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Georgia Power Foundation Awards $3 Million Grant to Purpose Built Communities

The Georgia Power Foundation recently awarded Purpose Built Communities a $3 million grant to address education inequity and enhance early childhood care and education for Georgia families. As part of the three-year pilot program, the national nonprofit, in collaboration with Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), will invest funding, resources, strategic support and training in several … Continue Reading →

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Why is early learning a central element of neighborhood revitalization?

An essential component of the Purpose Built approach to ending intergenerational poverty is a focus on early childhood education. Most of the resources and formal interventions dedicated to preparing children for school don’t start until age four. And while pre-kindergarten is critical, the science is clear: life outcomes are best for children when education starts as close to birth as possible. … Continue Reading →

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Jill Biden visits Woodlawn in Birmingham, Alabama

On April 9, 2021, Dr. Jill Biden visited the James Rushton Early Learning Center and a YWCA in Birmingham, hosted by Purpose Built Network Member Woodlawn Foundation. Biden spoke about how the administration’s $1.9 trillion stimulus law can help address child poverty. Both centers she visited run Head Start programs that benefit from the law. “This pandemic will not break us,” Biden said in her remarks. “I know that you would do anything for your child. You want to give them the world. Every parent does.” … Continue Reading →

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KIPP Woodson Park Academy and new YMCA Early Learning Center open in Grove Park

The new KIPP Woodson Park Academy school welcomed its first students back to in-person learning in a brand-new building that was the result of a community-driven partnership that includes some of Atlanta’s premiere organizations. The completion of the revitalized campus of educational and health services facilities in the Grove Park neighborhood is the culmination of … Continue Reading →

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My Take: We know early education is critical. And today, it is more important than ever that we invest in young children–because if we do, everyone will benefit.

Carol Naughton, Purpose Built Communities CEO The link between early childhood education and poverty is strong. Children who have access to high-quality early learning are more likely to be ready for kindergarten and beyond. When families can send their children to safe, nurturing environments close to home and work, adults can focus on their own … Continue Reading →

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AmplifyGR is Driving Change with a Holistic Approach

Building from a rich history, community quarterback AmplifyGR is driving change with a holistic approach to neighborhood revitalization. Working in partnership with residents and a host of organizations, AmplifyGR is focused on cradle-to-college education opportunities, community wellbeing resources, mixed-income housing and economic development. Watch this great video to get to know this community and meet some of the people who are working to make it stronger than ever. Watch

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Network Member Leaders Kickoff 10th Annual Purpose Built Communities Conference

Since 2009, Purpose Built Communities has grown from just a handful of place-based holistic initiatives to more than 20 across the country. This network is now home to valuable innovations in community building, tackling racial and health inequities, creating strong cross-sectoral partnerships, and delivering better outcomes for children and families. Hear from some of the leaders who have been living and breathing this work with their community partners and neighbors and the lessons they have learned along the way. Watch

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Building a High-Quality Early Learning Center

Early learning is one of the key pieces of a holistic revitalization to break the cycle of poverty. Learn about “The Ins and Outs of Building a High-Quality Early Learning Center” from practitioners and experts in education, community development, health, and finance how to build a high-quality early learning center that prepares children to learn and develop successfully starting from birth. Watch

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Philanthropy and Community Development

Philanthropy is a key ingredient in place-based, holistic revitalization efforts. This session with Eric M. Kelly, President, Quantum Foundation, West Palm Beach, FL and Kristin Williams, Director of Community Initiatives, Sherwood Foundation, Omaha, NE, explores how two foundations in different parts of the country are engaging in holistic, place-based efforts and how community development can build partnerships that will create sustainable solutions for neighborhoods and families. Watch