The Meadow Park Initiative

Collaborators 

Lead Organization: Family Service Rochester

Contact: April Suitor ; Email: asutor@familyservicerochester.org ; Phone: asutor@familyservicerochester.org 507-287-2010 ext 1022

Known/Likely Collaborators: Family Service Rochester ; Friendship Place ; IMAA ; Olmsted County Public Health Services ; RNeighbbors ; United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Potential Collaborators:

Related Projects

Impacts 

Major Impact: 

PlanScape Impacts :

Level 1: Children & Youth, Diversity and Inclusion, Immigration, Neighborhood, Recreation & Open Space

Level 2:

DMC Impacts:

Community Health Impacts:

Type of Project

Programming  

Solution

The Meadow Park Initiative in Southeast Rochester is an emerging effort to build knowledge, skills, connections, partnerships, and leaders among diverse residents to collectively take action to advance their health and vibrancy. In less than a year since its launch in November 2018, the neighborhood and partners have opened an office and formed a leadership council; completed a neighborhood assessment; participated in Rochester’s A Litter Bit Better campaign; arranged with Meadow Park Apartments for more frequent garbage collection; partnered with HyVee to increase the availability of healthy foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and bread; and, established a soccer program with parent coaches and more than 50 youth.

Impacts

This intercultural neighborhood initiative creates community connectedness, fosters relationships, and reduces barriers through culturally appropriate activities and resident-driven efforts for the diverse Meadow Park residents. It brings Somali, Latino, African American, Asian, and Caucasian residents together to work on shared aspirations, with the long-term goal of improving the quality of living, education, and health outcomes of residents.