By JR Robinson

In a groundbreaking initiative that launched today, Shelby County Commissioner Dr. Charlie Caswell Jr. has unveiled the Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan," a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for all 76,000 stakeholders in the Raleigh-Nutbush-Unincorporated Shelby North area. This innovative program, rooted in evidence-based practices and community collaboration, promises to revolutionize the approach to public safety, health, and education in District 6.

The Vision and Leadership of Dr. Charlie Caswell Jr.

At the heart of this transformative initiative is the tireless dedication and visionary leadership of Dr. Charlie Caswell Jr., Shelby County Commissioner for District 6. Dr. Caswell's commitment to improving the lives of families and children in the district has been the driving force behind this ambitious plan. His approach, which emphasizes collaboration, communication, and connection, has already laid a strong foundation for the program's success.

Over the past two years, Dr. Caswell has worked diligently to engage community partners, secure seed funding, and develop a comprehensive framework for positive change. His efforts have culminated in this Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan," which aims to unify efforts and secure an additional $2-3 million in funding for the district over the next two years.

The 7Ps Approach: A Community United

Central to the Resilient Plan is the innovative 7Ps approach, which brings together key stakeholders to form a powerful coalition for change:

• Parents
• Pastors
• Principals
• Police
• Politicians
• Proprietors
• Partnerships

This inclusive strategy ensures that all sectors of the community are represented and actively involved in the transformation process. By fostering collaboration among these diverse groups, Dr. Caswell has created a robust support system that can address the multifaceted challenges facing District 6.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Success

The Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan" is not just a well-intentioned initiative; it's grounded in solid research and proven methodologies. Two key evidence-based frameworks form the backbone of this program:

The RAPID Model

Developed by Johns Hopkins University, the RAPID model (Rapport/Reflective/Active Listening, Assessment, Prioritization, Intervention, Disposition) provides a structured approach to helping individuals in acute distress while building community resilience. This model has been particularly effective in addressing major personal challenges such as job loss, divorce, or the death of a loved one.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Caswell and his team successfully employed the RAPID model in collaboration with mental health providers to offer mental health check-ups for children and families. This approach demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness in crisis situations, making it an ideal component of the Resilient Plan.

Communities of Practice (CoP)

The Resilient Plan incorporates the concept of Communities of Practice, which facilitates knowledge sharing and resource pooling among stakeholders. Regular weekly and monthly meetings will serve as platforms for collaboration, allowing partners to share best practices, create new knowledge, and track progress using advanced data systems like United Way's "Drive the Dream" database.

Core Focus Areas and Goals

The Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan" addresses three critical areas of community well-being:

1. Public Safety

Objective: Reduce crime, particularly property crime and domestic violence.
Strategies:

• Establish neighborhood watch groups
• Enhance community collaboration
• Improve coordination with law enforcement

2. Public Health

Objective: Improve overall health outcomes for District 6 residents.
Strategies:

• Connect residents to healthcare services
• Provide mental health counseling
• Address hunger through partnerships with churches and food pantries

3. Public Education

Objective: Enhance academic outcomes and career readiness.
Strategies:

• Expand extracurricular opportunities
• Implement a cradle-to-career support system
• Connect students to post-secondary education or trade programs

Ambitious Goals and Measurable Outcomes

Dr. Caswell's plan sets forth ambitious yet achievable goals for the next three years:

• Train over 3,000 stakeholders in ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and trauma-informed care
• Provide parenting resources and training to over 3,000 individuals
• Connect 2,000 youth with after-school activities and job training programs
• Support 2,000 senior citizens with healthcare resources
• Reduce hunger and strengthen economic opportunities through workforce development and entrepreneurial training

The plan also aims to reduce crime by 5% annually across all areas, increase academic success rates by 10%, and boost economic development and job opportunities by 10% over the next three years.

Resilience Hubs: Cornerstones of Community Support

A cornerstone of the Resilient Plan is the establishment of Resilience Hubs throughout District 6. These community centers will serve as one-stop shops for both everyday needs and emergency situations, offering:

• After-school programming
• Job training
• Mental health support
• Emergency preparedness resources
• Essential supplies during crises (food, energy, water, medical supplies)

Initially, two locations will serve as hubs, with plans to expand to a third in the Nutbush community by 2025. The long-term vision includes a network of peripheral sites across District 6, coordinated by a central hub to ensure efficient service delivery and emergency response.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The success of the Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan" hinges on strong community engagement and partnerships. Dr. Caswell has fostered collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Local, state, and federal representatives
• Government agencies
• Schools
• Law enforcement
• Nonprofit organizations

The plan emphasizes ongoing community involvement through events, surveys, and feedback sessions, leveraging both traditional and digital communication tools to ensure all voices are heard.

Funding and Future Prospects

The initiative kicks off with $600,000 in seed funding secured by Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. This initial investment will catalyze the program's launch and help attract additional public and private funding. The comprehensive plan spans from January 2024 to September 2030, with a focus on sustainable, long-term improvements in public safety, education, health outcomes, and economic development.

A Bright Future for District 6

As the Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan" launches, the future looks brighter than ever for the residents of Raleigh, Nutbush, and Unincorporated Shelby North. Dr. Charlie Caswell Jr.'s visionary leadership and tireless efforts have set the stage for a transformative journey towards a more resilient, connected, and thriving community.

This innovative program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated public servants like Dr. Caswell work hand-in-hand with community partners and residents. As District 6 embarks on this exciting new chapter, it serves as a model for other communities seeking to create lasting, positive change through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in their future.

The launch of the Wraparound District 6 "Resilient Plan" marks not just the beginning of a program, but the dawn of a new era for District 6 – one filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better tomorrow for all its residents.

Join the conversation and support this transformative initiative by sharing the QR code and using the hashtag #WraparoundDistrict6 on social media.