Strengthening north Tulsa
In 2024, InvestNorth launched Northside Neighbors, a resident engagement initiative with the goal of understanding the opportunities and challenges surrounding north Tulsa neighborhoods from the resident’s perspective.
Starting in the Hawthorne and Whitman neighborhoods, Northside Neighbors has engaged more than 500 residents on education, housing, wellness and economic vitality. Now a fully realized nonprofit, the resident-focused organization is dedicated to creating thriving neighborhoods in partnership with residents and neighbors.
[Pull quote: “We believe Hawthorne and Walt Whitman thrive when every resident feels seen, heard, and valued. Their strength comes from local stories, culture, and talent, and meaningful change happens when neighbors work together with shared pride and purpose.” Reggie Ivey, ED of Northside Neighbors]
An clear vision for making change
Northside Neighbors is propelled by the belief that the Hawthorne and Walt Whitman neighborhoods thrive when every resident feels seen, heard and valued. Their strength comes from local stories, culture and talent, and meaningful change happens when neighbors work together with shared pride and purpose. The organization works to ensure prosperity begins with place. To achieve this vision, Northside Neighbors cultivates and nourishes an ecosystem of high-capacity, collaborative partners, including the BeWell Community Development Corporation and the Tulsa Health Department, who invest directly in community-led projects.
Forging connections with the community
Since its inception, Northside Neighbors has collaborated with residents to:
- Increase educational access by launching a GED program in partnership with Madison Strategies Group and the Tulsa Dream Center, hosting the Community Learning Series led by experts on resident-identified topics and establishing relationships with schools in the Hawthorne and Whitman neighborhoods.
- Strengthen workforce and economic empowerment by coordinating north Tulsa job fairs, attracting over hundreds of job seekers and inviting residents to offer input on future business developments in the area.
- Invest in health and wellness initiatives through establishing a Health Empowerment Hub in collaboration with the City of Tulsa and Oklahoma Complete Health, launching a mental health campaign with the Be Well Community Development Corporation, building relationships with neighborhood health providers and establishing the North Tulsa Wellness Initiative, which will contribute $17.3 million to improving health outcomes in the community
- Engage residents in community-building conversations through forums, block parties and public events, allowing them to share and identify needs within the Hawthorne and Whitman neighborhoods
The organization’s goal is to help the Hawthorne and Walt Whitman neighborhoods thrive. When residents speak, Northside Neighbors listens and responds—creating events and experiences that reflect community needs and neighborhood pride.
