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How one North Carolina town stayed dry during Florence

Patrik Jonsson

September 17, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Swan Quarter, North Carolina

In North Carolina, residents of the town of Swan Quarter have put aside their political differences to support building a dike, meant to protect from the consequences of severe flooding and climate change. The dike has helped prevent flooding so far, but it's also lowered flood insurance premiums and sparked investment in the town based of higher confidence in the value of the land.

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Aging cocoa trees provide opportunity for agricultural reform in Ghana

Nellie Peyton

August 30, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Ghana

In Ghana, cocoa trees are aging and producing lower yields, worrying the farmers who rely on the crop to make a living; the decreased yield is also presenting opportunity for agricultural reform to produce a more sustainable vision for agriculture in the region. Across western Ghana, organizations are working together to create customary land agreements and helping land tenants to encourage long term investment in replanting cocoa trees.

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Spare some change? Helping the poor in a cashless society

Eoin O'Carroll

August 27, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cambridge, Massachusetts

A non-profit in Cambridge, England has created a mobile app to connect homeless people with donations, even when passersby do not carry cash they can donate. Still in its early phases, the app has helped 11 people reach their saving goals -- but critics argue that the app does little to help people see the homeless as humans, and might actually increase judgement and stigma.

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In a distressed part of Ohio, one way people are finding work – and purpose

Christa Case Bryant

August 24, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Youngstown, Ohio

Flying High is a nonprofit that helps people find new jobs and purpose, especially those fighting opioid addiction. Rather than simply focusing on the healthcare solution, this program also provides job training, with 89% of participants completing the training program and 80% retaining jobs. In Youngstown, a city that has faced severe economic challenges, the chance for a sustainable job and income is offering people hope.

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To curb chronic absence, schools treat parents as partners

Stacy Teicher Khadaroo

August 21, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Providence, Rhode Island

To shift away from a punitive approach to truancy and emphasize the importance of attendance for student learning, schools across the United States are testing methods of communicating the importance with parents in new ways, including "carefully crafted" letters, texts, and even games. Results from different schools have showed up to a 20% reduction in absenteeism, but educators acknowledge that these solutions affect the simple changes and have yet to provide a comprehensive approach to barriers to attending school.

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Can dogfish save Cape Cod fisheries?

Eva Botkin-Kowacki

August 20, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chatham, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is losing its namesake fish to climate change and overfishing, which is in turn hurting the profits of local fisherman. Adapting to the circumstances, fisherman have begun catching and marketing dogfish as the sustainable alternative, but their appeal, or lack thereof, has been slow to catch on in the United States. To promote the change in fish, the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is working to fight stereotypes at a local level.

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Despite spike in shootings, a Chicago community gets a handle on violence

Nissa Rhee

August 08, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has seen a decline in violence, and one neighborhood in particular has led the way, nearly halving its shootings and homicides. Police in Englewood have changed how they work with the community and where they send officers, focusing on the places and people experiencing the most violence, informed by data and surveillance systems. Community organizations are also providing job training, services and counseling to those most likely to be caught up in the violence.

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In Honduras, troubled youth trade gangs for sports

Erlan Varela

July 31, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico

In Honduras a former gang member created a nonprofit skating club to give young people healthy alternatives to crime and vandalism. With donations from USAID, the Catholic Church and others Skate Brothers serves about 70 young people with places to play sports, practice dancing and do skateboarding. The site also provides mentoring and a food aid program and the founders are deeply connected to the community.

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'Deck parks' restore community ties in neighborhoods divided by highways

Noble Ingram

July 30, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, St. Paul, Minnesota

Communities, often low-income neighborhoods or communities of color, that were separated by the construction of highways across America are reconnecting by building "deck parks." The parks include room for public green space and new homes, but most importantly, they're intended to recreate a sense of home while mitigating the environmental impacts of interstates.

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In Rwanda, agricultural reforms boost food security and slash poverty

Grace Elletson

July 25, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Rwanda

Through a myriad of policies that help small farmers gain resources and training, as well as inheritance laws that empower women to inherit land they previously couldn't own, Rwanda is increasing food security and decreasing poverty. Although there has been success, critics say that it has come with a cost to human rights and fair elections.

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