Summer 2012
Complete Issue 
Contents
How Smaller Banks Work with Local Nonprofits
by Claire Greene, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
The author interviews bankers from around the region and learns how nonprofits can be more effective partnering with banks on community goals.
Mapping New England: Relative Costs of School Districts
by Kaili Mauricio, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
The map gives a sense of which New England counties spend most and least on education.
Community Health Care: Quality That Goes Beyond Access
by Eliza Cole, Community Health Center Inc.
In Connecticut, providing high-quality health care to the poor involves addressing life challenges that keep patients from following doctors’ orders. The holistic approach can translate into healthier families.
Housing for Veterans: A New Model
by Lisa Conant, Community Renewal Team Inc.
An unusual coalition has saved Connecticut money while enabling low-income residents who need assisted living to postpone moving to nursing homes. Next step: adapting the model for low-income veterans.
Muslim Immigrants: Hurt by the Recession but Not Complaining
by Besheer Mohamed, Pew Research Center
A 2011 survey of Muslim Americans shows that despite being hard hit by the recession, Muslim immigrants nationwide are more positive about their financial situation than other Americans.
Consumer Payment Options
by Darin Contini, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Debit cards, credit cards, checks, prepaid cards, cash, mobile systems. Which is best for a consumer’s particular situation and risk tolerance? A Fed payments consultant helps sort out the comparative advantages.
Books Behind Bars: Connecting Inmates and Their Children through Reading
by Suzanne Loring, Children’s Literacy Foundation
With 70 percent of inmates functionally illiterate, their children are unlikely to become good readers. A Vermont organization helps children and incarcerated parents enjoy books together while building stronger bonds.
Educating New England’s Workforce for the Future
by Jerry Rubin, Jewish Vocational Service
When college-prep initiatives such as Boston-based Bridges to College are more closely integrated with community colleges, individuals, companies, and the regional economy benefit.
Multiage Education
by Delia Sawhney, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
As educators seek ways to improve scholastic outcomes, they might consider classrooms comprising two age groups. Done right, multiage education promotes more-individualized learning and better student cooperation.
A Model for Economic Self-Sufficiency after Prison
by Laura Winig, Venturing Out
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the developed world, imprisoning 730 people per 100,000 in 2010 alone. Entrepreneurship offers some prisoners hope for legitimate work after release.
Articles may be reprinted if Communities & Banking and the author are credited and the following disclaimer is used: "The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the Federal Reserve System. Information about organizations and upcoming events is strictly informational and not an endorsement."
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