Why should we care?
SCS’s ability to provide a quality, equitable education is being undercut by high teacher turnover and year-long teaching vacancies, as well as significant maintenance deficiencies within the schools, all of which leads to higher financial, educational, and health costs. A lack of access to wraparound services provided by qualified social workers, psychologists, and nurses inhibits the successful treatment of trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Abuse, neglect, and trauma significantly increase the likelihood of suspensions, juvenile criminal behavior, and incarceration. With a median age four years below the national average, Memphis’s population can support economic development, but only if we provide children in our community access to opportunities and support.
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Equipping people of faith and goodwill to organize communities for systemic change through collective action.
Izabella Arsenault
Economic Equity Task Force Intern
Izabella Arsenault is a Summer Intern with Rhodes College. She is majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in Health Equity. Izabella is from Bossier City, Louisiana. At Rhodes College, Izabella is a Lainoff Fellow, working with the Liberal Arts in Prison program, and served as a Turley Scholar, conducting a research project with the Shelby County Criminal Courts. Outside of Rhodes College Izabella has intended for Just City and works at the nursery at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. After graduating from Rhodes College Izabella plans to attend law school where she will continue to dedicate her time to community-driven organizations.
