Never truly Separate

The concept of poverty and lack of education making a large influence on the culture of a growing town resonated most in me. In outcasts, the story describes how when the immigrants first arrived in Clarkston, they had all this beautiful apartment complexes and a chance for new life. But somehow, rent was not being paid and the homes were decaying. Which was most likely linked to the fact that they could not get a job, because they may have been uneducated, and there was also a lot of discrimination. However, over time, the town grew into a bustling community.

This is significant because it signifies the impact all people, immigrants and residents, play in redefining a culture and growing a community from a small town. New arrivals are bringing job & money income into the community, while the pioneers (old residents) either found ways to integrate themselves amongst the new residents, or just grumbled and complained, while doing nothing and letting everything take its course. Either way, not matter how much people have tried to separate themselves into their own niches within the Clarkson community, everyone allows for Clarkston to progress to where it has come today, ethnically diverse, positive economic welfare, and integrated communities.

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I can see that my community partner, Young Moms Marin, is providing knowledge, information and a sense of community for these young mothers to provide a better life for their children. Although they have been in a transition state, they are known to provide roundabout services, such as tutoring and childcare for the children and parenting seminars, group therapy sessions with a certified therapists, and personal growth support for the mothers.