People

The Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood is dedicated to supporting residents of Butler Terrace, Johnson Towers and the surrounding community through holistic, people-centered strategies. Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) and partners work alongside families to foster stability, growth and self-sufficiency—ensuring every resident has access to resources and opportunities for a brighter future.

Monthly Resident Meetings: Families gather regularly to learn about redevelopment progress, share concerns, and celebrate milestones. Events like “Muffins with Mom,” “Donuts with Dad” and birthday celebrations create a welcoming environment and strengthen community bonds.

Creative & Wellness Activities: Residents participate in art socials, music therapy, and wellness workshops, promoting self-expression, mental health and connection.

Pop N’ Read Literacy Events: Monthly read-alongs with community partners encourage youth literacy and family engagement, often featuring guest readers and themed activities.

Early Childhood & Youth Programs: Up to 82% of children from birth to kindergarten entry participate in formal early learning settings. Positive youth development activities – including afterschool, summer programs and tutoring – reach 86% of eligible youth.

Digital Literacy: Residents benefit from hands-on digital literacy courses, bridging the technology gap and preparing for today’s workforce. The new Tech Connect for Success Computer Lab, funded by G-Fiber, expands access to essential digital tools.

Education Partner Collaboration: Quarterly meetings with local schools, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and others align resources and support for scholars and caregivers.

Celebrating Achievement: Graduates are honored for completing workforce training and medical certification programs, reflecting dedication and hard work.

Health Insurance & Care: Over 92% of adults and 100% of children have health insurance, with most connected to primary care providers. Preventive screenings and chronic condition management are prioritized.

Wellness Fairs & Screenings: Events bring together partners like Oak Street Health, CVS, HEALS, Inc. and UAH Nursing to provide immunizations, screenings and health education.

Mental Health & Wellness: Partnerships with WellStone, Thrive and Valley Arts & Entertainment offer mental health resources and creative therapies.

Employment & Job Training: 51% of eligible residents are employed, with 66% maintaining employment for over six months. Workforce development programs, job fairs and entrepreneurship training support career advancement.

Financial Wellness: Monthly workshops with Redstone Federal Credit Union build financial literacy, covering topics like credit, borrowing and budgeting.

Income Growth: Average annual household income continues to rise, with targeted efforts to connect residents to wage income and self-sufficiency.

Collaborative Approach: Urban Strategies, Inc. convenes quarterly meetings with health, education and economic mobility partners – including HATCH, United Way, North Alabama Homebuilding Academy and local employers – to align services and expand opportunities.

Resource Fairs & Outreach: Wellness fairs, job fairs and school rallies connect families to vital resources, from healthcare and education to employment and housing stability.