Jonesboro, AR – The North Jonesboro Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), a relatively new organization with a longstanding mission, is making significant strides in revitalizing North Jonesboro. This initiative, reminiscent of the former North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative, is dedicated to advocating for marginalized and low-income communities, with a strong focus on healthcare education and support.

Emma Agnew, the Founder and Executive Director of NJCDC, shared insights into the organization’s mission and efforts. “Our mission is to uplift the voices of marginalized communities and ensure that our officials and leaders understand their needs,” she stated. “While we primarily focus on North Jonesboro, we are committed to serving anyone in need.”

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

One of NJCDC’s primary goals is to eliminate healthcare disparities within the community. “We started our journey focusing on healthcare, particularly diabetes education,” Agnew explained. “We believe that correct information empowers individuals to take better care of their health. We’re also gearing up to address high blood pressure this fall.”

NJCDC’s approach includes classroom education and practical cooking demonstrations to promote healthier lifestyles. “A healthy community is a happy community,” Agnew emphasized. “We want people to be able to spend less on medication and more on essentials like food and rent.”

The ALICE Population

A significant portion of NJCDC’s efforts is directed towards the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. These individuals, while employed, often struggle to make ends meet due to limited income and lack of access to assistance programs.

“The ALICE population works one or more jobs but still faces financial challenges,” Agnew noted. “They support our community, yet many are just above the poverty line and ineligible for assistance. Our goal is to free up income for these families by providing resources and support.”

NJCDC is partnering with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation to further this mission. “The foundation is an expert in this area, and their support has been invaluable,” Agnew said. “We aim to provide more assets and resources for the ALICE population in the future.”

Community Partnerships and Health Initiatives

NJCDC has also formed vital partnerships with NYIT and St. Bernard’s to address healthcare needs. “We collaborated on a health fair in May, providing health screenings and education,” Agnew mentioned. “These partnerships are crucial as we are not medical professionals ourselves.”

The Role of Public Policy

Public policy plays a significant role in supporting or hindering the progress of the ALICE population. Agnew highlighted a collaboration with the Arkansas Public Policy Panel to address policy issues affecting the community. “Policies make a huge difference in how the ALICE population is perceived and treated,” she stated. “We’re working on promoting livable wages and other policy changes to support these individuals.”

Looking Ahead The North Jonesboro Community Development Corporation is a beacon of hope and support for the ALICE population and marginalized communities in Northeast Arkansas. Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, they are paving the way for a healthier, happier community.