Mutual Assistance network
25 YEARS OF REVITALIZING NORTH SACRAMENTO NEIGHBORHOODS
JOBS + EDUCATION
Launched in 1992 to rebuild Del Paso Heights, Mutual Assistance Network( MAN) socially and economically revitalizes struggling north Sacramento neighborhoods. Rooted in the belief that residents have the power to create economic change within their neighborhoods, MAN provides opportunities for individual and community growth that allow residents to act as guides. Now expanded into other North Sacramento neighborhoods, today MAN sees a much stronger Del Paso Heights where youth look forward to attending college, home ownership rates are increasing and crime is decreasing.
“ We develop paths for neighborhoods to become economically self-sustaining,” says Richard Dana, Executive Director.“ We first stabilize a neighborhood through crisis intervention and then foster social networking opportunities.” MAN operates four community centers, all with parent education, family support, and recreational activities that create loving, healthy environments for families.
MAN also creates paths to leadership for residents.“ Involvement in community activities and the neighborhood’ s future enables residents take ownership,” explains Dana.“ They volunteer, coach sports, do outreach, and lead groups.”
“ Ultimately, neighborhoods need a thriving economic environment to perpetuate success,” notes Dana,“ we also focus on financial education, business development, and home ownership.” In partnership with neighborhood leaders, MAN helped launch the College & Sports Academy to cultivate leaders though education, athletics and character development.“ This program enables youth to participate in multiple sports, after-school and recreation programs designed to promote academic achievement,” says Dana.“ Sports build character and combined
MUTUALASSISTANCE. ORG with education is their avenue to college.” Programs like this are possible with sponsorships from SMUD, Kaiser, Sierra Health Foundation and others.
MAN is also working with the City of Sacramento to build the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex.“ Hosting regional sports and tournaments will bring people into the neighborhood and boost the local economy. Revenue from the sports complex will sustain the College & Sports Academy.”
.
PROFILE SPONSORED BY
comstocksmag. com | 2017 CAPITAL REGION CARES 85