Crossroads Community Development

As we strive to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable society, we must consider the impact of social media on the public, especially our youth who will soon take the mantle of community leadership. It's crucial to educate them on distinguishing opinions from factual journalism. Equally important is our role in informing friends, family, and neighbors. Reflect on this as we digest the scathing San Joaquin County Grand Jury report. Let's work together for a better-informed community. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gCGUHXHT

Exciting times in Bakersfield, CA! We're thrilled to announce our partnership with the City of Bakersfield as we embark on a new journey together. Drawing inspiration from the City’s Prosperity Neighborhood Initiative in the Monterey/Niles and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. communities, we're envisioning coordinated investments and community-driven initiatives to uplift the Prosperity Neighborhoods. This initiative, driven by community momentum, showcases the transformative power of collective action, promising a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Leveraging our experience in facilitating collaborative social change, we're proud to support these efforts in addressing complex community challenges through a collective impact approach. Our Aim: bring together diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, and advance racial equity within the realm of social change. We aim to craft a roadmap for collective action, define shared objectives, and synchronize efforts to address the identified social challenges, paving the way towards a more promising future for all. Together, we aspire to tackle the intricate tapestry of community challenges through unified collaboration. Our Path: Envisioning a brighter future, our approach unfolds in five distinct phases: Phase 1: Community Engagement & Assessment: Delving deep into the fabric of Bakersfield, we sought to understand its pulse, strengths, and hurdles through extensive community interactions. Our report “A Community Assessment for Equitable Progress” presents an assessment of the Prosperity Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, through the lens of its residents. It provides a deep understanding of the community's strengths, challenges, and aspirations, serving as a roadmap for inclusive and equitable revitalization efforts. Interviews provided first hand perspectives on the challenges and aspirations of residents. By listening to the voices of residents, this report uncovered the stories, struggles, and hopes that shape the fabric of Bakersfield. The report sought to shed light on the realities faced by residents in Bakersfield's Prosperity Neighborhoods and to offer actionable recommendations for positive change. Phase 2: Awareness Building & Stakeholder Alignment - Collective Impact 101 Workshop. Participants learned about the 5 Conditions of Collective Impact, crucial for tackling complex issues effectively. Real-world case studies showcased these conditions in action, revealing their transformative power. The session also delved into equity practices within the collective impact framework, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering lasting change. Through trust-building exercises and case study examples, participants reflected on the significance of equity in moving this work forward Still to come:  Phase 3: Vision & Common Agenda Development Phase 4: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Phase 5: Implementation & Coordination We're honored to be part of the Prosperity Neighborhood Initiative!

Attention Social Workers! Check out the post below or spread the word!

Unlocking Solutions: Tackling Trauma and Violence within San Joaquin County’s Homelessness Communities Did you know that in San Joaquin County, 20% of people experiencing homelessness continue to be traumatized as they exit permanent housing as a way to flee instances of domestic violence? Our project research has found that individuals are often forced to leave their stable housing situations due to life-threatening conditions related to violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Through SJMC’s PEACE project, in collaboration with JSI and St. Joseph's Medical Center, we’re dedicated to comprehending and mitigating the multifaceted challenges confronting this vulnerable population. We'd like to share insights from our recent advisory council meetings addressing trauma and violence among individuals experiencing homelessness in the area. In these collaborative sessions, facilitated by Crossroads Community Development, stakeholders from diverse sectors, including outreach workers, law enforcement, service providers, and individuals with lived experience, came together to brainstorm strategies addressing trauma & violence and draft interview questions for our upcoming key informant interviews. Key themes emerged, highlighting the importance of trust-building, trauma-informed care, and the intersectionality of factors contributing to violence. Our discussions emphasized the need for accessible language, open-ended questioning, and creating safe environments for authentic sharing. Furthermore, extensive research conducted during these meetings has shed light on the unique challenges faced by homeless communities in San Joaquin County. From examining the prevalence of trauma to identifying patterns of violence, our findings are guiding our efforts to develop targeted interventions and prevention strategies. From roleplaying interview scenarios to drafting targeted questions, each session propelled us closer to actionable solutions. We're grateful for the invaluable contributions of our partners, whose expertise and dedication enrich every step of our journey. Huge thanks to our superstar team: Debbie Rinaldo, Dyane Burgos Medina, LCSW, JD, Tammy Shaff, Annette DePauli, Jeremy Cantor, Hannah Young, Alec Shaff, and Victor Rodriguez, Crossroads' graduate student research intern from UC Davis Community Development Graduate Program. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to navigate this transformative path toward community well-being. Together, we're making a difference. #CommunityEngagement #CollaborativeAction #CommunityTransformation #SharedNarratives #HomelessnessSolutions

I’m anxious to see how this film will be addressing the for-profit mindset within charitable organizations, and whether or not the documentary sheds light on how board members often view their charities as corporations. I’ve witnessed, and have been victim to, the struggles nonprofits face feeling compelled to meet metrics to stay in good standing with foundations, and the repercussions this has on our ability to create meaningful change. Regardless of what the film advocates for, we need a huge paradigm shift in philanthropy, allowing nonprofits the freedom to truly change the world without being bound by outdated norms especially with how we define “impact” when nonprofits/grassroot orgs have so little time to produce "meaningful" outcomes with so few dollars. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, it is time for philanthropy to reevaluate their charitable practices. Join the conversation sparked by "UnCharitable" and let's reshape the future of philanthropy together. #UnCharitable #PhilanthropyRevolution #CharitableGiving

Continuing our journey in San Joaquin County! Reflecting on a Transformative Advisory Council Meeting: Weaving Stories of Resilience and Compassion In our latest Advisory Council meeting, we embarked on a journey of shared narratives, weaving together the tapestry of personal histories that shape our commitment to community transformation. Starting with the "Cultivating Relational Ties" exercise, we delved into pivotal life events, from familial influences to the triumph over mental health challenges, fostering an atmosphere of trust and understanding. Reviewing our collaborative journey, the meeting laid a robust foundation, emphasizing inclusivity, confidentiality, and addressing critical issues like mental health within the homeless community. Themes of trauma, violence prevention, and inclusivity resonated strongly as we discussed data-driven decision-making and innovative solutions. A significant milestone emerged as we collectively decided to extend the planning grant, recognizing the strategic advantages it offers—enhanced research, deeper engagement, and the opportunity for Advisory Council members to build capacity and trust. This decision reflects our commitment to a thoughtful, strategic implementation proposal aligned with our overarching goals. Looking ahead, our focus shifts to research methodologies and best practices, aiming to bridge gaps in services for People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH). The core questions surrounding violence, safety, and support systems will guide our exploration, ensuring that our efforts are rooted in the lived experiences and needs of the community. #CommunityTransformation #SharedNarratives #HomelessnessSolutions

Join us in the ongoing dialogue about tackling homelessness. We recently shared poignant insights on the challenges and solutions for those experiencing homelessness. Together, let's drive change and build a more equitable society.

Thank you, National Community Reinvestment Coalition - NCRC, for shedding light on this pressing issue. At Crossroads Community Development, where we navigate challenges in California's diverse communities, we've long recognized the enduring impact of discriminatory practices, like redlining, on the ability of marginalized communities in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys to access homeownership. The hurdles faced by credit insecure communities in attaining this vital cornerstone of generational wealth resonate deeply with our mission. Reflecting on the recent revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), it's paramount to consider their potential effect on creating equitable homeownership opportunities within black and brown communities. Our commitment to community development emphasizes the necessity for these policy changes to rectify past injustices and actively foster inclusive access to credit and homeownership. In the context of research, an inclusive examination of Latino homeownership rates could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by diverse communities. By embracing a holistic approach, incorporating insights from various marginalized communities, we can design tailored strategies for sustainable, inclusive solutions that drive positive change. At Crossroads Community Development we remain a partner in guiding communities towards success and look forward to contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by communities in our region. We remain dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that empower marginalized communities to achieve equitable access to homeownership and financial stability.

Navigating Enduring Challenges: A Path to Transformation I recently visited my hometowns, Springville and Porterville, CA, and it was disheartening to witness the struggles these communities are facing. The air quality is deteriorating, and the once majestic Sierra Nevada mountains are often hidden from view. Small businesses have shuttered, restaurants are closing early, and economic opportunities seem scarce. These challenges are compounded by racial disparities and environmental justice issues, leading to adverse effects on the health and well-being of residents, including homelessness, substance abuse, and limited opportunities for our youth and young adults. It's a story that repeats itself in many parts of the San Joaquin Valley, but we believe in the power of change through collaborative community action. At Crossroads Community Development, we're dedicated to guiding communities towards success. Our expertise in leadership, project management, coalition building, and strategic vision can make a difference. We offer comprehensive services, from needs assessments to implementation and rigorous evaluation, nurturing strategic relationships within public and private networks. Let's work together to transform these communities. If you're passionate about addressing enduring challenges and seeking positive change, we invite you to connect with on LinkedIn to discuss how our consulting services can assist your organization or community. Join us on this transformative journey towards stronger, more resilient communities, leading the way to positive change and revitalization. #CommunityDevelopment #EnvironmentalJustice #SanJoaquinValley #EconomicRevitalization #Collaboration #ChangeMakers #CrossroadsCommunityDevelopment

Exciting times at Crossroads Community Development. We're beginning our journey and hope you will join us! Our current workflow consists of: *Assisting a few local emerging nonprofits helping with organizational development and fundraising, *Collaborating with health systems to pioneer innovative strategies addressing trauma and violence prevention within the homeless community, *Partnering with local government to establish a sustainable collective impact initiative, uniting diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and achieving meaningful social change. Our aim is to create a clear roadmap for collective action, define shared goals, and coordinate efforts to address community-identified social issues.  oin us as we embark on this transformative path towards community success! Together, we'll make a real impact. #CommunityDevelopment #CollectiveImpact #Collaboration