Community Exploration and Evaluation-Bronxs Highbridge Community

Community Exploration and Evaluation-Bronxs Highbridge Community

Demographics

The Bronx is home to a diverse population of approximately 1.4 million residents (United States Census Bureau QuickFacts, n.d.) and boasts of a rich multicultural tapestry with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. For the purpose of this report, the specific community under focus is the Bronx’s Highbridge community, whose ZIP code is 10452. This area exhibits a blend of African-American, Hispanic, and immigrant populations, contributing to its vibrant cultural heritage. In the year 2021, Highbridge had a population estimate of approximately 145,325 individuals. Among this population, 2.1% self-identified as Asian, 31.1% as Black, 61.5% as Hispanic, and 2.4% as white. However, Highbridge also faces socioeconomic challenges, with a significant portion of its residents experiencing poverty and limited access to resources. The poverty rate by 2021 was estimated to be 28.3% (Highbridge Neighborhood Profile, n.d.).

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History and Present Condition

The history of the Highbridge community in the Bronx is marked by both triumphs and setbacks. It was not spared from a period of urban decay that ravaged the whole of the Bronx in the late 20th century, which was characterized by high crime rates and a decline in infrastructure. However, the community has undergone a revitalization process in recent years with efforts focused on economic development and community empowerment (Chronopoulos, 2017). Highbridge is now notably cleaner and more orderly compared to its past, with visible improvements in terms of reduced litter and graffiti. The community is bustling and lively, with an array of activities, events, and cultural celebrations, which reflect its diverse and vibrant population. Housing options in Highbridge are equally varied, encompassing towering apartment complexes, historic brownstones, single-family homes, and modern developments, thus contributing to the borough’s architectural diversity. These improvements in cleanliness, safety, and housing diversity have significantly enhanced Highbridge’s overall quality of life, making it a place of renewed promise and opportunity.

Resources

The Bronx community as a whole is endowed with numerous resources that aim to meet the diverse needs of its residents, including those from the Highbridge neighborhood. These include:

Montefiore Medical Center

BronxWorks

The Point CDC

Fordham University

JHS 118 William W. Niles School

Montefiore Medical Center, located along 110 East Gun Hill Road, Zip code 10467, offers comprehensive healthcare services, serving as a vital healthcare provider for the Highbridge community. BronxWorks, located along 60 E Tremont Avenue, ZIP code 10453, is a nonprofit organization providing a range of social services, including housing assistance, job training, and youth programs. Additionally, The Point CDC, located at 940 Garrison Avenue, ZIP code 10474,  focuses on arts, environmental, and youth development initiatives, hence fostering creativity and community engagement. Moreover, Fordham University, situated at 441 East Fordham Road, ZIP code 10458, plays a crucial role in offering educational opportunities and enriching the intellectual and cultural landscape of the Highbridge community. The JHS 118 William W. Niles School, which is located at 577 East 179 Street, ZIP code 10457, caters to the educational needs of local students by offering a nurturing learning environment.

Examining the History, Utilization, and Operating Hours: How the Resources are Addressing the Needs of the Community

While exploring the Highbridge community, delving into each site’s history, utilization, and operating hours becomes imperative to determine if they are truly meeting the community’s needs. The history of these sites reveals their evolution and adaptation to changing circumstances. For example, Montefiore Medical Center, built in 1884, has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality essential services, including diagnosis and treatment, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare resources to address a wide range of medical needs. This contributes significantly to promoting health and well-being within the community. Their services are tailored to provide healthcare access for the locals, which is vital for the progress of the community (Gonzalez-Mena, 2016).

Figure 1

A Photo of the Montefiore Medical Center

BronxWorks, founded in 1972, has been a pillar of support for the Highbridge and the general Bronx community by continuously expanding its programs and services to address the changing social disparities residents face. BronxWorks addresses community needs by offering vital social services, including housing assistance, job training, and youth programs, contributing to the overall well-being of Highbridge residents. Through its multifaceted approach, BronxWorks plays a key role in diagnosing and alleviating various social challenges, as well as promoting community engagement and empowerment. The organization’s commitment to providing essential services demonstrates its role in addressing diverse needs within the Highbridge community in particular and the Bronx community in general.

Figure 2

BronxWorks: 60 E Tremont Avenue

On the other hand, the Point CDC opened its doors in 1994 and has grown from a small youth center to a multifaceted organization, offering arts, environmental, and social programs that resonate with the community. The Point CDC serves the community by focusing on arts, environmental, and youth development initiatives, thus fostering creativity and community engagement. Through its diverse programs, The Point CDC contributes to diagnosing and addressing cultural and environmental disparities, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and vibrancy of the community. The organization’s commitment to artistic expression and environmental justice reflects its role in addressing unique aspects of community needs.

Figure 3

Artwork Displayed in The Point CDC

Founded on June 24, 1841, Fordham University has a commitment to education and community engagement and has played a significant role in empowering Highbridge residents through various initiatives. The institution, which is located in the neighborhood of the Highbridge community, plays a pivotal role in addressing educational needs by providing opportunities and contributing to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the community. Through its commitment to education and community engagement, Fordham University serves as a catalyst for positive change, diagnosing and addressing the evolving educational requirements within the community. The university’s presence contributes significantly to the empowerment and enrichment of the Highbridge community.

Figure 4

A Snapshot of the Entrance to Fordham University

The JHS 118 William W. Niles School has been a steadfast educational institution through fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. JHS 118 William W. Niles School provides a crucial educational foundation, diagnosing and addressing the academic needs of local students through a safe and inclusive learning environment. By fostering a nurturing space, the school contributes to the community’s educational well-being, preparing students for academic success. Its dedicated role in education underscores its significance in shaping the future of the community.

Figure 5

A Photo of the JHS 118 William W. Niles School

Regarding the utilization and operating hours, these sites have made efforts to align their services with the needs of the community. Montefiore Medical Center operates on a 24/7 basis, hence ensuring that residents have access to vital healthcare services at any time. BronxWorks has extended its operating hours to accommodate individuals with busy schedules by offering evening and weekend programs. The Point CDC, on its part, has strategically scheduled its activities to engage different age groups and ensure maximum participation, while Fordham University has established community outreach programs and events that are accessible to both students and local residents. Lastly, JHS 118 William W. Niles School adheres to standard school hours, thereby providing a consistent educational experience for students.

Areas for Improvement

Improving the Highbridge community involves addressing numerous critical areas, each contributing to the overall well-being of its residents. Security and safety must be a priority, with community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and better street lighting being put in place to reduce crime rates and enhance safety. Investments in infrastructure such as road repairs and public transportation which collectively improve mobility and the overall quality of life need to be prioritized. Additionally, economic empowerment should be fostered through support for local businesses, job training programs, and small business development resources so as to empower residents with the skills and opportunities they need for economic stability. Mental health facilities should be expanded to address the often-overlooked mental health needs of the Highbridge community residents, encompassing crisis intervention centers, counseling services, and substance abuse treatment programs. Lastly, the issue of affordable housing requires attention. As noted by (Pain Point Analysis: Bronx, 2022), as many as one in five residents in the Highbridge community live in overcrowded conditions. This underscores the need to ensure that there are ample options and address affordability challenges.

Top of Form

What Is Missing in the Highbridge Community?

When analyzing the demographics of the Highbridge community, certain areas emerge where resources or services may be lacking, indicating potential gaps in meeting the community’s needs. Notably, there is a need for specialized educational resources that address the diverse requirements of the population, especially in terms of advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs that can equip students with relevant skills. Additionally, despite having essential healthcare institutions, Highbridge has a shortfall in comprehensive healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas, which can result in disparities in healthcare provision. A notable absence also lies in adequate mental health resources, potentially leaving Highbridge community residents without sufficient support for their psychological well-being. Furthermore, there is a distinct need for more safe recreational spaces and youth programs, particularly for Highbridge’s younger population. The availability of affordable and safe recreational spaces for children, such as parks, sports facilities, and after-school programs, could be increased since these amenities are known to provide positive outlets for physical activity and social interaction (Gonzalez-Mena, 2016). Additionally, economic development initiatives and job opportunities are crucial for the well-being of the community and need to be revamped. Enhancing access to job training programs, vocational schools, and employment resources can empower residents with the skills and opportunities they need to secure stable employment and improve their economic circumstances.

A Summary of the Interviews with Administrators/Directors

During my visits to these institutions in the Bronx, I did not solely take the role of an observer but indulged in interviewing the administrators and directors to gain a deeper understanding of the roles and missions of these institutions. I had the privilege of gaining valuable insights into their profound contributions to the Highbridge community and the Bronx community as a whole. These conversations provided a window into their dedication and unique roles in improving the lives of residents in this vibrant borough. The administrators at Montefiore Medical Center demonstrated a remarkable commitment to their mission of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare to all residents, where they specifically underscored their dedication to serving underserved populations, ensuring that healthcare disparities are minimized. Their comprehensive services and outreach programs were notable and addressed the immediate medical needs and the long-term well-being of the community.

Moreover, in my discussions with the directors at BronxWorks, it was evident that their organization serves as a linchpin in addressing social disparities within the Bronx, with their programs not only providing essential support but also empowering individuals to become self-sufficient. Their focus on education, workforce development, and social services is pivotal in enabling individuals to thrive and lead more fulfilling lives. Similarly, the administrators at The Point CDC were passionate about their dedication to fostering community engagement through creative and artistic initiatives where they emphasized the transformative power of the arts in enriching the lives of Bronx residents and promoting social cohesion. Their commitment to environmental justice and youth development programs highlighted their multifaceted approach to community betterment.

Fordham University’s administrators, on the other hand, shared their commitment to offering educational opportunities and supporting community-based research. Besides, they highlighted that their role is to provide higher education and actively engage with the local community. This involvement contributes to research and initiatives that address the evolving needs of society, hence making education a catalyst for positive change. Finally, the administrators at JHS 118 William W. Niles School expressed their dedication to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment. Their key focus on creating a nurturing space for students underscores schools’ crucial role in shaping the Bronx’s future. By providing a supportive atmosphere, they aim to empower students and prepare them for success in their academic journeys.

These interviews with administrators and directors at various Bronx institutions illuminated the array of challenges these organizations face in their ongoing efforts to serve the community effectively. Administrators at Montefiore Medical Center highlighted the pressing need to ensure healthcare accessibility for all residents, particularly underserved populations, acknowledging the challenge of addressing healthcare disparities that persist in the Bronx. At BronxWorks, directors spoke of grappling with financial constraints that often limit their capacity to expand and enhance their programs. At the same time, The Point CDC administrators acknowledged the complexity of fostering community engagement through artistic initiatives. Administrators at Fordham University, on their part, noted the challenge of ensuring equal access to education for all residents irrespective of their background, while the administrators at JHS 118 William W. Niles School emphasized the ongoing challenge of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment in a diverse community. These challenges collectively underscore the multifaceted nature of issues the Bronx community faces, hence emphasizing the necessity for sustained collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to address them effectively.

In these interviews, a common theme of a shared commitment to the Bronx community’s welfare emerged. These administrators and directors are not merely overseeing institutions; they are stewards of positive change and progress. Their insights shed light on the invaluable work being done and underscore the significance of collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted needs of the community. Through these interviews, it became evident that these institutions are not just meeting their respective missions but also actively contributing to the well-being and vitality of the Bronx.

 References

Chronopoulos, T. (2017). The rebuilding of the South Bronx after the fiscal crisis. Journal of Urban History, 43(6), 932–959. https://doi.org/10.1177/0096144217714764

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2016). Child, family, and community: Family-centered early care and education (7th ed.). Pearson.

Highbridge Neighborhood Profile. (n.d.). Furmancenter.org. https://furmancenter.org/neighborhoods/view/highbridge.

Pain Point Analysis: Bronx. (2022). https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Ichor%20Strategies%20-%20Pain%20Point%20Analysis%20-%20Bronx.pdf

United States Census Bureau QuickFacts. (n.d.). US Census Bureau QuickFacts: Bronx County, New York. Census Bureau QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bronxcountynewyork/

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MY PROFESSOR GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A BETTER GRADE; MY GRADE WAS A 20/30. Below are my professor’s comments:

PROFESSOR COMMENTS: An insightful report!  However, the Bronx has many communities (zip codes). What community? What are the specific demographics of that community?  How are the resources addressing the needs of the community?  What is missing from the community??

I HAVE UPLOADED THE PAPER AGAIN BELOW.