Wrapping up the More For Memphis series as the plan is set in motion

Over the past year, the High Ground Team has focused on diving deep into the More for Memphis plan: What it is, what’s new, and more. This week, we recap and put a bow on it as the plan is set in motion.

Initially backed by $8.5 million in national and local investments, More for Memphis, formerly known as Place Matters: Memphis, began as a collaboration of more than 300 community partners working to improve social and economic mobility in Memphis and Shelby County.

The coalition is comprised of community members, nonprofits, businesses, and public organizations all working together to define the challenges and provide solutions for the social and economic systems and policies in Memphis. 

“We are working with a group of partners to create a governance model involving children and families in the decision-making process with local government and school districts so that everyone is on a shared agenda and living experience weighs in,” said Seeding Success CEO Mark Sturgis. 

Now with funding in place and ways to continue to fundraise, the More For Memphis plan is poised to focus on six crucial areas, including Community Development, Education & Youth, Economic Development, Health & Wellness, Justice & Safety, and Arts & Culture. 

Social determinants can dictate and determine how well someone lives. From housing to education to healthcare and transit, they all can affect a person's quality of life. The More For Memphis plan is an effort to address these barriers head-on and provide solutions. 

Courtesy photo.
After an extensive and comprehensive process, the plan was finalized and approved to move into implementation. Currently, transition planning groups are working on fundraising, designing the governance structure, and the selection process for who will be involved in implementation. 

Over the first five years, the aim will be to prove that this plan can work and unlock more long-term financial support. Implementation partners carry out the on-the-ground work described in each of the designated strategy areas.

These organizations are well established with proven track records of success in their specific focus areas. Many are already in place, delivering services and resources to students and families.

Now, all these entities will be aligned to the same goals and share data across sectors, making it easier for people to access what they need without cumbersome, duplicated processes. 

“We want to remove barriers by building a network of support that puts the needs of children and families at the center and helps those partners do their work better,” said Jamilica Burke, Chief of Strategy and Impact Office at Seeding Success. “Implementation partners will develop and maintain the relationships that bring residents into that new system of support.”

Memphis Mayor Paul Young is heartened by the plan and the wide array of partners working together.