“The emphasis of this grant is on increasing bilingualism, as research shows that being bilingual improves cognitive processing, makes the brain more resilient to damage and the effects of aging, and contributes to increasing the GDP of the country,“ says Thrush.

This week, we wrap up the More For Memphis series and take a look at all of the focus areas that were addressed throughout the plan's creation. 

This week, we take a look at Community Development, one of the six focus areas critical to the initiative's success.

This week, we dive into the Justice & Safety anchor of the More For Memphis plan and explore what it takes to build a stronger, safer, and more equitable Memphis. 

Committed staff drivers who are responsible for the bulk of meal deliveries to MIFA clients in and around Memphis. Sometimes they are the only face the person receiving a meal sees all day.

"This recognition proves that the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families is paying off,” says Board Member Tamarques Porter.

Partnerships with Regional One Health, UnitedHealthcare, and a local federally qualified health center enable MIFA to increase the reach of its longstanding Meals-on-Wheels program. The collaborations tap MIFA’s expertise while freeing its partners to pursue their own strengths in caring for the people they serve.

Here's a look at the collaborative work that ensures meals are delivered in a timely manner as MIFA runs food service to homes Monday through Wednesday and to 14 area congregate sites Monday through Friday.

“Donations like this help us to expand the types of programming we have in our centers,” says Nick Walker, City of Memphis Parks Director.