What is Social & Economic Vitality?
In 2015, Wake County’s Long-Range Planning Department studied different communities to see where people were facing the most challenges. They looked at factors like poverty, unemployment, lower levels of education, high housing costs and how many households used SNAP benefits.
The study showed that several areas – including Southeast Raleigh, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon – were experiencing more economic stress than other parts of the county.
Because of these findings, the Wake County Board of Commissioners created the Social & Economic Vitality (SEV) initiative in 2016. SEV focuses on making targeted investments in these communities to help improve long-term opportunities for residents.
SEV is led together by Wake County Social Services and NC Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center, with important support from community members and local partners.
Our Partners
Social & Economic Vitality is a collaborative effort made possible by our valuable partners, including community residents, grassroots nonprofits, small businesses, local governments and institutions, and philanthropic partners. Some of SEV’s core partners include:
- Capital Area Workforce Development Board
- City of Raleigh
- Family Resource Center South Atlantic
- Jobs for Life
- John Rex Endowment
- Kramden Institute
- NC State University through the Wake Community-University Partnership (WakeCUP)
- Raleigh Triangle Entrepreneurship
- Southeast Raleigh Promise
- The Kaleidoscope Project
- Wake Technical College
If you’re interested in partnering with SEV, please contact Tanesha Jeffries at Tanesha.Jeffries@wake.gov or 919-856-6575.
Our Values
Social and Economic Vitality believes that community development is only achieved by, with and through community. As such, SEV seeks to live into and uphold the following values:
- Authentic Community Voice: Consistent and persistent engagement with community members for the purpose of establishing a foundation of partnership, trust and empowerment that paves the way for positive community change (adapted from LISC)
- Reciprocal Relationships: Partnerships or relationships that are beneficial for all involved, particularly the individuals or communities most affected
- Accountability: Accepting responsibility for our actions and behaviors
- Integrity: Honesty, transparency and consistency in all operations
- Commitment: Dedication beyond obligation to work alongside community members and partners to foster social and economic vitality for all
SEV Focus Areas
- Thriving Families
- Thriving Organizations
- Thriving Businesses
- Thriving Communities
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Get Involved in Social and Economic Vitality
Crosby Advocacy Group
The Crosby Advocacy Group (CAG) was initially formed in 2014 for the purpose of providing continuous input in strategy development and marketing as well as connecting partners and resources specific to the 1.5 mile radius around the Crosby Garfield Center. Under Social and Economic Vitality, the CAG’s scope has been expanded to:
- Increase awareness of and participation in community based events and opportunities that address the needs and goals of community residents,
- Assist with establishing the Crosby-Garfield Building as a vital resource hub for community engagement and service delivery, and
- Sustain the historic presence and community pride of SE Raleigh residents through leadership development and advocacy efforts.
In addition, the geographic scope has changed as the neighborhoods surrounding Crosby undergo rapid gentrification.
Get Involved with the Crosby Advocacy Group Action Teams by emailing hhs.socialandeconomicvitality@wake.gov.
CAG Action Teams
- Community Leadership Action Team
- Social Justice Action Team
- Training For Upward Mobility Action Team