Building a Stronger Future Together: A Partnership Between Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians – Corning Promise (Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood) and the City of Corning
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indian Tribe – Corning Promise (Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood) envisions a community where all children have the opportunities to reach their full potential and achieve lifelong success. Since 2017, the Tribe has been honored to steward the Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood (“Corning Promise”) initiative, collaborating with a diverse group of organizations to implement cradle-to-career solutions.
A key partner in this collective impact effort is the City of Corning Recreation Department, which has played a pivotal role in providing recreation and enrichment opportunities to children and youth of varying ages. The 2023-2024 reporting year, the Recreation Department engaged 1,254 participants across 40 distinct classes. One of the standout achievements this year was the launch of the Junior Cardettes program. In partnership with Corning High School, this program allowed younger students to learn dance and drill team skills from high school students. Trained by 10 high school drill team members, the Junior Cardettes performed at Corning High School, parades, and other community events. These opportunities have fostered physical and social health and promoted engagement to strengthen community health.
“We’re seeing young people take pride in their city and school and watching them grow as leaders
is inspiring. We’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities.” – Christina Meeds
Christina Meeds, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Corning, shares, “Our partnership with Corning Promise and the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians has been a game-changer for the youth in our community. The Junior Cardettes program and the involvement of high school students as leaders in other programs, such as the youth basketball leagues, have brought new opportunities for local kids and strengthened the community. We’re seeing young people take pride in their city and school and watching them grow as leaders is inspiring. We’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities.”
For the past several years, the program has benefited from the dedicated involvement of high school student volunteers; this year, there were 28 volunteers. These students have not only gained valuable skills but have also contributed to the success and sustainability of the recreation programs.
Dawna Shchedrov, Project Director for Corning Promise, explains, “The collaboration between the City of Corning and the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians- Corning Promise (Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood) initiative has truly exemplified the power of collective impact. The success of programs like the Junior Cardettes and the engagement of high school students in volunteer roles are key steps toward creating a stronger, more connected community. By working together, we’re not just providing kids with opportunities—we’re building a foundation of support, leadership, and resilience that will carry them into the future.”
This ongoing partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for local youth, foster community engagement, and build the foundation for a brighter future for all.