Norf-End Neighbors CAN.
Conduct community events for connection.
Advocate for neighbor-centered improvements.
Never give up.
Conducting Community Events for Connection
The North End neighborhood of Vistula has suffered through decades of disinvestment and currently has the highest concentration of people experiencing economic poverty in the City of Toledo. Nevertheless, we have many fine neighbors, opportunities, and blessings in our community. We work to bring resources into our area, host events to increase societal wellness, and connect people with one another. In this way, we are able to meet our neighbors and begin to really address their needs, hopes, and dreams.
Advocating for Neighbor-Centered Improvements
While there are many plans made for Vistula residents, we want to see improvements for all members of the Vistula community, as it is richly diverse, a true part of its beauty and wonder. Not only do we need physical improvements, but we also need, equally as much, improvements towards the quality of life that we experience. Though it is not always popular to do so, we believe it is important to continually remind larger community leaders and organizations of the situations we witness and the services we need. We need entities big and small to care about the people of our neighborhood, all of the people, all of the time.
Never Giving Up
Partaking in community-work is as rewarding as it is difficult. It doesn’t come with a great deal of money. Neither notoriety nor fame truly last, for this or any other work. One must find inner joy in the work and find the motivation rooted in identity and self-realized purpose. This is how we hope to continue to do our community-work. In that spirit, we never give up. The work is within us and we will carry it on in various forms. It becomes a part of who we are. Though we may not solve every single problem we face as a community, so long as we do not give up, we are a part of a long tradition of people who have cared about our area..
“Norf-End Neighbors is like family for me.”
Malaysia B., 20, Vistula Resident since 2004