Next Stage - Social Impact Services

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Thought Leadership

Embracing the Outsider: The Benefits of Hiring Beyond Industry Boundaries

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As I reflect on my major career shift two years ago from ministry to consulting, and how Next Stage welcomed this “social impact outsider,” to the team, I’m thinking about the mutual ways we’ve benefited from our pairing. I took a risk using my skills and interests in a new environment and, thankfully, it was met with opportunity. I don’t believe that’s the norm and I’d like to see more companies give it a go – for the benefit of someone looking to grow in a new direction and – as I’ll highlight – the benefit of their mission or business.

“Minimum Qualifications”

  • ​​A minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience
  • Past role in sustainability-focused communications or in a communications role heavily focused on sustainability
  • Knowledge of financial analysis, business planning, marketing planning and execution within big-box format (event management role)
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or equivalent

The bullet points above were taken from current LinkedIn job listings for the Charlotte region. I don’t want to call out the company or job title but trust me when I say these “Minimum Qualifications” are unnecessary for the roles they aim to fill.

Why? Because there is so much potential for companies when they consider bringing in talent outside their industry. A common theme for today’s workforce is the struggle to keep employees engaged. And maybe one reason is that hiring managers are overplaying experience and downplaying interest when reviewing their candidate pools. (Or asking AI to do that filtering for them. Sigh.)

Three Benefits

I’ve seen – and experienced – many benefits of hiring from outside the bubble, but I’ll highlight my top three.

Fresh Thinking

Many companies talk about wanting to be “ahead of the curve” or “disruptive.” If that’s you, keep this in mind: On teams where every member shares the same background and experiences, it can create an echo chamber of ideas – not fertile soil where innovation can blossom.

In fact, one hint that it was time for me to move on from ministry communications after 13 years was that I could not come up with a new way to announce our Bible study offerings. I lacked fresh thinking and was struggling to overcome the status quo.

At Next Stage, my newness, curiosity and desire for context led me to ask (many!) questions of my teammates: Why is it done this way? Can you explain this terminology? What’s the vibe?

I brought these learnings to the communication I produced for Next Stage and our clients. I found opportunities to unpack what felt like insider language and new nuggets of insight to draw people in. When you’re “in it” for several years, it’s normal to take for granted that folks will understand XYZ about your program, product or mission. In many instances, I didn’t. I figured other stakeholders might not either, or they needed a refresher. Newness became my value-add to our engagements.

Transferable Skills That Get The Job Done

This seems like a good point to clarify that I’m not saying industry or degree experience isn’t useful, but that it shouldn’t be the most important thing for all jobs, or even listed as a minimum requirement that might hold good talent back from applying. For example, I hold a B.A. in Journalism from UNC, with a concentration in Advertising…from ye olde year of 2003. Folks, I never once had to use Photoshop to complete an assignment! My degree, while foundational for my training, now better indicates my interest than my aptitude for designer roles at an ad agency. (Shout out to Canva!) Meanwhile, there are applicants who pursued other degrees in college and then developed a passion for visual design. What sounds better for your needs?

More than industry, I believe intrinsic skills are universally valuable to an organization. Whether it’s communication, problem-solving, or leadership, candidates from outside your go-to hiring bullpen often possess transferable skills that can be seamlessly applied to new roles. Today’s ever-changing world needs workers who can adapt and navigate unfamiliar terrain so be sure you value those intangible qualities as you review a candidate.

Improved Diversity and Inclusion

Onboarding can be arduous, and I know everyone’s plates are already full. It’s tempting to hire someone who needs to learn less so you can get straight to it, but you might miss the opportunity to enhance the diversity of experience, knowledge and overall skillset of your organization if you go that route. Employees from different industries and perspectives can offer insights into customer needs and preferences from their work that can positively shake up “how it’s always been done” at your organization, providing the breakthrough you’ve been looking for in a program or initiative.

Many companies list DEI as a priority and hiring is a critical element of that focus – but the data proves that opportunity can be harder to come by for candidates who are from diverse racial backgrounds, neurodivergent, or who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. From a team culture perspective, embracing candidates from diverse backgrounds and industries fosters a more inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

For more on building a diverse, thriving workforce, sign up for our upcoming webinar, Community Voice & HR: Listening to Your Employees.

Open the Door

As we reflect on our own experiences and career journeys, let’s consider the benefits of opening doors wider to candidates from outside our industry – and being welcoming teammates to these candidates.

The rewards for both the individual and the organization are worth it.

Reclaiming Hope: Mental Health in Post-Pandemic Recovery

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In the wake of a tumultuous chapter of history, COVID-19’s impact on our nation’s mental health continues to echo through our communities. The aftermath of unprecedented isolation, uncertainty, overwhelming collective trauma and grief has highlighted the critical importance of well-being and mental health care. As we navigate this uncharted period of recovery, it is imperative to understand the profound implications on our mental health and forge strategies to heal.

Although advocacy for and attention on the mental health crisis throughout and after the pandemic has ebbed and flowed, what needs to stay consistent is hope. Unfortunately, hope is more readily accessible to some communities than others.

The State of Our Mental Health

As Mental Health Awareness Month currently unfolds, mental health takes center stage in many of our conversations. The pandemic left a mark not just on our bodies, but also on our minds, fueled by the uncertainty that continues to linger.

Throughout the pandemic, many adults reported symptoms consistent with anxiety and depression, with approximately four in ten adults reporting these symptoms by early 2021. Social isolation became the norm, leaving many feeling lonely and disconnected, experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness, alone. Health-related anxiety reportedly rose for many, and grief and trauma found their way into our lives in unexpected ways.

And let’s not forget those who felt the impact even more deeply. Frontline workers, students, and marginalized communities faced unique challenges, often with limited access to support. There is an ongoing disparity in outcomes of those able to recover from COVID as well as some of the effects of longer-term symptoms. As we navigate our collective recovery journey, it’s important to recognize the hurdles many still face – and to continue working to heal our communities who need it most.

Many of us still grapple with the aftershocks of these experiences, which can profoundly shape our thought patterns and feelings about being around others. We must continue to extend grace, compassion and support to those navigating these challenges.

The Shadow of Stigma

While new conversations about mental health have surfaced, the historical stigma around mental illness still lingers. COVID-19 unearthed the potential for long-term effects on both individual and community mental health. Proactive measures can help mitigate these risks, however, there remain opportunities to lessen the barriers that stigma upholds to maximize the impact these measures can have.

Education, storytelling, and open dialogue have emerged as powerful tools in the journey towards destigmatization. Fostering safe spaces, both virtually and in person, for dialogue in workspaces, schools, homes, churches, or community centers, can encourage a culture of openness, curiosity and understanding. Increased awareness paves the way for better support systems, equipping individuals with the tools they need and normalizing different pathways of care. Improved mental health literacy creates a greater capacity for empathy and support, ultimately leading to healthier communities.

The Road to Recovery

The landscape of post-pandemic mental health and recovery is multifaceted. It may seem like a complex web of challenges to unravel, but there are also encouraging moments of healing and strength, giving hope for a thriving future.

The pandemic exposed several long-standing inequities within our systems, that we continue to find opportunities to improve. While navigating the ups and downs that come with the journey toward fixing our broken systems and rebuilding trust, finding ways to cope becomes our guide. Especially after a period of great isolation, acknowledging and remembering that we’re not alone in this journey is critical; community support is vital.

Seeking professional mental health care and support can be a form of community. Whether through individual or group therapy or counseling, professional support is invaluable for navigating our complex human emotions. This kind of support can also expose us to additional resources and tools we may not have otherwise come across. Through my therapy journey, I’ve adopted the tool of mindfulness meditation. By practicing mindfulness, one learns to use self-affirmation and self-compassion to offer ourselves the kindness and grace we deserve. A wealth of resources can help us maintain mental well-being, both in formal and informal modalities.

Throughout the pandemic, several changes have been implemented in the delivery of mental health and substance use services, including telehealth, improved access to treatment for certain substance use disorders, expansion of school-based mental health care, and the rollout of the 988 crisis line.

As the public health emergency declaration has officially ended, some of these services may be interrupted. With policy advocacy and legislation in the works to expand some of these progressions, we should see more supports put in place with reduced barriers to accessing them.

These changes, along with the potential for more, is what gives me hope.

Unfinished Business: An Expert Perspective on NC’s Healthcare Safety Net

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This week’s blog is from Randy Jordan, our Chief Advisor for Impact for Health. Randy is a nationally-known community health expert and thought leader who is committed to strengthening and improving healthcare systems, while ensuring that every individual has access to high-quality care. 

At the opening of a recent Next Stage staff meeting, the team was asked, “What’s some unfinished business in your career?” After getting over the surprise of such an important question being asked in the icebreaker slot, my answer came immediately to mind – sustainable funding for the safety-net.

My Background

A brief explanation and some background are needed. My professional life began as a pharmacist in a small Florida town where most of my customers were on Medicaid. Even with a Medicaid card, the cost of prescription drugs was a big barrier to my customers receiving their life-saving medications. I did all I could through the use of generic drugs and drug substitution to help them stay drug-compliant, but it was an uphill climb. Why? Because the nature of pharmacy practice was rapidly changing. Local pharmacies were increasingly carrying the banners of large corporations and the prescription drug benefit was more and more controlled by specialized pharmacy benefit managers and mail-order pharmacies. At the same time, drug prices were beginning to skyrocket. My ability as a healthcare professional to influence affordability questions faced by my customers was diminishing day by day.

Healthcare is a Business Opportunity

A version of this story was repeating itself in the lives of other health professionals as the transformation of healthcare from a healing art to a business opportunity began to impact doctors, dentists, nurses, physical therapists and mental health practitioners to name a few. Institutional healthcare providers like hospitals and nursing homes were not immune and faced similar pressures. The last 40 years have been marked by the economic realities of increasing health costs colliding with an elusive desire by healthcare providers to preserve the quality of rendered services.

Sadly, the data from other comparably developed countries suggests that we are losing the cost vs quality battle in the United States. According to a recent Commonwealth Fund report, the United States ranks last among 7 industrialized countries on measures of quality, efficiency, access to care, equity and the ability to lead long, health, and productive lives despite having the most expensive healthcare system.

And, who is really losing out? Underserved, uninsured patients who have been largely left behind in the wake of our country’s healthcare economy.

The growing interests of Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health insurers in transitioning the underlying principles of healthcare to a value-based model have piqued my interest in capitation (fixed per member per month payments) as a provider reimbursement mechanism, especially for healthcare providers dedicated to serving underserved populations. Again, you might ask – Why?

A Capitation Case Study

In the 1990’s, I was a healthcare lawyer specializing in provider risk-sharing arrangements for managed care organizations. I learned from that experience that whoever bore the risk of providing healthcare to a population controlled the way healthcare was delivered. With escalating healthcare costs, health insurance was the dominant player. Capitation was tried and largely failed because of an over-emphasis on cutting healthcare costs at the expense of quality.

In the early 2000s, I shifted to working in the international healthcare space and helped establish 2 charitable hospitals and 3 free clinics in Cambodia, one of the poorest nations in the world. At the time, there was no health insurance in Cambodia and healthcare providers had to make their fixed, global budgets work to continue to serve their patient population. This was a form of capitation surfacing in an unexpected place with a unique twist. The twist was that healthcare in Cambodia was operating with a low-cost structure – allowing providers to adjust their budgets in a way that balanced cost and quality. Amazingly, I experienced hospitals reaching break-even within 5 years and reinvesting their profits into other needed services to benefit their patient population.

So what about today?

So what about today? I’ve found that North Carolina’s informal safety-net system of healthcare could be an unexpected asset as we strive to achieve the benefits of value-based care. A simple equation helps to illustrate the point: Healthcare Value = Quality divided by Cost.

In the case of safety-net providers, their fixed annual budgets require them to squeeze out excessive costs and maximize the use of their limited resources. As a result, the cost of primary care services among federally qualified health centers is about 75% of the cost of the same services provided through traditional healthcare providers. Among free and charitable clinics, the cost savings are even greater at approximately 50%. Thus, the cost feature of the equation tilts in favor of the safety-net. Quality measures compare favorably too. Comparative quality outcome measures reported by FQHCs and free and charitable clinics are year-on-year on par with or better than the outcomes reported for providers paid through commercial insurance. On the value-based care tally sheet, safety-net providers tick many of the boxes.

Capitating the Safety-Net

When all of this information is taken into account, I’ve found that safety-net primary care providers are ideal candidates for capitation-based reimbursement. It seems counter-intuitive because the safety-net is thinly funded and capitation shifts all the financial risk of providing care from the health insurers to the providers. But, I’m convinced that the safety-net system of healthcare represents a model that provides many advantages: escalating costs are moderated by safety net providers having a history of living within their means and quality performance measures are enhanced because the control of practicing healthcare is placed in the hands of those most highly trained to improve health outcomes.

For me, this remains a bit of unfinished business. If you too are interested in pushing a bit further the idea of seeking sustainable funding for the safety net, feel free to reach out to me at Next Stage – randy@nextstage-consulting.com.

Community Voice: Passing Fad or Lasting Disruption?

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Over the past few months, Next Stage has been developing a new approach to advancing social good — offering workshops and learning management for professionals on a range of topics including movement-building brand marketing, effective forms of collaboration and dynamic methods of building public-private partnerships. You can learn more and register for our webinars here.

The first topic we are tackling is Community Voice, which we define as “a two-way directional approach geared toward listening to individuals and institutions alike while building trust as an asset, embracing transparent communication and moving change-worthy initiatives forward together.” It is a concept that has existed for some time – the Google Ngram Viewer suggests a spike in its usage in the 1990s – but it has taken on increasing importance in the 2020s.

The one-two punch of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd in early 2020 shifted approaches to reaching people in need. Systems and service providers realized the importance of building stronger relationships with the communities they were serving.

But in the years since, we’ve noticed something else occurring – an appropriation of the language of social good, transforming definitions and ultimately devaluing the concepts they represent. It is a scourge and we feel the need to call it out. 

Words, Words, Words

It wasn’t that long ago that other buzzy impact terms like ESG and CRT were vilified politically, twisted in their meaning to suggest something they were not. DEI is similarly under attack, with efforts across the country to either limit or completely eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on public university campuses. Corporations that once championed these concepts have quietly shifted their strategies, downplaying past statements and pulling out thesauruses to find less triggering language. 

Inside the world of social good, we have also observed an opposite trend. As opposed to running from these terms, organizations have adopted them to describe their programming, whether earned or not. Large, agency-like nonprofits have taken to calling themselves “community-based organizations,” stretching the definition to fit as new sources of funding flow to trust-built neighborhood groups. The concept of community voice has also been appropriated, with every digital survey and focus group rebranded to suggest a deeper and more impactful form of engagement.

We know language matters, so who defines what constitutes authentic trust-building in the community? If every form of engagement is rechristened as Community Voice, won’t that devalue its substantial potential to disrupt the status quo?

In short: yes. 

Recently, Next Stage published a community report on the topic – Inside-Out: The Case for Community Voice – highlighting the role Community Voice plays in bridging divides that limit referral pipelines and slow pandemic recovery. In it, we make a passionate argument for increasing community voice efforts to overcome a crisis we fear is dismantling decades of forward progress on social causes

A Crisis of Trust

According to Gallup’s annual survey, confidence in America’s ‘trusted’ institutions has eroded significantly in recent years. While this trend of declining trust has been decades in the making, extending back more than 40 years, there has been a sharp downward dip, with community trust in businesses, government, faith communities, media and the medical, justice and education systems at an all-time low.

It doesn’t take long on social media to see how this mistrust is breeding misinformation, upending social norms, and fostering disdain across socioeconomic lines. With the rise of AI and lifelike avatars of real humans, the future looks uncertain for how to recapture trust in systems.

Nonprofits have been similarly feeling this pinch. Traditionally, nonprofits have not self-identified as being part of ‘the system.’ Instead, they think of governments, corporations and institutional philanthropy in those terms, seeing their programming on the same side of the table as the people they aim to serve. And yet, these organizations are wrestling with the same lack of engagement as these other institutions. They are learning that ‘systemness is in the eye of the beholder.’

Not all nonprofits are having the same experience. Those 501c3 organizations that had previously invested in growing relationships with the constituents they hope to serve have fared much better than those that largely sat back, depending on referral pipelines from safety net partners. Nonprofits that often brag about how many organizations they receive referrals from are more often passive in building unique relationships themselves, satisfied instead to await the person in need to come through their front door.

At Next Stage, we believe there is another way – one that requires an increased focus on relationship-building ahead of the deployment of services. It is a shift in practice that is too often not funded, not prioritized and not done effectively.

It is a shift that centers Community Voice as an essential first step.

Championing Authenticity

With such a challenge of mistrust to overcome, nonprofits that slap the term Community Voice on pre-existing strategies are likely to find themselves moving backward. 

We recognize the challenges faced by service providers, who struggle with limited resources to address trendlines like this crisis of trust. This is why, as a follow-up to our report, we have launched a webinar series on the topic of Community Voice.

On May 8 at 11 am, Next Stage’s Senior Director of Community Voice, Helen Hope Kimbrough, and I will lead a free webinar entitled “Programming Matters: How to Strengthen Nonprofit Effectiveness Through Community Voice.” We will walk through the ways Community Voice aids in evaluating program efficacy, increasing constituent acquisition, deepening partnerships and growing peer engagement. It is a session ideal for chief administrators, program directors and philanthropic leaders.

On May 30 at 11 am, Helen and I will be back for another free webinar entitled “Marketing Matters: How Community Voice Leads to More Effective Marketing.” This session will focus on how community voice can help your organization understand its true value proposition, test market language, leverage gatekeepers and “neighborhood PHDs,” and tell stories that celebrate equity and honor the people you profile.

We believe every organization has the potential to adopt approaches to community voice that lead to stronger services, more equitable storytelling, and ultimately better decision-making. We hope to see you at our webinars in May.

Inside Out is the New Bottom Up

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Hearing the words “bottom up” when we look at how people are viewed, judged or measured can be a trigger for me and others. In my lived experience, I’ve witnessed negative connotations or biased opinions when it comes to the reality or perception of what the “bottom” references.

The Study that Put Charlotte at the Bottom

When the 2014 “Land of Opportunity” Study placed Charlotte 50th (out of 50) for economic mobility in major cities, stating that children born into poverty likely remained in poverty, there were shock waves. The findings were a catalyst for rallying cries from corporate, community and civic leaders to do something to change this outcome for Charlotte. Leaders joined forces and organized the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force, ultimately developing 91 recommendations to improve and advance economic mobility, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

That study was published a decade ago. Since that time, Leading on Opportunity, an organization supporting Charlotte’s generations-long journey, was formed to convene sectors, implement the recommendations, and improve economic mobility for all using three cornerstones: strategy, data, and policy.

Reactions to this study sent a clear message – Charlotte didn’t like being placed at the bottom but it ended up there from its inability to improve the quality of life for many of its citizens.

How it Feels

Most parents want their children to thrive in their educational pursuits – from preschool to advanced degrees. This belief is strong and crosses variables of race, religion, gender, zip codes and economic status.

When my younger son was in third grade, he struggled with reading and spelling. He would try really hard, but for him, success was not instant. My son was not a traditional learner but instead an experiential learner. This means he learned best through a hands-on or interactive approach strengthened by experiences. Yet, his teacher at the time was not enthusiastic about experiential learning or the context of how he learned. Therefore, my son was placed in the lowest reading and spelling groups. One day, he came home and asked, “Am I smart?” Even in third grade, my son, who learned differently, knew that he was at the bottom. And more importantly, he didn’t like how that made him feel.

In response to his question, I shared that sometimes it takes longer to process, navigate and understand information. I told him that we would find the right tools and resources to course correct to get him on track. It was a journey of advocating for experiential learning not only for the teacher, but for the school administration as well. I did not shy away from this journey because I knew the talents and gifts that my son possessed. I just needed his learning environment to adequately adjust to how he learned and processed information.

After months of sharing case studies and articles on experiential learning, I gained buy-in from the principal who directed the teacher to try this approach. Once she did, my son gained traction of clarity and understanding that was notable in elevating him to higher reading and spelling groups. This was a pivotal moment that changed his trajectory and mine.

Who Decides?

What occurred with my son are common occurrences for many. Someone is deciding who is deemed to be “at the bottom” – not only in education, but in a variety of sectors and situations.

When we work on projects at Next Stage, we regularly hear the phrase, ‘from the bottom up.’ Usually this is said with good intentions and acknowledgment from people in positions of power or influence, especially for problem-solving.

But let’s be clear – no one likes to be at the bottom or feel less than. This is evident in Charlotte’s response to the study and my son’s response to his teacher. There are structures and systems put in place that don’t optimize inclusivity or equity for everyone. And while “starting from the bottom up” implies that everyone will be able to provide feedback, it also implies that the final decision will still be made by those at the top. This begs the question:

Who determined the bottom? And who is benefitting from that structure?

Unpacking the Inside-Out Framework

It’s why Next Stage has changed its language over the last year. We champion an “inside-out” approach instead of a “bottom up” framework. “Inside-out” focuses on proximity to a problem or concern, seeking resolution together. It shakes up the process and suggests that every stakeholder’s voice has value, regardless of where they reside in the community or organizational chain of command.

We want to continue this conversation and continue leading the charge on reframing this mindset. On April 17, Next Stage is launching a series of free webinars unpacking the concept of “Inside Out”. We’ll share how Community Voice creates a foundation for nonprofit leadership, communications and program staff to authentically engage with stakeholders, improve program quality and create messaging that resonates.

The first session will be on Wednesday, April 17, at 11 am. Sign up here to join us!

Happy Hill: A Reflection on the Winston-Salem Neighborhood

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Happy Hill Neighborhood

Last month, Next Stage CEO, Josh Jacobson, and I had the opportunity to formally tour the Happy Hill neighborhood in Winston-Salem, NC. The historically African American community has been disenfranchised and underfunded for decades – but community leaders have persevered over the years, fighting for neighborhood improvements and historical recognition. When we visited, leaders from the Happy Hill Neighborhood Association graciously shared this history while we walked together through the neighborhood.

The experience was transformative and profound. For me, it also evoked feelings of frustration, hope, anger, sadness and grief. I can empathize and resonate with the collective and persistent trauma faced by Black individuals, families and communities all over this country, since the beginning of its time.

The Vision

As we toured the historical neighborhood, I felt pride for our Black ancestors who were truly visionary for their time, such as the seven freed men who were the original building blocks of the Happy Hill community. Rather than distancing themselves from their oppressors, they had a vision to purchase land to secure generational freedom, wealth and opportunity. Unfortunately, their vision was met over the years with egregious injustices by local government and developers to claim the land and develop buildings and homes based on their plans for the city – without input from the residents who have lived and tended the community for generations.

These founding families deserve so much more recognition for the genuine love, commitment and dedication they had to give their people the opportunity to crawl out from under centuries of oppression. When visionaries like the beautiful souls serving the Happy Hill Neighborhood Association make and take space to be courageous enough to stand up and speak out against the injustices done to their neighborhood, it reminds me that amidst the anguish, collective determination rises as an even more powerful force. In witnessing their courage, I’m reminded that from this shared pain can emerge a strength that fuels transformative change and a united voice against systemic injustices.

Anger, Frustration, Heartbreak and Hope

I felt conflicted as a Black woman, whose recent ancestors came to America of their own will, to try to make a better life for their families and achieve an “American dream” – promised to all and still only intended for some. For the some that can pick themselves up by the “bootstraps” to amass all of the resources needed to push out those they don’t think are deserving of a dream. The pursuit of an elusive American dream echoes the struggles of my own ancestors. As I delve into the layers of my family’s history, I strive to uncover and understand my roots while navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.

Through Happy Hill’s stories of survival and determination, I find strength. It is fueling my commitment to contribute to a more just and inclusive society, forging a connection between my experience and the enduring legacy of determination from those who’ve faced unimaginable hardships.

I felt such anger, frustration, and heartbreak for the families who have been fighting for what is rightfully theirs for generations. This experience transformed me. Not only by the discomfort I felt, but also by the hope for the future I left with. I witnessed the determination, fire and unconditional love from the women who showed us around their neighborhood.

Persevering for Preservation

Our tour guide called me in, to bring attention to the notion that the Happy Hill community should not be seen or known as resilient because they should not have to be. For many, many years, the Happy Hill community was told their stories and their histories weren’t important and weren’t worth being preserved. And yet, they persevered to receive historical designations for their land and they continue to pour into the heart of their community through fervent advocacy, community gatherings, and oral storytelling – that is determination.

In closing, our visit to Happy Hill brought me tremendous hope because I feel inspired to tell the story of what I witnessed there, and I’ve met the gifted activists who are determined enough to continue showing up for their home.