The Drew Collaborative was established to include a diverse group of individuals, inclusive of unheard voices, with diverse views, opinions and ideas. The intention was that the community voices would make up a majority of the collaborative. The community residents came together and created a shared vision. Realizing that we needed partners, to assist us in creating our vision, we invited other partners to join the collaborative and come to the decision making table with us. The partnerships were built across sectors and organizations, and with community members, to coordinate efforts to address the many goals of the community. Working together, the Drew Collaborative agreed on a shared vision that reads as follow: “By 2026 the city of Drew will be an economically prosperous, growth oriented and unified model community with clean and excellent infrastructure, safe affordable housing for all income levels, B performing schools, and the residents will have easy access to nutritious and healthy food”. 

The grassroots planning started in the community and was rooted in the unique story, culture, histories, assets, and even, liabilities of the community. We are comprised of Drew residents and community leaders including teachers, librarians, business leaders, elected officials, housing professionals, clergy and community volunteers. Key to the planning was listening to community voices as they expressed their own visions. During the planning process, community consensus and energy emerged, momentum was built and a collective will to improve the community ignited.

One of the priorities identified was creating better health and conditions in the community. The community voiced concerns about lack of access to healthy food (the only grocery store in Drew closed in 2012), affordable housing, effective education, transportation, and recreational space for children and adults to engage in physical activities. The physical appearance of the environment is also one of the major concerns, as well as, the stress levels in the community. This process identified challenges and more importantly, empowered community residents to envision a positive future in these specific areas and to become involved in systemic community change.