The Center on Community Philanthropy, along with a team of Clinton School students, helped organize a convening of community organizations to fight poverty in Helena-West Helena, Ark.
In partnership with Delta Circles, a community-based anti-poverty organization, the Clinton School group helped bring together a cross-section of organizations to discuss opportunities available for vulnerable people.
The group worked to map the assets and initiatives in the area with the intent of highlighting gaps in services and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Among those represented at the meeting were religious institutions, governmental agencies, regional development organizations, businesses and nonprofits.
“Convening like this is a major component of our work,” said Dr. Charlotte Williams, director of the Center on Community Philanthropy. “Bringing together a diverse set of people and ideas is an incredibly powerful tool for addressing complex issues. This is a great way for our community partners to connect to the resources they need.”
As a result of the meeting, Delta Circles has received a wave of positive feedback from volunteers and organizations interested in collaborating. Delta Circles executive director Patricia Ashanti reported that she has been contacted by organizations such as Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Career Pathways, Lee County Community Clinic and the Arkansas Community Foundation.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has also offered funding and staff support to Delta Circles.
For more information about Delta Circles contact Patricia Ashanti at patricia.ashanti@gmail.com.