WHY WOULD I BENEFIT FROM BECOMING INVOLVED WITH NEAT?

Many of the problems facing the North End are not unusual for urban neighborhoods but that doesn’t mean that the neighborhood should be passive. If the North End neighborhood is to be a healthy neighborhood it must have good housing for its residents, standards of public safety that encourage children and families to feel safe and thrive, a Main Street that has vitality, and a population of residents and business owners who work collaboratively and actively to ensure that the quality of life on Main Street, above Main Street, and behind Main Street is positive. Participation and resident/stakeholder leadership is the key to creating a strong, self-determining neighborhood that can identify needs, advocate for change, and gain the resources to ensure success. The more people that participate the more power the neighborhood has to make positive changes. Numbers Count.
 

Participation in NEAT allows residents to meet other residents creating natural supports from within the neighborhood. Children, families, businesses, tenants, and property owners are safer if they know their neighbors and their neighborhood. A vital neighborhood where resident activity and involvement are visible is a neighborhood that protects itself from negative forces including crime and drugs.
 
Many positive resources exist within the North End or within walking distance: the Ferry Street Community Garden, the Green Street Arts Center, the Community Health Center, Oddfellows Playhouse, The Buttonwood Tree, NOMA Gallery, Macdonough School, Russell Library, and Wesleyan University. Many positive activities and programs take place within the North End that residents new and old to the neighborhood will become aware of through NEAT involvement: child mentoring opportunities, arts programs, summer camps, training, jobs, social programs, and scholarship opportunities.
 
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO JOIN?
You are automatically a member because you live in, own property, or work in the neighborhood.  Members are encouraged to join a committee that involves something in which they are interested: community gardening, community policing, PRIDE, Block by Block, Schools/Education, finance, events, and others.
 
WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?
NEAT wants all the kids in the North End to be involved in positive things. Call us. NEAT staff or members can make some suggestions to you about things your child(ren) might enjoy or benefit from: mentoring, tutoring, arts programs, after-school programs. NEAT's monthly meetings have free childcare provided by Wesleyan students. Come to a meeting and know that your child is right nearby having a safe and enjoyable experience.
 
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Call us at 860-346-4845. Ask to speak to Izzi or Bobbye. Visit us at Main Street. Come to a meeting on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Green Street Arts Center.  Childcare is provided.