To build a robust and resilient economy, communities need to invest in Quality of Place. Current and future talent are prioritizing Quality of Place over employment opportunities. Communities that invest in Quality of Place see long-term benefits economically and at the individual and community level.
Quality of Place is essential in attracting and retaining talent for community economic growth, especially due to the unique remote work trends seen during COVID-19. The Project for Public Spaces determined four main areas that make up a great place: sociability, uses and activities, access and linkages, and comfort and image.
Over the past several months, we’ve highlighted the topic of the Social Determinants of Health. For the sake of review, these are the environmental and social factors that affect our overall health. Where we live. Access to quality food, healthcare, and education. Our relationships. And research has shown that these factors have a greater effect on our health than our genetics.
The recent events in our country (and world) have shed light on these realities in a very real and visible way. And while the topics of the effects of COVID-19 and racial inequity and inequality may seem mutually exclusive, there’s evidence to support the fact that they are very much related.
The Center for Disease Control has provided a great resource that looks specifically at the issue with its report on COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. This resource speaks directly to how the Social Determinants of Health have played a significant role in the effects of COVID-19 on minority groups on a national level. Additionally, the Vanderburgh County Health Department has provided ongoing updates on COVID-19 with racial and ethnic breakdowns as well as geographic breakdown (by zip code). If we look at these two resources together, coupled with what we know of the Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity, we start to see a compelling picture.
For instance:
The Vanderburgh County Health Department reports that, of the total population of Vanderburgh County, 85.8% are white and 9.7% are black. Of the 362 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Vanderburgh County (as of June 24), 64.6% are white residents and 23.8% are black. Why is it so disproportionate?
The CDC sheds some light on that. “Health differences between racial and ethnic groups are often due to economic and social conditions that are more common among some racial and ethnic minorities than whites. In public health emergencies, these conditions can also isolate people from the resources they need to prepare for and respond to outbreaks.”
Living Conditions – “Members of racial and ethnic minorities may be more likely to live in densely populated areas because of institutional racism in the form of residential housing segregation. People living in densely populated areas may find it more difficult to practice prevention measures such as social distancing.” (CDC)
Work Circumstances – “Nearly a quarter of employed Hispanic and black or African American workers are employed in service industry jobs compared to 16% of non-Hispanic whites.”(CDC)
Underlying health conditions and lower access to care – “Compared to whites, Hispanics are almost three times as likely to be uninsured, and African Americans are almost twice as likely to be uninsured. In all age groups, blacks are more likely than whites to report not being able to see a doctor in the past year because of cost.” (CDC)
If we isolate the 47714 zip code of Vanderburgh County, we can see that it accounts for less land area than most of the other counties; however, it has the highest concentration of residents of all of the zip codes at 33,635. Of these residents, 73.5% are white and 13.4% are black. 47714 also has the highest number of confirmed cases with 100. The next most populous zip code, 47713 has 30,759 residents with 49 confirmed cases. The 47714 zip code is densely populated and has a larger minority population as compared to the county overall and, according to the CDC, these minority residents are more likely to have living, work, and healthcare circumstances that make them more susceptible.
This is just some of what we can take away from the resources that are provided to us.
This matters because…
Effective action requires understanding. By understanding how threats, such as COVID-19, affect people differently, we can begin to shape unique, equitable approaches to addressing the needs.
Please take some time to take a look for yourself.
Data is everywhere. Communities and organizations use data to highlight needs, to design programs and services, to learn and measure change. If equity is not considered, data can help promote the very injustices, biases and inequitable conditions that communities work hard to improve.
Understanding what ‘data’ is and the risks associated helps us better steward data resources to promote equity in communities.
Data takes many forms beyond numbers. The Equitable Evaluation Initiative (EEI) is a national movement that influences funders to balance their desire to use numbers with an understanding of context and the nuances of culture. EEI realizes that numbers alone do not tell the whole story. Beyond numeric data – pictures, videos and stories are types of data that are valuable and necessary to more clearly understand the people and conditions of our region.
Unless we’re intentionally thinking about ‘equity,’ data can reinforce the very conditions communities work to improve. Data from our last Health Survey highlights this point. We learned that 1 in 4 (24%) adults in Vanderburgh County have problems accessing fresh produce. Good data but focusing on this point alone would cause us to overlook an area of inequity. A closer look shows that half (48%) of all residents living in the 47713-zip code, have problems accessing fresh produce. Conversations with organizations and collaborations serving residents in this zip code back up the story this data is telling. If communities are not considering issues of equity with their data, they can risk designing solutions that leave out important geographies and populations.
24% of Vanderburgh County
48% of 47713 zip code
Low access to fresh fruits and vegetables 2015 Tri-State Health Survey, WBF
Being good stewards of data means intentionally thinking about equity in all aspects of data usage. WBF incorporates equity thinking into each of the four large-scale, multi-county surveys we commission. Breaking down data by variables like race, ethnicity, zip code, income level, etc. is called ‘data disaggregation’ and this step helps us look for stories of inequity buried in the data. WBF has also built a relationship-based evaluation system that requires periodic in-person interactions with grantees. The EEI says that the best approaches to evaluation with grantees, “would be jointly designed by the foundation and the people it supports, and it would take into consideration the feelings, stories, and concerns of those people, not just an outcome that can be measured numerically.” Data collection plans for grantees in each grant cycle are made jointly, reports are given face-to-face and a variety of data forms are accepted as reports.
This matters because…
Just as we aim to steward dollars, time, knowledge and expertise for maximum impact, we need to use data responsibly and to ensure that the data we use tells an accurate story about ALL the populations and conditions represented. More equitable data helps support more equitable strategies and decisions.
Community One held an art pop-up in a vacant lot in Tepe Park. Through the pop-up, staff met Will, the neighbor who lived next door. Will was interested in art, and staff encouraged him to apply for Community One’s Early Action Project to paint a mural on his house. Staff also connected Will to their home repair program to replace his roof. All this became a catalyst for Will to start working on repairs himself (e.g., porch) before he received the new roof and art funding. Now, Will is more connected to Tepe Park and was one of the first residents to reply when Community One tested Tepe Park’s SMS texting.
*Names have been changed to protect community members’ identities.
About Community One
Community One connects and mobilizes neighbors across Evansville to serve one another through tangible acts of love. Community One brings neighbors together and addresses tangible neighborhood needs through Neighborhood Revitalization and home repairs and whole-house rehabs.
“They [students] enjoy having that positive interaction…and in the process become stronger and more confident readers.”
Second Grade, Elementary School Teacher
These are stories from senior tutors, teachers, and school administrators speak to the importance and impact of Experience Corps:
“I really enjoy my volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. I am able to mentor the kids at Lincoln School, my former school. It is a pleasure to see the students, ready to learn.” – Tutor Volunteer
“Our second grade has benefited greatly from having Experience Corps work with our students. Students are placed in a group of two to work with a volunteer. Our students get excited every time their volunteer comes to get them. They enjoy having that positive interaction with the volunteer and in the process become stronger and more confident readers. The students that have been in the program have gained several reading levels so far this year.” – Second Grade, Elementary School Teacher
“I met many fantastic adults, who like me, enjoy working with young children. We older adults also share a bond with each other. We do not hesitate to check on one another and associate when we can.” – Tutor Volunteer
“The AARP Experience Corps has been a blessing for our school. These volunteers come into our school with open hearts and open minds and pass along their knowledge to our students. During our time with AARP Experience Corps our teachers have benefited greatly through the ability to do more small group instruction for some of our most needy students. The students who work with our volunteers enjoy the great activities and learning opportunities that our volunteers provide for them. This is a partnership that I hope we can continue for a long time.” – Elementary School Principal
About Carver Experience Corps
The program’s goal is to help students in kindergarten through 3rd grade to read at grade level. To do this, Experience Corps implements a structured literacy program with a focus on fluency using senior volunteer tutors. Components of the Experience Corps model include:
In-school tutoring in one-on-one/small groups
Consistent three-step literacy lesson structure that covers word identification, comprehension, and listening for comprehension and fluency
Leveled reading that helps build a student’s personal library
“The biggest relief came when I regained custody of my son…”
Ellen, A Family Cares Services and GAIN Initiative Participant
One of the worst possible things a mother can imagine is having her children taken away. It’s what nightmares are made of. After spending time in jail and having my son taken away by DCS, I came to the Life Center with limited options and a broken heart. I wanted to do everything I could to get him back and have him home with me where he belonged. I stepped into Family Care Services scared and completely alone. I was having a hard time not only trusting myself but also trusting anyone around me. However, whatever my advocates in Family Care Services told me to do, I did it. Their loving and compassionate encouragement kept me going. I completed virtual courses through BrightCourse, met with my advocate consistently, listened to her advice, let her pray with me, and took every step I needed to move forward. The biggest relief came when I regained custody of my son—holding him in my arms again, knowing I am continuously learning how to be the best parent I can be made the weeks of struggle and uncertainty worth it. I recently joined a GAIN cohort to keep myself on the right path towards complete financial stability. Since then, I’ve been able to buy a house! I continue to meet with my advocates at the Life Center because I know that supporting my son and giving him the best and fullest life doesn’t only mean providing for him financially. It means learning how to help him grow as a whole person. As crazy as it is to think about, he’ll be a grown adult one day too, and I can only hope that he has people to walk with him and encourage him the way I have over the past year. It has made all the difference in the world. – Ellen, A Family Cares Services and GAIN Initiative Participant
*Names have been changed to protect community members’ identities.
About Evansville Christian Life Center
The Evansville Christian Life Center brings restoration by strengthening families with a stronger foundation. The mission of the ECLC revolves around preparing those we serve with the opportunity to transform their lives drastically. We strive to equip under-resourced individuals in our community with valuable information and resources to move from poverty to their potential personally and professionally.
Evansville Christian Life Center’s Services include:
GAIN Anti-Poverty Initiative
Accent on Christ 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program
Clothing Resource Department
Food Co-op
Family Care Services
A Health Clinic that provides Medical, Dental and Pregnancy Services
Restoring spaces is a tangible picture of flourishing in the community, moving from chaos to order.
Picking up trash and cleaning up the neighborhood was a priority for Natalie, one of the Tepe Park neighbors. So, the community launched their first-ever Dumpster Day, in partnership with Republic Services (who donated dumpsters). Around 4,800 pounds of trash were picked up in one day. Heavy trash can be a challenge for many neighbors. One Tepe Park neighbor was able to reclaim their front porch because fellow neighbors helped her remove all of her heavy trash during Dumpster Day. Now, she and her family can sit and enjoy their porch. Restoring spaces like this is a tangible picture of flourishing in the community, moving from chaos to order.
*Names have been changed to protect community members’ identities.
About Community One
Community One connects and mobilizes neighbors across Evansville to serve one another through tangible acts of love. Community One brings neighbors together and addresses tangible neighborhood needs through Neighborhood Revitalization and home repairs and whole-house rehabs.
Community One acquired an abandoned rental house through their whole-house rehab program. Alongside volunteers and partners, Community One gutted the house and restored it to a safe and affordable home. Katrina was renting in the neighborhood. As she saw the work being done on the house and the energy around change in Tepe Park, she decided she wanted to make an intentional decision to stay in the community permanently by purchasing the restored home.
Kitchen before remodelKitchen after remodel
*Names have been changed to protect community members’ identities.
About Community One
Community One connects and mobilizes neighbors across Evansville to serve one another through tangible acts of love. Community One brings neighbors together and addresses tangible neighborhood needs through Neighborhood Revitalization and home repairs and whole-house rehabs.
When Potter’s Wheel staff shared with Sarah their Kids Zone Promise and what they are committing to do for her and her baby, she cried tears of joy.
During Operation Baby Hunt in the fall of 2020, Potter’s Wheel staff knocked on Sarah’s door. She was young and had recently had a baby. Staff shared about Baby Scholars, a new program that would be starting in January 2021. As they spoke further, staff realized that Sarah needed a few things for her baby right away, and they invited her to join the Peaceful Parenting Class. Through the class, staff learned that she lived in an unsafe environment, did not have a vehicle or a job, was not well connected in the community, and was trying to stay sober so she could keep her baby.
Sarah came to Potter’s Wheel and was surrounded by love. When her baby needed to be in Indianapolis for surgery, a Potter’s Wheel staff member drove her and her baby there. Since then, Sarah has become a leader in the Peaceful Parenting Class and is cheering on other moms. She now has access to a vehicle and offers to drive other moms to the class. Sarah has been to church with a caseworker, and staff have seen that her eyes are beginning to light up in a way they have not seen before. When Potter’s Wheel staff shared with Sarah their Kids Zone Promise and what they are committing to do for her and her baby, she cried tears of joy. By engaging with Potter’s Wheel for a few months, Sarah has started looking for a new place to live where she can have self-sufficiency and stability for her child.
*Names have been changed to protect community members’ identity.
About Potter’s Wheel
Potter’s Wheel desires to transform their neighborhood into a thriving community. To empower community members to live with purpose and hope, Potter’s Wheel provides a host of programs and services to support parents, babies, children, and teens.
Because the Peacemaker had relationships with these girls, could witness their behaviors at school, and could recognize they were acting unusually, the Peacemaker was able to reach out to GLA’s teachers to get these girls the help they needed.
It was Anisha’s birthday. But, when the Potter’s Wheel Peacemaker went to visit her GLA classroom, Anisha seemed sad, which was not like her. The Peacemaker talked with Anisha during class, but her mood never improved. Later that same day, the Peacemaker was in a classroom with Anisha’s sister, Kari, who was under the table crying. One of the questions the Peacemaker asked was, “Do you feel safe?” Kari said, “No.” The Peacemaker could see that both of the girls were acting strangely, and she shared this with Kari’s teacher. The teacher then spoke with the school’s social worker. The social worker pulled the two girls out of their classes and asked them about what was going on. The social worker heard enough to know that there was an unsafe situation at home, and she called CPS to help protect the girls. Because the Peacemaker had relationships with these girls, could witness their behaviors at school, and could recognize they were acting unusually, the Peacemaker was able to reach out to GLA’s teachers to get these girls the help they needed.
About Potter’s Wheel
Potter’s Wheel desires to transform their neighborhood into a thriving community. To empower community members to live with purpose and hope, Potter’s Wheel provides a host of programs and services to support parents, babies, children, and teens.
