Model the Way 2026: What It Looks Like When a Neighborhood Shows Up

Ground Score is a worker-led association of informal recyclers and waste pickers who are creating low-barrier jobs while managing our city’s waste. Their model creates opportunity, reduces environmental impact, and builds relationships in real time. It is not theoretical. It is happening every day, on the ground. They prioritize work opportunities for those facing housing and job insecurity, effectively changing society’s perception of who and what is considered valuable. Since contracting in Lloyd, they have become a model for how to integrate social justice with environmental stewardship.

“Their out-of-the-box thinking and willingness to partner with the community to deliver innovative solutions have them leading the way.”

Jill Spencer of Holladay Park Plaza has spent years building trust across communities, turning care into sustained action and bringing others along in that work. She is a resident of Holladay Park Plaza who has spent over a decade serving as a vital bridge between the residents of Holladay Park Plaza, the Right 2 Dream Too rest area, and others in the Lloyd area. Her commitment is not just occasional; it is a long-term dedication to solving the complex and interconnected challenges of the Lloyd neighborhood through steady communication and genuine relationship building. Most recently, she helped to run a biannual donation drive, resulting in the collection of over 1,500 items of winter clothing and hygiene supplies for those experiencing homelessness. She models how a single resident can turn empathy into organized, collaborative action that benefits the entire Lloyd community.

“Her kindness and approachable nature allow her to build the trust necessary to sustain partnerships through difficult projects.”

Jaimie Robins of Right 2 Dream Too brings consistency and connection into every space she is part of. Jamie is a resident leader at R2DToo who serves as a vital bridge between the rest area and the broader Lloyd community. She is known for her visibility and her consistent presence at community meetings where she advocates for the strengths and needs of her neighbors. By building genuine relationships with neighborhood partners, she is helping to break down the barriers that often separate our residents.She ensures information flows, relationships stay intact, and voices that are often left out remain present.

“She is doing the day-to-day, relationship-driven work that makes collaboration real.”

Liuda Serohina of Go Lloyd identified a gap and created a solution that continues to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community. She is the creative mind behind Go Lloyd Connect, a vital resource she developed to support low-income residents when external transit funding was cut. She is a dedicated advocate for transit and active commuting modes and works tirelessly to support employers in reducing single-occupancy vehicle use. Her collaborative spirit has turned potential transportation barriers into opportunities for community connection and equity.

“She solved this problem… to ensure that low-income community members still have stable access to transportation.”

Black Men in Training have spent over fifteen years doing the deep and often difficult work of community outreach and youth mentorship. They are bold leaders who go into neighborhood spaces and youth prisons to guide Black youth toward positive futures and real opportunities. Their approach is rooted in building genuine, long-term relationships rather than following traditional bureaucratic models. Their approach is rooted in mentorship, accountability, and care, and the impact extends far beyond any single program.

“This organization has created a sense of belonging and family for young people who may not otherwise have that support.”