The article discusses the issue of a large life expectancy gap in West Garfield Park, Chicago, where residents are expected to die earlier than in any other part of the city. The community is working to address this issue through various initiatives, including the creation of a wellness center that will include a medical clinic, gym, and daycare center.
Tosheika Thomas, who grew up in West Garfield Park, is one of the leaders behind the initiative. She fears that as money flows into the area, it could improve the health of everyone in the community but at what cost? Her total tax bill nearly tripled, and she worries that people who move in will say she doesn't belong.
Despite these concerns, Thomas continues to work on her mission to ensure that her community benefits from new and healthy change. She wants to create a vibrant and healthy neighborhood where young people like her son can feel the pull to stay.
Daevon Reynolds, Tosheika's son, also lives in West Garfield Park. He has chosen to stay in the neighborhood despite its stresses, driven by his hope for a better future. "I keep coming back," he said. "Something here still needs my attention."
The article highlights the efforts of community leaders and organizations working to address the life expectancy gap in West Garfield Park. The initiatives include:
* West Side United: An initiative launched in 2018 that includes several hospital systems hiring over 7,000 West Siders and spending more than $257 million on area businesses.
* Sankofa Village Wellness Center: A new project planned for the area, which will include a medical clinic, gym, and daycare center.
The article aims to provide an in-depth look at the issue of life expectancy gaps in Chicago's neighborhoods and the efforts being made to address them.
Tosheika Thomas, who grew up in West Garfield Park, is one of the leaders behind the initiative. She fears that as money flows into the area, it could improve the health of everyone in the community but at what cost? Her total tax bill nearly tripled, and she worries that people who move in will say she doesn't belong.
Despite these concerns, Thomas continues to work on her mission to ensure that her community benefits from new and healthy change. She wants to create a vibrant and healthy neighborhood where young people like her son can feel the pull to stay.
Daevon Reynolds, Tosheika's son, also lives in West Garfield Park. He has chosen to stay in the neighborhood despite its stresses, driven by his hope for a better future. "I keep coming back," he said. "Something here still needs my attention."
The article highlights the efforts of community leaders and organizations working to address the life expectancy gap in West Garfield Park. The initiatives include:
* West Side United: An initiative launched in 2018 that includes several hospital systems hiring over 7,000 West Siders and spending more than $257 million on area businesses.
* Sankofa Village Wellness Center: A new project planned for the area, which will include a medical clinic, gym, and daycare center.
The article aims to provide an in-depth look at the issue of life expectancy gaps in Chicago's neighborhoods and the efforts being made to address them.
. It's heartbreaking that they have to worry about money affecting their homes, especially when they're trying to create positive change 
. But at the same time, I'm so proud of them for staying committed to their vision for a healthier West Garfield Park 
. And it's amazing to see organizations like West Side United and Sankofa Village Wellness Center stepping up to support the community 
. These initiatives have the potential to make a huge difference in people's lives, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be successful 
it's crazy to think that in one of the most populous cities in the US we got areas where ppl are expected 2 die younger than anywhere else... sounds like a perfect setup 4 a wellness center & all, but u gotta wonder about da unintended consequences 
like, how many ppl will still be priced outta da neighborhood when all these fancy amenities r built? seems like we're tryin' 2 solve one problem (health) w/ another ( gentrification) 
. But at what cost though? Are we really talkin' about gentrification or somethin'? How much are these new developments gonna cost, and who's supposed to foot the bill? We need to make sure everyone in this community benefits from these changes, not just some privileged few 
its crazy that tax increases are affectin toshieka's ability to bring progress to her community, that cant be easy 
daevon's words though... "i keep coming back" thats the kinda vibe u need to see in a community, people want to stay & make a change for themselves & their families 
gotta love toshieka for stickin it out despite all that negativity 
these wellness center initiatives sound like they could make a huge difference, tho - medical clinic, gym, daycare... its not just about the physical health of the ppl but also the mental & emotional well-being 
hope they can get some funding & support to make it happen 
And with Daevon Reynolds saying he keeps coming back to the neighborhood, despite its stresses, it shows that people are still invested in making a difference. 
Is it possible for new development to happen without pushing out the people who've been living there? 
. Like, what's wrong with someone tryna uplift their community? They're already sacrificin' so much for this neighborhood. And you know what, if it means the place gets healthier and stuff, I'm all for it 
! It's amazing how one person can make such a big impact, even with all the challenges they're facing 
. I love how Tosheika is thinking about the potential consequences of new money flowing into the area, but she's still pushing forward because she knows it'll be for the greater good 
. And Daevon's commitment to staying and making a difference is super heartwarming 
! These community leaders are proof that one person can truly make a difference and I'm rooting for them all the way 
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. And I love that Tosheika's son, Daevon, is stayin' in the neighborhood because he believes in the change too 
& thats just crazy talk. anywayz i think its dope that toshieka & daevon r leadin the charge 2 make west garfield park a safer & healthier place 2 live 