Kicking Off the Thriving Neighborhood Initiative

Connecting with Newark Neighbors to Build Our Future Together

On September 4th, we held our culminating community meeting in our summer series kicking off the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative, and the feeling in the room was electric. It was good to see so many people, familiar friends and new-to-me faces, from Fairmount, Upper Clinton Hill, and Lower Broadway. We knew it was something special when each of these meetings brought so many people together, on a weeknight, willing to come out and stay late, sharing their hopes for their communities.

The event was more than just a meeting; it was a testament to the power of connection. Senior Strategy Officer Stephanie Greenwood is our lead in the Fairmount neighborhood, and we were thrilled at how these first sessions teed us up for the gatherings ahead. We shared good food and even better conversation, listening as people participated in panels and discussions. A highlight for all of us was hearing directly from three young people who shared powerful recommendations from their own youth-led conversations. Their insights reinforced a simple truth: people want to be connected, they want community, and they are ready to work together to make it happen. 

For us at Victoria Foundation, these sessions were a gift. It is one thing to read reports, but it is another thing entirely to be present, to sit at the tables, and to listen firsthand to the priorities and challenges of the people we hope to learn from and work alongside. We believe our role is not to send emissaries, but to be in community ourselves. Having our entire staff present allowed us to absorb the commitment and wisdom in the room directly. What we heard wasn't necessarily new, the desire for stability, opportunity, and growth is universal. But being allowed in to hear these aspirations directly from residents is a privilege that grounds our work and deepens our resolve.

This is just the beginning. The energy from these meetings has set the table for us to continue weaving the social fabric of these neighborhoods together. The Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative is about strengthening Newark communities by investing directly in the people, organizations, and ideas that make them thrive. We are moving forward from these introductions into a new phase of deeper planning and partnership, committed to building on the incredible work residents have already started.

We are excited to continue working alongside you, supporting your vision and helping to create a Newark where stability and prosperity are within reach for every person, family, and neighborhood.