At New Town Success Zone (NTSZ), we are committed to transforming lives and creating opportunities for children and families in the New Town neighborhood of Jacksonville. By providing a continuum of services—from prenatal care to post-secondary education—we work to break the cycle of poverty and support our community in achieving long-term success.
What makes our approach different is the power of collaboration. We don’t work alone. Instead, we bring together community partners and residents through a Collective Impact Model—a strategy that fosters meaningful, long-term change by ensuring all efforts are aligned toward a shared goal.
Understanding the Challenges in New Town
Despite being part of a thriving city, New Town continues to face systemic challenges that create barriers to success. These issues impact the well-being and future of our community:
1. Limited Access to Food and Resources
New Town is classified as a food desert, meaning our residents have limited access to fresh and nutritious food. Many families rely on convenience stores and fast food, leading to higher rates of diet-related health issues such as diabetes and hypertension.
Beyond food, our neighborhood lacks essential resources like affordable healthcare, financial services, and quality education opportunities. Without these fundamental building blocks, it becomes much harder for families to break free from the cycle of poverty.
2. Environmental and Social Inequities
Our community also faces environmental challenges, including poor air quality and a lack of green spaces, which can negatively impact health and quality of life.
Tragic events, such as the racially motivated shooting that shook Jacksonville in 2023, have further underscored the urgent need for equity, safety, and social support. Yet, through these challenges, our community has shown incredible resilience, standing together to create a stronger and more united New Town.
The Collective Impact Model: Our Approach to Change
At New Town Success Zone, we believe that sustainable change happens when the entire community works together. That’s why we use the Collective Impact Model, a structured framework that aligns organizations, leaders, and residents toward a common vision.
This model is built on five key principles:
- Common Agenda – We work with our partners and community members toward a shared vision for change.
- Shared Measurement Systems – We track our progress using consistent and transparent measures to ensure accountability.
- Mutually Reinforcing Activities – Every organization and individual involved contributes their unique strengths in a coordinated way.
- Continuous Communication – Open and ongoing discussions help build trust and keep our efforts aligned.
- Backbone Support Organizations – A dedicated team at NTSZ ensures all initiatives stay on track and create real impact.
By following these principles, we maximize the effectiveness of our efforts, ensuring that our work leads to long-term, systemic change for the New Town community.
How You Can Get Involved
We believe that creating a thriving New Town requires the collective effort of the entire community. Whether you are a local resident, business owner, or organization looking to make an impact, there are several ways to contribute:
- Volunteer – Whether mentoring youth, assisting with programs, or supporting events, your time can make a meaningful difference.
- Partner – If you represent a business, nonprofit, or organization that shares our vision, we welcome collaboration to expand our impact.
- Donate – Financial support helps sustain our programs and services, ensuring we continue to serve those who need it most.
Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous New Town.
For more information on how to get involved, contact us today!
