Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI)

The mobilization and increased engagement of an active base of residents is viewed as an essential way to create sustained community enhancement. Direct investments in resident mobilization and leadership development help community members gain personal skills and greater confidence. This improves their relationships with each other as well as with stakeholders. Additionally, the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative fosters residents' sense of ownership in all aspects of community change. LISC is leading the way in designing collaborative models that supports and builds residents’ civic capacity and engagement. 

Thriving Neighborhood Initiative (TNI), is a community building effort initiated by the Victoria Foundation. Greater Newark LISC serves as the intermediary to execute the TNI agenda while the Rutgers-Newark Cornwall Center serves as the Initiative’s evaluator. The Victoria Foundation launched the Initiative in an effort to deepen its impact by working with resident leaders and community stakeholders to target and leverage its investments in neighborhoods. TNI is working to empower residents and strengthen Newark's civic infrastructure for long term sustainability improvements that will enhance the quality of life for generations of families and children to come. The Initiative is currently being piloted in two Newark neighborhoods: Upper Clinton Hill in the South Ward and Fairmount Heights in the West Ward.

The Initiative’s goal is to:

• Enhance the leadership capacity of residents who come together as change agents to guide and manage neighborhood improvement efforts
• Strengthen established and emerging organizations dedicated to serving the neighborhoods
• Expand opportunities for neighbors to build trust, share ideas, and collaborate on projects
• Work with resident groups to identify and implement projects that enhance quality of life in areas such as housing, health, education, safety, and employment
• Convene current and potential investors to align, leverage, and expand investments based on the priorities of residents

TNI includes coaching for neighborhood associations, leadership development for residents, a mini-grants program, and support for residents in identifying and implementing projects to improve neighborhood quality of life.