Community Building
Community Building
is a place-based initiative that helps transform target neighborhoods into communities where people know each other and take care of each other. We employ a comprehensive, barrier-free approach to address complex challenges faced by individuals and families.
The Opportunity Alliance Community Builders serves as catalysts to empower communities to achieve what they want for their children, families, neighborhoods. We serve neighborhoods in Portland, South Portland, and Bridgton, working to increase the capacity of neighbors to support each other, and making connections with local stakeholders that help them to be more responsive to the needs of the community.
Community Builders lead the daily operations in each neighborhood, and create an atmosphere where everyone has something to offer. In some communities, Community Builders work from Neighborhood Resource Hubs, safe spaces where neighbors can gather, share, learn, connect, and create. Hubs serve as barrier-free, welcoming spaces, are open to everyone in the community, and defined by their atmosphere of accessibility, inclusion and hope. Programming at Hubs reflects the assets and needs of each neighborhood, and can include anything from play groups, language classes, help with job applications, planning meetings, bread and produce banks, and one on one support during times of crisis.
Social Connections: We work to make sure that all individuals and families have consistent, safe opportunities to meet and form social connections and relationships as neighbors in their communities. We provide opportunities and events to facilitate neighbors coming together to make those connections, get support, offer their unique talents, share resources, address important issues together, and enjoy fellowship.
Concrete Supports: Everyone needs help sometimes. We provide neighbors barrier-free access to concrete supports and resources in times of need. We aim to reduce the shame and stigma attached to asking for help and without judging the agency and ability of neighbors to navigate their daily lives.
Building Resilience: As TOA’s Community Building program evolves to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves, a focus has been placed on increasing trauma-responsive community strategies that improve social connection, physical/built environment, and economic opportunities. This includes a focus on three intersecting parts of community: the social-cultural environment, the built environment, and the economic environment as outlined by the Prevention Institute’s Adverse Community Experiences and Resilience (ACE|R) framework
Resources
Louise Marsden
Phone: (207) 553-5823
louise.marsden@opportunityalliance.orgYou can find our Community Builders in these locations:
Bridgton/ Lakes Region
East Bayside, Portland
South Portland Hub
586 Westbrook Street, South Portland
Merrie Allen, Community Builder
Phone: (207) 347-4194