Vanderbilt COPC embraces a multi-faceted approach to strengthen community infrastructure through the building of financial, human, social and natural resource assets. The Center supports initiatives and partnerships that have a high likelihood of long-term success and sustainability within the community. All initiatives fall within four community-identified focus areas: crime prevention, community organizing and planning, health care promotion and disease prevention, and economic development.

Our targeted community is a predominantly African-American, inner-city community near downtown Nashville . At its peak, our community was a thriving center of activity with a variety of small locally owned businesses and entertainment venues, as well as a high percentage of private home ownership. Unfortunately, over the last several decades, the community has experienced a decline in nearly all key demographic indicators. Vanderbilt COPC works to empower all residents as they work to reclaim their community and the proud history that once defined it.

Through this partnership, several wonderful events and initiatives have occurred within the community:

•  The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department changed its countywide caller dispatch policy, which honors a caller's request that a police officer NOT visit them when they make a call regarding a disturbance or concern.

•  In partnership with the Metropolitan Nashville Parks & Recreation and Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency, community leaders were able to get a playground built in the community. It is the only playground in the community, and it was built with 100 percent community input.

•  To begin addressing the lack of free after-school programs and resources available to the over 1,300 children and youth in the community, Vanderbilt COPC launched an after-school and summer enrichment program under the leadership of Vanderbilt undergraduate students. Classes include tutoring, art, college planning, and dance. Over 100 children and youth participate in the program.

•  In the past three years, over 440 students, contributing over 2,500 volunteer hours, participated in Vanderbilt service-learning classes that addressed various needs within the community. For Vanderbilt COPC, relevant service-learning comes from real partnerships and honest interest in learning and serving.

•  Vanderbilt faculty, staff and students (graduate and undergraduate) have contributed over 3,500 volunteer hours since Volunteers originate from nearly every school/college at Vanderbilt University .

•  In partnership with two local non-profit organizations, Vanderbilt COPC established a community garden. There are six beds – each sponsored by the three neighborhood associations, and three faith-based organizations. All produce grown is shared with other community members. The beds will also serve as an education tool for children and youth in the community and a base to launch a larger Produce Stand Project.

•  To help promote revitalization projects in the community, a tool lending library was established. With the library, the three neighborhood associations plan regular community clean up days and light home repair projects for those who are elderly or disabled.

•  A Seniors Companion Program was created through a Vanderbilt service-learning class that paired its interests with Vanderbilt COPC. The program pairs college students with senior citizens living in the community. Together they meet on a weekly basis providing conversation and companionship.

•  With assistance from the Vanderbilt Law School (law professor & three students), Vanderbilt COPC is in the process of filing and creating a Community Development Corporation (CDC), which will operate independently of Vanderbilt COPC and will focus on the long-term revitalization and redevelopment of the community.

•  With assistance from the Owen Graduate School of Management (business professor & two students), Vanderbilt COPC developed a marketing plan for the community and the CDC to use when meeting with prospective business and home developers on issues pertaining to the economic development of the community.

Danielle Mezera is the former Director of the Community Outreach Partnership Center at the Vanderbilt Child and Family Policy Center and now works for Metro Social Services.