Paper Sample on Gaining Economic Empowerment: Benefits & Impact on Community

Numerous advantages come along with attaining economic employment. Such advantages include having a community that is independent and productive, as well as individuals able to participate in the wholesome growth of the community. Data from the 2015 Sentinel City demographic database indicates retail sales of over $6,835,351 (American Sentinel University, 2015). Nightingale Square appears to be the most popular as it contains different retail shops, i.e., pharmacies, groceries, clothing, gas filling stations, restaurants, etc.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

The refineries and non-farm establishments contribute immensely to the levels of industrial employment witnessed in Sentinel City. They accounted for over 300,000 jobs in 2011 (American Sentinel University, 2015). There are several large refineries, whose workers are dressed in uniforms and are seen walking around carrying shipping crates. They move around using the sidewalks on the streets.

There are many fresh fruit and vegetable stalls within the community. However, nothing indicates that they were planted or harvested within the region. The poverty level in Sentinel City is at 18.9%. As such, the fresh fruit and vegetable stalls present a cheaper and more affordable alternative for food, instead of the more expensive fast-food restaurants. Since most African Americans are prone to ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, fresh fruit and vegetable stalls not only present a cheaper alternative but a healthier source of food as well.

Trading is quite popular in Sentinel City. This aspect of the city is evident from the many small stores present at all bus stops. Residents can trade household items or clothes for money (Gross and Francis, 2015). Further, the residents can access different services from the convenience stores available, as some of them are daycare and health facilities, cashing stores, etc. Further, the government also offers services its services through the fire department, police, and garbage disposal. The fire trucks from the fire department do not bear any identification plates. The police officers move around, both on foot and using vehicles. They are easily visible to everyone.

Sentinel City is not the ideal tourist destination, as it has nothing much to offer on that front. There are a few outside diners, talented jugglers who mostly showcase their skills in the park, and an art gallery- the main factors that could entice tourists to come visit. However, the residents of Sentinel City mostly profit from the parks, as they offer a conducive environment for relaxing or recreational activities. The parks have well-kept grass, good shade cover from the trees, benches, guitarists entertaining people, etc. Through the purchase of snacks and drinks, or paying the entertainers small tokens of appreciation, the residents can participate directly in aiding the economy of the city.

The unemployment status of Sentinel City is visible through its environment. Several large buildings have been abandoned, and businesses closed. Further, many residents are seen queuing awaiting free soup at the soup kitchen. The streets are filled with homeless persons, particularly at night. Only 50.4% of the residents own homes (Federal Poverty Level, 2016). Others are unable to purchase their own homes due to the low income they receive.

However, there are specific regions in the city that point towards a better quality of life. For instance, in Casper Park, several shops are operating. Those seen within the area are dressed nicely. The park is well-cared for, with several high-end restaurants full of people. On the road, new model cars can be observed. This factor points towards the disparity in the economic classes within Sentinel City.

Better economies result in better healthcare. Encouraging the residents to exercise and keep healthy lifestyles help in the primary prevention of diseases (Healthy Eating, 2016). It is perhaps the cheapest form of prevention of diseases.

References

American Sentinel University (2015). Sentinel City Demographic database. Retrieved from http://learn.americansentinel.edu/pluginfile.php/325353/mod_resource/content/4/BSN432_Sentinel_City_Demographics.pdf

Federal Poverty Level. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-FBL/

Gross, J.S., & Francis, G. (2015). Developing and Testing of the Community Employment Survey. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 42(3), 229-234. https://dx.doi.org/10.3233/JVR-150743

Healthy Eating. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/lower-your-risk/healthy-eating.html