The Bronx is home to some of the most exciting efforts of recent times to bring about transformation to a community. No doubt, this is coming after residents of the Bronx suffered decades of turmoil. Oppressive policies pushed low-income residents out of Manhattan and into the outer boroughs - the Bronx included. And oppressive policies lead to poor health. Recently, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranked the Bronx as the unhealthiest county in New York State. The South Bronx is one of the poorest congressional districts in the country, and the most impoverished in New York City. Through my work at Bronx Health REACH, I am given the chance to help eliminate obesity & diabetes-related health disparities in the Bronx. This is no small task! But by living in the Bronx, I am provided with an even deeper opportunity to be involved in tackling the injustices firsthand, by partnering with inspirational community leaders (including politicians), organizations, and movements on the ground. I try to connect my professional expertise with local movements. Central to all of this, however, is the power of community. It takes a village to raise a child... but it also takes a community to change a community. Here are a few groups doing wonderful things in the Bronx. Community Connections For Youth New Settlement Apartments - Bronx Helpers Program South Bronx Unite - Stop FreshDirect Youth Ministries For Peace & Justice |
