During this, our 50th anniversary year, we’ll be sharing 50 reason to celebrate Center for Neighborhoods — one reason each week. The posts will come from different stakeholders in the organization, representing our past, present, and future.
This week’s post was written by Dr. Mellone F. Long, current executive director of CFN.
I remember when I turned 50. I felt comfortable with myself, I was excited, and I didn’t feel as old as I thought I would. One thing’s for sure: I had a few things figured out, and I was much more aware of the things I had not yet figured out. I was less surprised by what came my way, but very excited about what was coming. It was a year of feeling a lot of dichotomies. I will say that I have been better each day since my 50th.
I think it is fairly the same for Center for Neighborhoods. CFN has done so much and learned the terrain, but we are still open to learn so much more. When I first got to Louisville and started working at CFN, I was so amazed at all the things that we do. I can never list all the things. The basic idea is captured in our mission: Engaging with neighbors to build great neighborhoods.
The CFN Team has been wondering, “How do we best celebrate our golden anniversary?” We are going to do the things we always do. Here are a few highlights:
Neighborhood Institute: In-person, 12-week leadership trainings, in the spring and fall. The next one starts January 27.
Neighborhood Summit: Yearly day-long conference that showcases community-building success stories and celebrates neighborhood development across the Louisville community.
Better Block: Re-imagines a neighborhood block using low-cost interventions designed by the community.
PAINT: Producing Art In Neighborhoods Together
Neighbor Maps: Mapping services and resources for Neighborhoods
–And So Much More–
We have some very special things going on for this celebration. I look forward to it, and I hope you will also. We will highlight “50 things…”. One each week to display something great about CFN. Keep up with them by following us on our social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), website and newsletter. Many special things will be going on for those in the know – information, prizes, and things to do!
Mellone