A Community Conversation with the Connector Program - Idlewild/Cooper Young

The Cost of Change: Maintaining Stability in a Growing Community

Overview

This community conversation invites residents and partners to come together and address a pressing question: What needs to change, and who can help? Together, we’ll explore how community growth impacts families, neighborhoods, and financial situtations.

Held at the Idlewild Presbyterian Church, the event will bring together residents, subject matter experts, non-profit, faith, and government leaders to connect resources with the people who need them most.

Whether it’s improving neighborhood conditions, empowering residents to access local resources, or building stronger community connections, this space is designed for honest dialogue, collaboration, and action.

Why This Matters

Residents across Commission District 13 communities—including Idlewild, Cooper Young, Central Gardens, University District, East Buntyn, Berclair, High Point Terrace, Pidgeon Estates, Belle Meade, Binghampton, Normal Station, Audubon Park, & Colonial View —continue to raise concerns about blight, neighborhood stability, and access to opportunity. Families are looking for clearer, more accessible solutions that not only address immediate needs but also create long-term stability and growth.

This event is a response to that call—to listen, to learn, and to work together on closing opportunity gaps that affect us all.

What to Expect:

• Expert Insights – Hear from experts and workforce development professionals for all ages, including youth, about challenges, current opportunities, and promising practices.
• Community Conversations – Share your personal experiences, reflect on barriers, and discuss ideas for creating more equitable access to job, careers, or starting a successful business.
• Resource Fair – Explore opportunities for job training, adult education, youth programs, mentorship, and more.
• Action Planning – Collaborate on strategies to better align existing workforce and employment efforts, and build momentum for change in District 10.

Who Should Attend?

This conversation is open to all District 13 residents and community stakeholders, including families, students, youth, young adults, educators, church groups, workforce providers, employers, and neighborhood associations. If you care about expanding opportunity in your community, your voice belongs in this conversation.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
• Location:Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
• Dinner, Networking, & Resource Fair: 5:00 – 5:30 PM
• Community Conversation: 5:30 – 7:30 PM

The Connector Program is a Shelby County Government initiative that helps bridge the gap between residents and the resources that support thriving communities. By creating spaces for connection, education, and action, the program works across all 13 County Commission districts to ensure every voice is heard and every neighborhood is seen.

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