The Brooklyn Park Community of Hope is a collective response to the geography of poverty in Anne Arundel county, specifically the zip code 21225, which includes Brooklyn Park. This zip code has the highest socio-economic indicators of need, the least resources and the most population density in the county. Ritchie Highway (route 2) runs through the heart of Brooklyn Park and geographically separates residents. Ritchie Highway is a perfect metaphor for what has become a disconnected and unsafe community. Residents are separated from resources, transportation, employment, and hope. 

Dr. Brown will tell the story of how a small group of interested parties formed a shared agenda for change that has grown over three years to include over 150 stakeholders. She will outline the successes and struggles of the well-researched Collective Impact Model that is being used in Brooklyn Park to change the odds for children and families.