Growth & Learning Hub
Neighborhood Transformation
That Lasts
History
Our strategies, tools, and resources are all driven by one big transformative idea: Holistic Neighborhood Development.
Over 40 years ago, the seeds of this movement were planted by a pioneering leader named Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, and his team at Focused Community Strategies (FCS). By challenging old assumptions and reimagining the models, they began seeing dramatic change through hands-on partnership with Atlanta’s neighborhoods.
Holistic Neighborhood Development (HND) emerged as a set of beliefs and practices that replaced transactional giving with mutuality and partnership. It measured success by impact, not activity. It went beyond meeting the momentary needs of individuals and pursued the long-term flourishing of whole communities.
Today, FCS’s Growth & Learning Hub equips pastors, leaders, and neighbors in our focused communities, supporting long-term neighborhood flourishing. We also share our experience with others through online courses and biannual open houses for organizations interested in advancing place-based community development in their own neighborhoods.
Online Courses
The resources you need for the impact you envision.
Leaders often tell us they’re frustrated that progress in community well-being feels slow. After years of investing energy and resources, things don’t seem to be getting better. We understand! We have been at this work for over 40 years and are continuing to learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t.
Our online courses are designed to share our learning journey, giving leaders tools and ideas they can apply in their own neighborhoods. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, these courses are here to support lasting, meaningful impact.
Open Houses
Let’s learn and grow together for stronger, thriving neighborhoods.
Over a decade ago, we began welcoming leaders, innovators, and practitioners from all over the country to come learn about our model for empowering neighborhoods to thrive. We would love to share our story and strategies with you.
Upcoming Open Houses
We plan to host two Open Houses in 2026—one in the spring and one in the fall. Registration will open closer to the event dates, and details will be shared here.
Registrations are transferable to a different attendee. Registration fees are refundable for a $20 fee until one week prior to the event. Cancellations within one week of the event will not be refunded. Attendees are responsible for coordinating their own accommodations.
Place matters podcast
This is Place Matters, a podcast about the intersection of race, place, and poverty.
Together, we’ll explore the belief that the path to stronger more empowered communities is through the work of holistic neighborhood development. The content for this podcast is based on over 45 years of experience, expertise, failure, and hope from our organization, Focused Community Strategies — better known as FCS. Thanks for joining us!
Update: Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI)
The Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) is a community survey and activation tool originally developed by Focused Community Strategies (FCS) in Historic South Atlanta. Designed to measure community well-being and spark action, the FNI has helped neighborhoods across the country better understand their strengths, needs, and opportunities for growth.
FCS believes the FNI process is a valuable resource that can strongly benefit communities and the larger field of Place-Based Community Development. To ensure its continued growth and wider impact, we transitioned this work to Purpose Built Communities, a national partner with the resources, capacity, and reach to take it to the next level.
This transition means that while FCS remains deeply rooted in Historic South Atlanta and Thomasville Heights, the seeds we planted through the FNI will continue to grow nationally. Purpose Built will expand the tool’s reach across communities around the country, while FCS continues our local Growth & Learning Hub efforts—equipping pastors, leaders, and neighbors right here at home.
For more information about the FNI, please contact Kevin Rafter at Purpose Built Communities.
