Organization: COOPER-YOUNG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Mission: CYCA is a neighborhood organization that is focused on fostering the safety, development, and aesthetics of the Cooper-Young neighborhood in Memphis, TN
Activities: LampLighter Community Newspaper - This publication is distributed monthly to each residence and business in the Cooper-Young neighborhood free of charge. The newspaper addresses topics such as community news, safety, education, community projects, fund raisers, and resident editorials. The publication engages each business and resident in the area with helpful news and safety information. Both the paper and its companion website serve a valuable purpose in disseminating news and awareness of issues throughout the Association's footprint. Residents and business partners can subscribe to the online version of Lamplighter by email allowing important news to be sent directly.
Beautification - The Association organizes, promotes, and funds several projects on an annual basis that address the community's appearance. The projects focus on graffiti remediation, blight reduction, and ongoing initatives to help the residents maintain their properties, including a community-wide recycling program. The Association furthered its beautification program to adorn several sections of the neighborhood with unique murals and other art projects. The program allows local artists and neighborhood residents a chance to add a distinctive local flair to the community. The Association gave a cash grant to Legacy Memphis for a Johhny Cash Statue to commemorate his first performance at a neighborhood church.
Cooper-Young Festival - The Association participates in a weekend long festival that showcases the unique nature of the neighborhood. There are events such as live bands, children's activities, and demonstrations by neighborhood artists. As listed in Part III, the Association's involvement in the Cooper-Young Festival helps celebrate the neighborhood and provide local business exposure.
NTEE category: Community Improvement & Capacity Building
Secondary category: Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations