New London well-being project driven by the young people it aims to help

For several weeks during the summer, a group of young city residents spearheaded a massive well-being mapping initiative that included outreach work, data gathering, and analysis, culminating in a recent presentation to elected officials complete with recommendations.

The Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut’s Wellbeing Asset Mapping project, facilitated by a small number of adults, was carried out almost exclusively by 24 teens who met over a 10-week period. Alliance Executive Director Ninon Guinassi mentioned that governmental groups and community agencies often push youth programming or “solutions” based on internal discussions without getting feedback from the young people they are trying to reach.

“But here, the kids did the work on their own,” Guinassi stated. “And my hope is the city and community groups will listen to them with open hearts.”

The well-being project was a collaboration between the Alliance, the city, and Full Frame Initiative, a national group promoting systemic social change through grassroots efforts focused on equality.

Lotus Yu, Full Frame’s senior manager of engagement and partnerships, emphasized the importance of the concept of “well-being.” It encompasses a person’s social connectivity, access to resources, and feelings of stability and safety, which drives decisions that lead to health and hope.

The mapping project began in March. Over the following months, participants discussed how to gather data, analyze it, and formulate recommendations using surveys and focus groups.

Kevin Tenesaca, 17, was one of the Hispanic Alliance members who distributed 159 surveys to classmates, family members, and friends ages 14 to 26, later analyzing the responses. “We wanted to get to the ‘why,'” Tenesaca said. “It was a chance for young people to share their concerns — not hold them in — and to finally be listened to.”

Beaches, parks top destinations

Approximately one in eight respondents reported facing significant barriers to well-being in New London. Some indicated they felt unsafe anywhere in the city, while others expressed a lack of places to achieve a sense of accomplishment. A few even noted they “wouldn’t miss anything that disappeared from New London.”

Most survey respondents were high school students from New London, with smaller numbers from Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, technical high schools, or college. Poll participants identified parks and beaches, apps and games, sports and activities, shopping, schools, and food as their most important categories for well-being growth. Community organizations, work, and arts and culture received fewer votes.

Ocean Beach Park emerged as the most frequently cited location for well-being, alongside various city parks. Respondents indicated these sites provided opportunities for social connections in a safe environment. Additionally, walking and recreational activities were mentioned as vital for well-being, alongside social media apps. Schools were viewed as significant venues for social connection and safety.

Surprisingly, arts, culture, religion, and community organizations “didn’t show up as much as expected,” the young analysts concluded.

Calls for improvement

After analyzing the survey results and discussing them in a focus group, the Alliance members developed a list of recommendations presented in a slideshow to the City Council. Suggestions included adding lights to city parks and ensuring these spaces were clean and accessible. They proposed more community events beyond the summer months and better advertising for existing programs.

Further recommendations involved improving downtown sidewalks and those along Colman Street, opening youth-friendly spots that stay open later, adding more park trails, increasing free transportation options, and ensuring safe paths around construction sites. There were also calls for more community Facebook pages and better interaction with government officials.

Jeanne Milstein, the city’s director of human services, stated, “It’s always an advantage when the people a city seeks to help can speak of their needs directly. They know best.” She expressed hope that this project would not only address issues but also identify existing programs that could be expanded. “My hope is we build on this project and get youth much more involved in the work we do, not just as beneficiaries, but as active participants.”

Sergio Quinones, 17, a Hispanic Alliance member, shared that his experience with the project enhanced his insight into his city’s needs and boosted his self-confidence. “Now, I want to start a high school club for all Spanish speakers to talk about our culture, whether you were born here or outside the United States,” Quinones said. “And it’s because of the work we did with the well-being project that made me think I could do that.”