The Childcare Crisis Is Everyone’s Problem
The childcare crisis doesn’t seem to affect those of us without young children. However, the lack of childcare and its high costs impact everyone. For
October 2, 2025
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Insight Show with Mike Kazmierski
In this 30-minute interview, Mike Kazmierski, Executive Director of Strengthen our Community, and JLynn from Reno Media Group discuss the top priorities of Reno’s newest non-profit, SoC.
Articles.
Dyslexia, the Ignored Disability
You, your child, or someone you know has dyslexia. More than 40 million US adults and 15% to 20% of the kids in our schools have
July 31, 2025
Confronting Chronic Student Absenteeism: Why Nevada Can’t Afford to Wait
Discover how chronic absenteeism is impacting Nevada’s students, families, and economy. Learn about its root causes, far-reaching costs, and actionable solutions our community and lawmakers can pursue to reverse this urgent trend and protect our future. Read more from “As Seen in This is Reno.”
June 25, 2025
Let’s Support Our PBS Reno
Discover why supporting PBS Reno is vital for the Reno-Sparks community. Learn how local PBS programming, educational resources, and community partnerships benefit over 500,000 residents—and why your support matters to keep PBS Reno strong amid federal funding cuts.
June 5, 2025
Our Kids Deserve Basic Health Care
Inadequate health care for children is a significant issue. According to research from Columbia University, nearly one in five children experience insufficient health coverage, meaning
May 21, 2025
Teacher Appreciation Month Is Coming In May. Let’s All Show Teachers We Care
We all know that teachers play an essential role in shaping the minds and futures of our children. They dedicate their time, energy, and passion to ensuring students receive a quality education, often going above and beyond the call of duty.
March 27, 2025
Chronic Absenteeism: Pay Now, Or Pay Later
The number of kids chronically absent from our schools statewide is staggering! Unfortunately, most of us in the state, including our Legislature, may not realize just how significant this crisis is and how costly it will be if we don’t address it now.
February 25, 2025
Family Resource Centers (FRC) A Lifeline to Our Neighbors in Need
The state Legislature created Nevada’s Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in 1995, strategically placing each facility in an at-risk neighborhood where families could receive direct services and referrals to social service agencies designed to meet their needs. Over the past thirty years, the FRCs have successfully provided countless assistance to Nevada families in need.
January 23, 2025
It Is Time for WCSD To Ban Cell Phone Use in The Classroom
A ban on cell phones in classrooms is overdue. Most everyone in other countries and school districts across the U.S. has figured this out. Banning cell phones in the classroom will protect our children’s future and show the WCSD teachers that we are listening and want to help them.
November 20, 2024
It’s Time to Treat the Brain Like the Organ It Is
Why do we treat it like a black box instead of an organ that can be fixed? Imagine a world where the brain is tested and repaired, like every other organ.
October 24, 2024
You Can Fix Our Broken Election System!
Fixed elections may sound a little harsh, but it’s accurate. We all suffer when great candidates can’t get elected because our two political parties maintain absolute control over who wins in a primary. While many highly qualified political candidates run in the party system, the two major parties ultimately decide who will represent us.
September 20, 2024
It’s Time We Support Universal Pre-K
According to studies from institutions like Harvard University, about 90% of a child’s brain development happens by age 5. It is imperative that we, as a state, step up to invest in our future and make universal pre-K a reality for every 4-year-old in our state.
August 4, 2024
About Us
Strengthen our Community (SoC) is a non-profit (501c3) committed to developing cooperative, caring solutions to regional needs, emphasizing education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability.
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Reports
Reports.
Strengthen our Community (SoC) 2024 Report
I am honored to share the progress and impact we’ve made during our inaugural year. Our mission to enhance the lives of children, families, and communities in Northern Nevada goes beyond words; it is a promise of substantial change. This journey was made possible by the support of our dedicated partners (see Annex D) and our founder, Michael Dermody, Chairman and CEO of Dermody Properties.
March 5, 2025
The Cost of Chronic Absenteeism
If the chronic absenteeism rate seen in 2024 persists, Southern Nevada is expected to face a lifetime cost of $610.0 million attributed to the Class of 2025. Over time, this snowballs to $14.4 billion over the next 20 years in Clark County alone.
February 27, 2025