The housing crisis is not just a headline—it’s a daily reality for many of Fresno’s residents, particularly for seniors living on fixed incomes. As rent costs rise, more and more seniors are finding themselves unable to afford safe and stable housing, pushing them to the brink of displacement.
One local church is stepping up to meet this need in a unique and inspiring way. Westside Church of God in Southwest Fresno is building tiny homes for seniors struggling to pay rent in their community.
For over 15 years, Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) has been a catalyst for change in Fresno through community-driven initiatives empowering residents to transform their own neighborhoods and schools. Now, we’re excited to take our commitment to the next level with the purchase of our very own building!
A child’s reading skills are directly tied to their ability to thrive as an adult. Completing job applications, applying for scholarships, registering to vote, and getting a car loan all involve reading! Students with strong literacy skills are more likely to have higher self-esteem, graduate high school, and earn a living wage.
Because of this, Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) believes a city that works for everyone is a city where all children are given the support they need to become strong readers. However, in Fresno Unified School District (FUSD), only 22% of our 70,000 students are reading at their grade level.
“[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
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!
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. ↓
Fresno residents are invited to attend a local screening and panel discussion of the documentary, The Right to Read, at the historical Tower Theatre on Monday, March 4th at 6 PM.
“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.
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
Do you want to uncover the hidden gems and untold stories of Fresno from your car? Do you have a desire to know your city and get involved at a deeper level? Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) is thrilled to invite you to dive into the heart of our city through our new and improved Drive Tours!
