Blog #1

I am really excited to be doing service learning at the Johnsons' Park Neighborhood association. I was particularly in awe of the fact that Joseph Zilber donated 50 million of his own money to revitalize this community, I am excited about the fact that they have Alice's garden because it is very rare for urban environments to have affordable produce in their neighborhood. I also thought it was interesting that the money donated was used to build better homes in the area and also to renovate older homes of the lifetime residents as opposed to tearing those down and rebuilding the whole neighborhood, that shows me that the neighborhood is interested in preserving their community while also  strengthening it with more resources. I love the fact that the residents determine what is needed and that they have created an organized environment, I am also glad to see that the crime rate has been lowered and I am glad that this is one of the first steps that the City is taking in order to  revitalize within instead of from the outside in. I know it will be that much more successful from this approach.