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Data shines a light on community needs

Every December, the U.S. Census Bureau releases the American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates. This large dataset provides the public with a useful tool for lawmakers, state officials and local leaders to determine the needs of their communities and craft strong public policy. The ...

Grief and labor: What winter can teach us.

As we wade into spring I must reflect upon the last few months … this has been a rough winter. I went for a walk with a friend this month and we chatted about how this winter has been particularly difficult emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I told her that as winter was approaching this past fall, I decided to quit my SSRIs cold turkey — which I highly recommend nobody does. I felt like I would be fine “on my own” and that I had learned enough tools to deal with my anxiety and depression to function without the crutch of medication. This was partially true. I ...

What self-care and vehicles have in common

My 1990 Jeep Comanche is a beauty—but it will not move. It has air in the tires, gasoline in the tank, and everything it needs for a road trip. The engine is sound, but it still will not start. Why? Because the battery is drained. At times, we can appear ready—even capable—yet still lack ...

How to help young men

Society has done a terrible job guiding teenage boys as they grow into men. Local communities and society more broadly have something important to offer teenagers -- guidance. A 15-year-old has never been 35 or 45. Swamped with hormones and a still-developing brain, he has a poor understanding of what he'll want in the future. This is why societies have long pushed young people toward desirable long-term outcomes. It helps both the individual and the broader community. This arrangement even benefits those who don't follow the norms. They better understand what the trade-offs will be ...

Faith among young people surges, providing a missing anchor

Last September, Pastor Jason Howard of the Sanctuary Church in Pittsburgh saw a surge of young people flocking to his Christian congregation, the week after Charlie Kirk was murdered. Howard knew that something had shifted. Yes, their congregation had always been predominantly youth-driven, ...