With sights set on a thriving, viable community, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) selected USI as a “People lead” in the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Both partners are working together to support positive outcomes for the residents of the Beecher Terrace public housing development.
Built in 1941 in the Russell Neighborhood, just west of downtown Louisville, Beecher Terrace has a rich
history in what was once a bustling, multicultural neighborhood. It is now a predominantly African
American community with high levels of poverty (3.5 times higher* than the general Louisville
population) and areas of disinvestment, but with a community of residents with strong connections
to the neighborhood and community.
Beecher Terrace Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant Success Snapshot
About the Neighborhood
Accelerating Gainful Employment:
Through strategic case management led by USI, Beecher Terrace residents have made significant strides in securing gainful employment. The employment rate of the workable population has increased by 32%. Currently 66% of Beecher workable population is employed. 70% are working full time. 60% of the residents have maintained their employment for at least a year. Approximately 100 families (23%) have had a reduction in their family risk score.
Propelling Education Success:
USI has increased Early Childhood enrollment by 13%. Currently 55% of Beecher Terrace youth are enrolled in center-based, formal home-based, early learning settings and programs with partners such as Play Cousins, YMCA and Jefferson County Public Schools.
Improving Health & Wellness
97% of all adults have medical insurance and a primary doctor. 99% of all youth have medical insurance and primary
doctor. 82% of adults report receiving adequate treatment for chronic health conditions. 100% of youth are receiving adequate treatment for chronic health conditions.
Increasing Participation in Youth Activities:
Beecher Terrace youth 6-17 have seen tremendous gains in educational opportunities. The percentage of children in quality out-of-school programs increased more than 50%. 60 Beecher Terrace youth were able to enhance their self confidence, further their teamwork skills, and slow the “summer slide” by participating in quality programming throughout Metro Louisville. USI was able to connect students to these programs through BLOCS (Building Louisville’s Out of School Time Coordinated System), a community partnership founded by Metro United Way, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), and Louisville Metro Government.
The Impact
average earned household income of Beecher Terrace families
percent of residents who have been seen by a primary care provider
individual children and youth engaged in enrichment programs
percent of families with a decrease in risk score since baseline
Understand how we’ve impacted the Beecher Terrace neighborhood since we were first introduced by checking out our dashboard.
2021 Bellarmine RISE Program
The Bellarmine RISE program is currently comprised of 25 current college students who want to make a difference in the lives of children who otherwise might not have access to such an opportunity. This diverse group of individuals is able to teach a variety of subjects and work with the parents in scheduling.
With each family and scholar’s specific needs in mind, the tutors were meticulously paired with children who would most benefit, and our families couldn’t be happier.
“This [program] is awesome, and I like that it is on the computer so I know my kids will be safe. I also like how flexible the scheduling is so I can be there with them after work. Thank you so much!” – Beecher Terrace parent, Ms. L (name abridged for privacy), who has four children participating.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, 80% OF OUR YOUTH HAVE BEEN REGULARLY ATTENDING AND ARE MAKING STEADY PROGRESS IN THEIR CORE SUBJECTS.
Each student is allotted two hours per week, and all their progress is recorded in session notes. The tutors have built an excellent rapport with our families, many of which look forward to their sessions; the parents feel very relieved to have the help, and the youth are excited and enthusiastic about getting this specialized, 1:1 attention.
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