Serving Our Neighborhoods

CLUA Para Nosotros: Why a new version of our Community Land Use Academy is offered in Spanish

May 31, 2024 Ashley Goldsmith Campus Presence, Community Outreach, Economic Development, ENP News, Equipping, Neighborhood Presence, Serving Our Neighborhoods

“[Because] of a lack of awareness, many times we limit ourselves [or don’t know how] to make changes for our communities. For many years I was advocating with a group of residents for a pedestrian crosswalk in our area- the area around Susan B Anthony [Elementary School].

Now that I am in this program, I know exactly what the process is that I have to follow to guide other leaders so they can advocate for the development of our communities.”
Juana Iris Meza

Creative Ways Fresno Community Members are Making their Neighborhoods Healthier

April 23, 2024 Ashley Goldsmith Neighborhood Presence, Parent Engagement, Serving Our Neighborhoods

Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌱🌻 Today, people around the world are celebrating efforts to care for our natural resources. We’re bringing Earth Day to Fresno as we share stories of two community members, like you and me, who are working to make our city a healthier place to live. Continue reading to also learn about ways you can be part of this work in your neighborhood!

What is the Impact of $903,060 in Volunteer Time?

April 3, 2024 Ashley Goldsmith Campus Presence, Community Outreach, ENP News, Literacy, Neighborhood Presence, Saturday Sports, Serving Our Neighborhoods, Serving Our Schools

Nonprofits like Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) cannot do what we do without volunteers.

In 2023, volunteers invested 28,938 hours in Fresno schools and neighborhoods through ENP’s School Support and Neighborhood Development programs. These hours are equal to $903,060.53 in value. That’s almost $1,000,000 of volunteer hours poured into the city of Fresno!

“If you look around your city and see things you want to change, but you don’t know how, start by volunteering with a nonprofit,” says Andrew Feil, ENP’s Executive Director. “Your time is worth more than you can imagine.”

1,017 volunteers

28,938 hours given

$903,060.53 in value

2023 Every Neighborhood Partnership Volunteer Data

Continue reading to learn what impact volunteers have on Fresno schools, neighborhoods, and future generations. ↓

A Pastor’s Challenge to Christians in our City

February 13, 2024 Ashley Goldsmith ENP News, Equipping, Neighborhood Presence, Serving Our Neighborhoods, Serving Our Schools

“What good is it to say, ‘I love my neighbor,’ but not be present with them?”

David Delgado, The Garage Community Church.

Two years ago, the principal of Pyle Elementary asked Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) if there was a local church who would like to partner with their school. He was specifically looking for volunteers to serve as mentors for their 5th and 6th grade students.

Pyle Elementary School is about a ten minute walk from The Garage Community Church. “They’re our neighbors,” says David Delgado, a deacon at the church.

The Most Important Contributor to a Student’s Academic Success

December 28, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith Literacy, Neighborhood Presence, Parent Engagement, Serving Our Schools

What is the most important contributor to a student’s success in school?

In Fresno Unified, 80% of students are unable to read at their grade level. Fresno schools are growing their early intervention programs and literacy mentors are providing one-on-one support to students. However, data shows reading skills and educational success are dependent on many factors outside the classroom.

In fact, “parental education might be the biggest factor” in determining a student’s academic success according to a 2022 EdSource article.

If parents are unable to read with their kids at home, don’t know about school events, or are unsure who to contact with concerns, their students are less likely to feel confident in school.

“Schools are doing a lot,” says Sabrina Rodarte, Every Neighborhood Partnership’s Extended Learning Coordinator. “What we need is more support for parents. We need to ask, how can we build up a parent so they can build up their child?”

Schools are doing a lot. What we need is more support for parents.
Sabrina Rodarte, ENP’s Extended Learning Coordinator

Working with Elementary Kids Changed This College Student’s Life

November 14, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith Campus Presence, Literacy, Neighborhood Presence, Partnership Spotlight, Saturday Sports, Serving Our Neighborhoods, Serving Our Schools

Before working with Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP), Sheng Xiong says she felt she was at her lowest point in life. Her job at a fast food restaurant made it difficult for her to balance her college and work responsibilities.

When Sheng received a message to her Fresno State email about an opportunity to work with elementary-aged kids through ENP, “it felt like fate.”

Why Fresno Churches Need to be Connected for Lasting Impact

September 29, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith ENP News, Equipping, Events, Serving Our Neighborhoods

Fresno has the highest concentrated poverty rate in California, 8 in 10 students are struggling to read at grade level, and many families are experiencing food insecurity.

For those who are led by the teachings of Jesus, apathy and non action are not viable responses to these realities.

“[If you believe] that everybody [is] made in the image of God…You have to care about the people who live next door!
Joe White, Pastor of Neighborhood Church

But where does a church begin to address this issue? How can a church address the struggles our city faces in a lasting, meaningful way?

Put simply, they can’t. Not alone.

Latin Dance Fitness Program: A Powerful Example Of Residents Leading Change In Their Own Neighborhoods

August 14, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith Equipping, Neighborhood Presence, Serving Our Neighborhoods

Why Fresno Residents Need to Understand Land Use

July 8, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith ENP News, Equipping, Events, Serving Our Neighborhoods

All the injustices we can name come down to land and who is control of it.
~ Ivan Paz, Community Land Use Academy Project Manager, Every Neighborhood Partnership

How Free Saturday Lunches are Addressing Hunger among Fresno Children

June 19, 2023 Ashley Goldsmith Neighborhood Presence, Saturday Sports, Serving Our Schools

Hunger is a reality for many families in Fresno, California, and children are among the most vulnerable community members. The Fresno Mission and Every Neighborhood Partnership are working to change this.

Although the Central Valley produces a quarter of the country’s food supply, Fresno was ranked one of the most food insecure communities in the United States. Homes with children are about one-third more vulnerable to hunger than homes without children.

While children can eat school lunches throughout the week, some kids in our city may not have access to nutritious food on the weekends.

To help address this need, Every Neighborhood Partnership incorporates a snack or lunch in every one of our Saturday Sports programs, and this year, the Fresno Mission came alongside ENP to pack and provide the meals for every kid attending Saturday Sports.