Peer support program at Russell Apartments aims to improve neighborhoods.

The residents of Louisville’s West End are that area’s greatest asset. They know best what their community wants and needs. But a growing body of evidence reveals that severely impoverished neighborhoods are marked by symptoms of trauma, violence, and poorly performing schools. At New Directions, we strive to work with residents to improve neighborhood conditions through housing, health, and other social interventions.

We have also learned about the power of a peer to engage people facing such steep challenges.  
We’re now partnering with Russell: A Place of Promise to support a resident peer support specialist at Russell Apartments, New Directions’ largest apartment community with 82 units in the heart of the Russell Neighborhood at 17^th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard. Christian Butler, our new resident peer support specialist, has hit the ground running in her new role. As Christian recently said, “The residents here really look out for and care for one another, so my goal is to preserve and enhance that energy.”