Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality

Leadership Development training and activities engaging 400 people to increase the civic participation of 2000 residents through relationship building, identification of community concerns, individual and small group conversations, network development, identification of professional experts and community partners, research of best practices, and increased cooperation and relationship building among diverse socioeconomic, multicultural, interracial and interfaith communities in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Criminal Justice Campaign to engage residents in reducing the number of adults being arrested by giving alternative arrest avoidance programs for misdemeanor offenses to increase safety, save public funds, and maintain the economic stability of families. To also monitor the youth alternative to arrest program for misdemeanors to ensure effectively reducing arrests, incresing public safety, and helping in the development of children. Bringing awareness and education to law enforcement and community regarding intertactions that cause mistrust and fear between both parties. Identify and educate on effective practices to improve interactions.

Mental Health and Addiction Services campaign developed to address problems related to the problem of mental health and the lack of access to mental health and addiction services. Engaged residents in surfacing and sharing personal stories related to mental health problems. Built collaborative community relationships to develop, initiate and establish funding for an increase in recovery services. Recovery services include job training, employment, and peer support to increase stability and self sufficiency, thereby reducing mental health crisis, emergency room visits, law enforcement interactions, and homelessness.

Campaign to surface stories of how environmental concerns are impacting residents and their family members. Building coalition and working relationships between the community, environmental, stormwater, resiliency and sustainability professionals. Researching and implementing best practices to reduce flooding, heat and poor water quality through use of green infrastruture found in native trees and plants.