A close look at the aftereffects of the Mount Laurel affordable housing decision Under the New Jersey State Constitution as interpreted by the State Supreme Court in 1975 and 1983, municipalities are required to use their zoning authority to create realistic opportunities for a fair share of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. Mount Laurel was the town at the center of the court decisions. As a result, Mount Laurel has become synonymous with the debate over affordable housing policy designed to create economically integrated communities. What was the impact of the Mount Laurel decision on those most affected by it? What does the case tell us about economic inequality? Climbing Mount Laurel undertakes a systematic evaluation of the Ethel Lawrence Homes—a housing development produced as a result of the Mount Laurel decision. Douglas Massey and his colleagues assess the consequences for the surrounding neighborhoods and their inhabitants, the township of Mount Laurel, and the residents of the Ethel Lawrence Homes. Their analysis reveals what social scientists call neighborhood effects—the notion that neighborhoods can shape the life trajectories of their inhabitants. Climbing Mount Laurel proves that the building of affordable housing projects is an efficacious, cost-effective approach to integration and improving the lives of the poor, with reasonable cost and no drawbacks for the community at large.

Cites successful examples of community-based policing.

In this elegantly written inquiry into the function and purpose of illness, Duff reflects upon her own experience with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and offers a fresh perspective on recovery and healing. While we are conditioned to think of health as the norm, the author reveals that illness has its own geography, laws and commandments.

"Graceful Simplicity is a marvelously textured analysis of the elusive ideal of simple living. For those eager to find a way to get off the 'more is better' treadmill, Jerome Segal offers insight and hope…. A must read."—David Shi, author of The Simple Life "Segal articulates a message that is both revolutionary and just plain sensible—consume less and take time to enjoy life more. He rescues us from a consumerism gone haywire without advocating isolationism. In a new and better way we are still our brother's keeper."—Arlie Russell Hochschild, author of The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work "Segal wants a political movement to create a functioning public sector, complete with universal health insurance and a sturdy safety net. Numerous and powerful interest groups will fight such reforms with bitter determination. But what could provide a better source of drama and adventure than the struggle to make the simpler life a viable option for all?"—Barbara Ehrenreich, Civilization

Stephanie started working as a volunteer because her community had a crime wave. Gradually, she became a crime prevention specialist and coordinator in “high fear” neighborhoods and saw drug dealers, domestic violence, child abusers, gangs, and social decay. But at the same time, she saw children who were able to move beyond fear, bullies, and abuse to excel in their chosen fields. She asked herself why some children struggle and fail while other kids excel under similar conditions. She found answers working with the homeless and started support groups, which included ex-felons. They wanted to know what they needed to change to stay out of prison. Stephanie worked with Pastor Flemon Henry in Oakland, California, and learned what many homeless people never learned as children. Everyone shared stories and discussed solutions. Within three months, some of the homeless found jobs while others admitted they had a drug problem. They got them into drug rehab. As a result, Stephanie saw a critical need to help strengthen families when children are young and vulnerable. She developed this ten-step guidebook, which can help you find answers for your family. The key is self-awareness, which leads to self-discipline, self-control, and self-esteem. No matter what chaos has occurred in their lives, youth can succeed if they develop the three Cs: courage, character, and conscience. When youth have the emotional tools to avoid anger and temptations, they grow strong from within and less likely to go down a self-destructive path. Focus on prevention to keep children safe and healthy. Parents and grandparents can empower children so they learn how to stay emotionally centered! Adults can also help neighbors connect with each other. A network of caring adults can become mentors and keep children safe in neighborhoods. In this book, all “A Life Experience” stories are true! They are from Stephanie Mann’s experience and the people she worked with for thirty-five years. Their names have been changed to protect their identities.