Urban youth benefit from cultural exchange activities in rural areas

The Fresh Air Fund temporarily places children from underserved urban neighborhoods in rural homes in order to help all participants gain new experiences.

Nearly two million have benefitted from the program since its inception in 1877.

Households in Northeastern Pennsylvania are ideally suited to host these week-long visits.

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Why rent when it’s cheaper to buy?   

A recent Redfin study compared median monthly mortgage payments with median monthly rent payments for units in Philadelphia, considered the poorest city in the nation.

The estimated rental rate is approximately $131 higher than the estimated monthly mortgage payment, whereas monthly mortgage payments are 25 percent more expensive than rent in other areas throughout the U.S.

Cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Houston face similar dilemmas.

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Veteran peer support program expands locally  

Many military servicemembers struggle with the transition of return to civilian life.

Victory for Veterans, based in Carbon County, offers peer support to these individuals.

Program participation has exceeded expectations in its first year, and organized group hikes have been added to the organization’s menu of activities.

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New Jersey high school launches AAPI curriculum   

Cherry Hill West High School is among the first in the state to launch an Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) studies curriculum.

This subject matter has historically been given little attention in schools nationwide.

The Cherry Hill district was also the first in the state to require African American studies for graduation. 

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Texas nonprofit rescues and rehomes food 

No Lost Food is a volunteer-run nonprofit based in El Paso, founded by a medical student intrigued by the concept of food rescues.

Members of the organization travel to homes and businesses to collect food items that would otherwise be discarded.

The food is redistributed to hundreds of families each month.

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Connecticut releases broadband survey findings 

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has conducted the state’s first broadband study.

Findings reveal limited service reliability as well as an uncertainty among residents regarding internet speeds promised by providers. 

This research is intended to help secure federal funding that supports equitable and effective broadband distribution.

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