Our Mission
Cultivating partnerships for thriving Edgewater neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Our Story
Edgewater Collective began in March 2013 as a community-led effort to create thriving neighborhoods, schools and businesses through partnerships. It became apparent that the most strategic mission for Edgewater Collective was focusing on a cradle to career collective impact model to see change in local schools. From 2014-2019, this project known as the Jefferson Success Pathway brought partners together around shared goals and data-driven efforts. The project saw an increased graduation rate at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School and increased investments in the area schools.
Current Projects
Thriving Neighborhoods
We believe every person deserves to be at the table, have their voice heard and be part of the solution.
Edgewater Collective has launched a Family Council, a Youth Council and a Resident-Led Council to create leadership opportunities for families, youth and apartment residents.
Thriving Schools
We believe that ALL children should have equitable access to a great education so they can succeed from cradle to career.
Edgewater Collective has supported neighborhood schools in the Edgewater area since 2013 and is now supporting academic and enrichment programs through Jefferson Success Academy which is offered as an after school program and a summer school program.
Thriving Businesses
We believe that resourcing local businesses helps build community wealth, allows residents to remain in our area and provides career pathways for students and parents.
Edgewater Collective promotes local businesses through the Edgewater Echo, connects them through the Edgewater Business Association and is incubating worker cooperatives to diversify community wealth.
Past Projects
- Edgewater Art Walk for area elementary students
- Lumberg Reading Buddies to increase 3rd grade literacy
- Jefferson Saint Tank to encourage youth entrepreneurship
- Raising funds for Goodwill CareerPlus program at Jefferson
- Helped support School Interest Nights at area schools and pay teachers to attend
- Classroom mini-grants to increase literacy and math skills
- Released four Community Reports to show the progress and growth areas for the Jefferson Success Pathway work
- Organized a Youth Farmer’s Market with Jefferson students
- College Jumpstart to help students prepare for college
- Molholm Learning Spaces Renovation to create a space for teacher collaboration and learning
- Mutual Meals to provide free dinner meals to frontline workers, families and seniors during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Lunch and Learn to provide free summer meals and literacy support at area apartment complexes
- Hiring bilingual Community Resource Navigators to connect families and community members with a variety of resources
- Providing food, internet access and learning supports to students through Pathway Pods
- Organizing a six-week summer learning program called Jefferson Success Academy to help accelerate student learning
Value of Inclusion and Diversity
We are a common good organization which strives to be inclusive and values diversity, equity and justice for all.
We welcome all who want to see a thriving Edgewater. We are committed to offering equal opportunity to all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identifications, documentation status, abilities, incomes, marital statuses and ages in all levels of staff, governance and volunteer opportunities.