Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court confirmation is a triumph over adversity. Being a single parent may sometimes feel like a slog through hell. Children in single parent homes have many long hours to fill and their youthful choices set the stage for success or struggle later in life. Whoever helped Miss Sotomayor with her homework did a bang up job. Single Parent’s Dilemma illustrates the need for a healthy, responsive community.

Fresh graffiti, a gang territorial symbol, acid etched into the window of a struggling business is an example of youthful choices gone awry. Young boys fall prey to gang recruiting for many reasons, but mostly because they don’t have a strong enough emotional connection at home. Replacing the window may be out of reach for some, but the loss of trust is far costlier. The community pays a penalty on every level.

Communities can be a lifeline to everyone but particularly the elderly, young people and those who are floundering. Getting to know your neighbors regularly and casually is the fundamental step to establishing rapport. Every neighborhood needs a friendly, safe and affordable diner. Although family, municipal, state and federal budgets are stretched to the limit, putting resources into neighborhood diners may be a good start.

New Community Vision advocates gathering as a community with intention to get to know others and to brainstorm for solutions to our universal problems of housing, child and elder care, food, nutrition, job creation and social isolation. When our communities become resources for support and encouragement, individuals and families will become empowered. If you and your neighbors think a community diner is an idea with legs, gather with others to galvanize the resources to make this happen. Contact New Community Vision to start gathering with your neighbors to brainstorm intentionally.

Tags: communities, gangs, single parents