Once a vibrant and safe community of working families, today the South Bronx struggles to ensure its children have all the opportunities and resources they need to be successful. Despite the perseverance of community members, the persistence of nonprofit organizations and the investment of public and private dollars across a range of programs and services, the area remains among the most troubled in New York City.

In 2014, Children’s Aid and Phipps Neighborhoods joined forces to launch South Bronx Rising Together (SBRT), a community-wide effort with a network of neighborhood residents and program providers to build pathways of success for children and youth “from cradle through college and career.” We are among a growing number of communities across the country working to achieve collective impact – bringing together various stakeholders to get results on important outcomes.

SBRT envisions a South Bronx that is a vibrant community of infinite opportunity where people aspire to live, work, and raise families. Aligned with that vision, we have identified seven aspirational goals for our community’s young people:

• All are healthy

• All are ready for kindergarten

• All succeed in school

• All contribute positively to the community

• All graduate high school ready for college and/or career

• All attain a post-secondary degree or credential

• All begin a career