New Cedar Rapids home offers hope for urban refugees
The Robertson family from Chicago, uprooted by housing changes and violence, moves to Cedar Rapids with eight children seeking safety and opportunity. They report less crime, supportive schools, and a chance for their children to pursue dreams, though they face prejudice and lingering worry.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robertson
Robertsons
Arthur
Cedar Rapids
Chicago
Renita
Mark Rolan
Arthur Jr. Robertson
Renee Rolan
Robert Taylor
Urban refugees: Cedar Rapids families face literacy and income struggles
Gazette reporters document four dozen residents adapting to new city life. Benita left high school to become a certified nurse’s assistant while Arthur, who quit school in eighth grade, struggles with literacy and finding work. The project follows their challenges, church involvement, housing aid, and daily neighborhood life as authorities monitor safety and education efforts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Janet
Gazette
Edar Rapids
Arthur Robertson
Chicago
Robertson
Benita
Cedar Rapids
Robertsons
Iowa City
Brian Ray
the Gazette
Mark Rolan
Renee Rolan
Markeisha Rolan
Jeanette Rolan
Renita Rolan
Christopher Brown
Janet Borholm
Cindy Hadish
Frank Gluck
Zack Kucharski
Kristophere’ Owens
The
Cedar Rapids Baptist Church
Living Care East
Arthur
Moving to Iowa City Changes a Chicago Family
Deidre Blackburn and her daughter Brittney left Chicago's south side for Iowa City three years ago. Blackburn, 39, works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and adjusted with help from the Broadway Neighborhood Center and the public library. She earned her GED and studies at Kirkwood Community College while Brittney, 6, enjoys school and new friends, expressing a preference to stay for a safer environment away from gangs and violence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Deidre Blackburn
Brittney
Iowa City
Blackburn
Chicago
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Frank Gluck
Gazette
OWA City
South Side
Keck St
Thorek Hospital and Medical Center
Kirkwood Community College
Also Mentioned on This Page
E Iona
Renita Robertson
Living Center East
Lyle Muller
Lyle. Muller
Gazettecommunications. Com
14Th St. SE
Janet.rorholm
Frank. Glack
gazettecom_iigations
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