling physically safe. These numbers highlight a need for trauma-informed interventions to enhance youth safety and support. Community Violence: Johnson County is addressing community violence, including gun violence, through initiatives like the Community Violence Intervention, which leverages trusted voices to engage those at highest risk and strengthen neighborhood resilience. According to the CDC, community violence—violence between unrelated individuals outside the home—disproportionately impacts youth and communities of color. Youth violence is especially concerning, with homicide being the third leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24. Addressing Systemic Gaps: The loss of 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding in 2022 for our youth programs eliminated scholarships for critical afterschool support, affecting at least 90 kids and their families over the past two years. This gap limits youth development and supervision, forcing families to choose between work and providing a safe environment for their children. Expansion into Towncrest: We are expanding into the Towncrest neighborhood to address pressing needs related to safety, violence, and mental health. To better serve this community, we are building a third neighborhood center, offering affordable early childhood programs, afterschool care, and family support services to underserved families. Additionally, our fourth new building will serve as a family resource center to many in this area. To address these needs, we have expanded partnerships and developed innovative solutions, such as the planned Resilience Hubs at one or more of our centers. These Hubs will provide mental health resources, educational workshops, and safe spaces before, during, and after crises—contributing to long-term stability and reducing root causes of violence. Our collaborations include the University of Iowa Mobile Health Clinic and other organizations for healthcare access and our educational partnerships to fill service gaps. Impact Summary: Each year, we serve over 2,000 individuals—youth and adults—through a wide range of services, including early childhood education, youth programs, family support services, and community engagement projects. By coordinating local support and providing critical resources, we meet community needs and foster stability for families in Johnson County.