inCOMMON Community Development is a nonprofit organization based in Omaha that focuses on bettering the neighborhoods surrounding Park Ave. “The mission of inCOMMON is to alleviate poverty at a ‘root’ level by uniting and strengthening vulnerable neighborhoods. Because we believe the greatest strength of any neighborhood are the residents who call these places home, we’re committed to transforming neighborhoods through neighbors themselves” said Partnership Director Rachel Bahl. Through strength-building and empowerment inCOMMON is able to “transform communities through community” (incommoncd.org).
The organization offers many different services and opportunities that are available to residents of “vulnerable neighborhoods”. There are many services that offer support for those in need through their CommonLife and Listening Project programs. However, inCOMMON is well-known for their COMMON Good program. This program “assists low-income residents gain living-wage employment through personalized, one-on-one job coaching and entry-level employment opportunities” (incommoncd.org). COMMON Good currently offers a recycling service called CG:Recycling that is available to all businesses in the downtown and midtown areas.
inCOMMON greatly values faith and identifies as a Christian-affiliated organization. This idea is encompassed in the Neighbors United program. Community members and volunteers come together every Saturday at 11:30am to share a meal in each other’s company. “The primary goal of the Community Meals is to cultivate relationships among area residents, as well as develop CommonLife relationships” (incommoncd.org). The Community Meals are donated by Trader Joe’s and distributed by volunteers.
In addition to all of their programs, inCOMMON offers many services at its headquarters; Park Ave Commons. Located at 1340 Park Ave in Omaha, “The Park Ave Commons is a safe and hospitable place for residents to come together to build community, receive services, and take part in empowerment-based opportunities and trainings.” The organization offers English and Spanish classes, GED classes (in both Spanish and English), Zumba, Salsa classes, Job Readiness services, as well as programs for children.
Senior Supreme Price states that inCOMMON “makes me feel powerful, and they connect us with city officials and stuff like that”. Price is an intern for the organization and is also takes part in a youth group called “The Diamonds”. He has been involved with inCOMMON for a little over a year. Since becoming affiliated with the organization “I’ve gained leadership skills, and I’m more well-spoken” said Price. On the subject of his achievements with inCOMMON, Price said “I’ve been honored for the Neighborhood Superhero Award, we’re getting closer and closer to our goal of building a soccer field, we built a playground [on Park Ave], and I’ve met city officials and local politicians”.
Price has plans to volunteer with the organization in the future and to keep improving the Park Ave neighborhood.