As Seen In the Reno Gazette Journal
Strengthen our Community
(SoC), a non-profit (501c3) pending final IRS approval, stands out with its unique approach to regional needs. We are committed to developing cooperative, caring solutions, with a focus on education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability. SoC, established earlier this year, is on a mission to tackle the region’s most pressing and complex issues, such as chronic absenteeism and our childcare “desert.”Inspired by the Story of the Starfish, But with a Twist
Inspired by the story of the starfish, but with a twist. Most of us are familiar with the story of the starfish, penned by Loren Eisley. The abridged version goes, “One day, a man was strolling along the beach when he spotted a boy tossing a starfish back into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he inquired, “What are you doing?” The boy responded, “If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” The boy stooped down, picked up another starfish, and flung it back into the surf. Then, he said…” I made a difference for that one.” Imagine those starfish as our kids in school or those parents who can’t find childcare. And instead of one child, the entire community is on the beach, united in the effort to throw starfish back into the sea. We can make a difference together on these issues that will “Strengthen our Community.”
No Issue Is Too Big, and No Challenge Is Too Great
No issue is too big, and no challenge is too great. Unsurprisingly, when complex issues arise, they are met with reactive, often well-meaning, but fragmented responses. Homelessness is a good example. Typically, food and shelter are provided, but most communities fail to address the root causes of homelessness. While the immediate (food and shelter) needs are met, it takes so many different agencies and services to address the real cause of homelessness that most have come to accept the challenge as insurmountable. However, as a community, we proved that no challenge is too great when we work together (government, nonprofits, and businesses). The November 2023 Wall Street Journal article. “Reno Is Beating the Odds in Solving Homelessness” is just one example. Our coordinated efforts with the Eddy House, Our Place, and the Cares Campus engage with those experiencing homelessness, determine their individual needs, and, as a community, provide them with the needed wraparound services. On average, one starfish (person) a day becomes housed and self-sufficient! Many are quick to criticize these efforts, but look around; how many unsanitary, drug-infested, and unsafe homeless encampments do you see in Reno-Sparks? That is not the case in nearly every other city in the nation.
Top Priorities: Addressing Challenges to Families and Children, the Foundation of Our Future
Top priorities address challenges to families and children, which are the foundation of our future. While there are many challenges in every community, our initial focus is on those complex issues that will significantly impact our community in the long run. The goal is to prioritize prevention over reaction and avoid duplication. We will work with government organizations currently involved in the issues and engage new partners, including other non-profits, foundations, the business community, and the community. This coalition will work together to take on these issues and identify solutions with a plan to achieve measurable results.
A Few of Our Challenges Include:
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism:
The post-pandemic educational landscape has seen a dramatic increase in absenteeism nationwide. Working hand in hand with the Washoe County School District and other deeply engaged education-focused nonprofits, the business community, and the community at large, we seek to reduce chronic absenteeism by half to pre-pandemic levels by 2028.
Expanding the Availability of Childcare:
Quality, accessible childcare ensures parents can engage in their careers meaningfully and that children are appropriately prepared for school. Yet, we face critical shortages in the region’s availability of quality childcare options. We aim to create a 40% increase in childcare slots by 2028. Expanding childcare availability empowers parents to pursue their careers while ensuring their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
Our Future as a Community Is Bright, Thanks to Our Collaborative Efforts
Our future as a community is bright, thanks to our collaborative efforts. The Reno-Sparks community has a special spirit, and it’s the result of the hard work of our predecessors. Now, it’s our turn to continue this legacy. I am thrilled to be part of this effort, building on our past successes in economic development. Our challenges are significant but not insurmountable and crucial to our future success. With your support, we will “Strengthen our Community” to make it even better for future generations.
Strengthen our Community (SoC) is a non-profit (501c3) committed to developing cooperative, caring solutions to regional needs, with a special emphasis on education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability. SoC is dedicated to confronting the important but complex issues in the region that have been difficult or even impossible to resolve. For more information on Strengthen our Community please get in touch with us at info@socnnv.org or 775-350-1465.
Mike Kazmierski is the executive director of Strengthen our Community.
