America’s 100 Best
Norwood Named Among America’s Best for Youth
Cincinnati and Norwood have been named among the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance, a national partnership dedicated to youth and children. It describes “young people” as birth through age 21. The competition is run by ING, a global financial services company that provides retirement plans and programs for teachers. The contest recognizes communities with programs to keep children in school and prepare them for college and careers. More than 350 communities in 50 states applied. Norwood was selected because of how the community is working together and taking real action to address the challenges facing young people head on. This includes its initiatives supporting youth development including partnerships with the Recreation Commission and Health Department as well as its creation of the Norwood Community Coalition whose programs improved high school graduation rates. The Community Coalition brings together local churches, libraries, educators and the health community to provide youth services and safe places to grow and explore. The Community Coalition worked together to write the 100 Best Application. Deb Robison, Community Representative as well as Family and Children First coordinator stated that “Being part of America’s Best does not mean we’re perfect, but it shows our collective commitment to Norwood’s kids, supporting them to stay in school and providing the resources they need to succeed.”.
Members of the Norwood Community Coalition include:
The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation, Job’s Daughters, Live It Like You Mean It, Norwood Church of the Nazarene, Norwood City Schools After School Programs and School Health, Norwood Health Department, Norwood High School Social Work, Norwood Presbyterian Church, Norwood Recreation Commission, Hamilton Co. Family and Children First Council, Norwood Branch of the Hamilton Co. Public Library and the YWCA HIPPY Program.
For additional information on America’s 100 Best visit www.americaspromise.org/100Best.