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From 2022-2024, our focus was on “Well-being and Social Cohesion in Needham,” with the aim of increasing health, safety, belonging, and equity for all. Our goals included: amplifying our shared local identities and values, shedding light on the range of lived experiences that exist in Needham (in relation to health, safety, belonging and equity), and addressing a documented rise in local identity-based hate incidents through prevention and rapid response.
NRN operates under the auspices of the Needham Diversity Initiative Inc., a 501(c)(3), not for profit, organization. We receive foundational funding from two local organizations: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Needham and The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation. In 2022, we also received scale-up funds and leadership support from the Belonging Innovation Lab at the Center for Inclusion and Belonging (American Immigration Council). Needham Community Council stepped forward to fund the work of Cohort 2.
NRN’s 2022-24 Cohort 1 program supported and trained a diverse cohort of community leaders and town/school/law enforcement officials, each of whom is a trusted “hub” within their identity or stakeholder network, as they:
NRN’s 2024-25 Cohort 2 program continues the skill and relationship-building around listening and bridging across difference, and additionally aims to address mental health challenges and inequities in Needham via a local awareness, education and activation campaign. The program trains and supports a diverse cohort of community leaders, each of whom is a trusted, informal “hub” within their specific community to:
