The man with the wheel on his head is struggling, but finding a way to ease the burden.

For whatever reason he is carrying a wheel on his head, I can picture myself doing the same thing. I like taking the train now and not dealing with any of that car stuff.

The sad part of my new year is seeing the homeless dealing with winter downtown, having just went through really sad holidays, and they have months of really bad living ahead before the weather breaks. It is always terrible but now is the worst. 

Happy new year Jeff - nice to see you caring, and your visual perspectives. 

Jeff, you have done it again. Your unique perspectives make us pause and think. 

Taking in this picture, I could not help but hear Mayor Frank Jackson's words from his recent inaugural echo through my head : 

 "As we begin to define our greatness- in education, quality of life, jobs and business development - we always have to keep in mind that the measure of a great city is how we provide for and treat the least of us and how we ensure that the least of us are better off"This speaks volumes - as does the picture Jeff has captured.  Can we have the caring and understanding to feel pity for the man above, or is our first instinct to think 'thief' or 'scavenger'?   We as a people need to really understand what Jackson is saying in the quote above - and realize that his thinking is a critical component to the sustainable economic development for our region.  This is exactly why I believe efforts to revitalize and transform our underprivileged communities is an essential and immediate action to take.  I've organized a group of grasroots sustainability advocates and we are looking at ways to facilitate positive change in East Cleveland. Our Net Impact chapter is always looking for support and assistance from concerned civic entrepreneurs and citizens alike.

   The poor fellow in the picture is a stark reminder of the outcomes we can see when the underprivileged are not given essential opportunities and second-chances.  The faith communities have led the way with innovative second-chance programs that have created new lives for former convicts, drug addicts, and others who are often shunned and not given a chance at a new life.  This stigmatization is all too prevalent in today's society.

This piece has inspired a new blog posting regarding second-chance efforts and why they, along with prison reform, are essential strategies for community development - as well as economic development.  Coming soon to the RealNEO blogosphere!