About Us
Southeast Raleigh Promise was formed following a series of community listening sessions that started in 2011 to explore expanding YMCA services in Southeast Raleigh. The listening sessions were led by members of the Southeast Raleigh community and facilitated by the YMCA of Triangle.
The listening sessions led to a vision for a unique service model that would provide an impact beyond traditional YMCA programs and services.
In search of a framework to address the holistic needs of the community, the Purpose Built Communities model, which is led by a community quarterback organization, was researched and adopted.
In 2015, working with key funding and leadership partners, the Community Quarterback - Southeast Raleigh Promise (SERP) was created and incubated under the YMCA of the Triangle.
In 2017, Southeast Raleigh Promise was formed as an independent, tax-exempt, private non-profit. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Southeast Raleigh Promise is Raleigh/Wake County’s first Purpose Built Community and the 16th network member in the country. Adopted by 28 network members, Purpose Built Communities believe that fostering well-resourced and connected neighborhoods is the key to ending the cycle of poverty and creating ladders of equitable opportunities for individuals, families, and children to fully thrive.
The Purpose Built Model is a neighborhood-based initiative and is stewarded by a community quarterback organization. The core pillars focus on improving outcomes in the areas of Mixed-Income Housing and Real Estate, Health and Community Wellbeing, Cradle to Career Education, and Economic Vitality.
What We Stand For
We believe all neighborhoods should be places of opportunity—where new roots can be planted, existing roots nurtured, and everyone can flourish together.
Listen and engage with residents and community leaders
Acknowledge the history of unjust policies and practices that led to gaps in opportunities, especially for people of color
Honor the history of established neighborhoods and the contributions of legacy residents
Take a holistic approach to nurturing well-rounded, healthy communities
Invite strategic, like-minded partners and funders to invest in community-led solutions
Focus on creating fair access to opportunities for residents and small businesses
Believe that thriving neighborhoods foster opportunities for upward mobility
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