By Abha Thakkar
Northside Planning Council

How do we begin to truly support a more racially and economically just community? By giving power to the people of that community. The Neighborhood Navigator program of the Northside Planning Council (NPC), thanks to  the support of several key stakeholders, is looking to do just that.

Seven Neighborhood Navigators, recruited to reflect the diversity of the Northside, began their work in early June as part of Stable Families, Strong Community, an initiative designed to help increase economic, educational, housing and relational stability for families.

This collaboration includes the Northside Early Childhood Zone — a home visitation program for families with preschool age children — and the Safe and Thriving Community initiative — a federally funded youth violence
prevention  program.

Navigators are connected to numerous Northside neighborhoods and schools and will be working to help residents connect to resources, build trust and overcome isolation.