Renaissance West Community Initiative

Workforce Development and Adult EducationThis program supports residents in expanding their educational and career opportunities through personalized career coaching, including career assessments, resume building, and job search assistance. It also facilitates enrollment in certification programs and offers initiatives to improve digital and financial literacy. In 2024, three individuals enrolled in the online GED program, while 25 participated in the in-person GED program, with one graduate. In total, 28 individuals were served through this program.Early Childhood EducationOperated by Dixon Academy, the Howard Levine Child Development Center (HLCDC) is a high-quality early learning program aimed at preparing children for kindergarten. In 2024, the center enrolled 135 children, including 38 NC Pre-K students. End-of-year data for the 2023-2024 school year from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools indicated limited growth across all measures in the prekindergarten classrooms. Additionally, 44 children received speech services during the school year. Pre-test results showed that 29% of these children demonstrated age-appropriate language and literacy skills, while post-test results revealed a significant improvement, with 95% achieving age-appropriate skills.K-8 EducationRenaissance West STEAM Academy serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, offering educational and enrichment opportunities to foster academic achievement. Approximately 800 students are enrolled. For the 20232024 school year, students in grades 3 through 8 met 100% of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) average growth objectives, and 100% of Math 1 students met the average proficiency objectives. Other performance metrics included 42% proficiency in Math 1 (Grade 8), 44% in elementary reading, and 47% in middle school reading. The school also offers a variety of out-of-school time programs, including Barre Belle (15 participants), Alliance Center for Education (35), Girl Scouts (24), and Kids in the Kitchen (64), totaling 138 students engaged in extracurricular activities.Health and WellnessThis program aims to enhance the mental and physical well-being of residents through community engagement and health initiatives. In 2024, three large-scale neighborhood-wide events were held, meeting the target, with an average attendance of 250 people, surpassing the goal of 200. Additionally, 140 targeted or specialized events, such as job fairs and food distribution events, were conductedmore than double the target of 60. Health improvement participation reached 64%, exceeding the 30% goal. However, only 63% of residents self-reported being in good health or better, falling short of the 90% target. The community crime rate was 38 per 1,000 residents, which is within 5% of the local average of 40.Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Case Management The FSS program is a work-requirement initiative designed to help participants increase their income and achieve upward mobility. It also includes a focus on older adults, offering programming that supports mental and physical wellness, leadership development, and access to resources. Participation in the program was recorded at 44 in January 2025 and 32 in March 2025.Life Navigation This voluntary program provides personalized coaching and mentoring to help families set SMART goals that promote educational advancement and access to higher-paying jobs. In 2023, the employment rate among participants rose from 67% in 2022 to 75%. Participation numbers fluctuated due to the voluntary nature of the program, with 120 participants in November 2024, 106 in January 2025, and 75 in March 2025. Combined with the FSS program, the total number of households impacted was 150 in January 2025 and 127 in March 2025.