Community First: How MBK Middlesex County Delivers Results Through Place-Based Partnerships

🍎 Over the past year, I’ve poured my heart into uplifting our community—especially our young people. Education, to me, is more than a path to success—it’s a lever that can open doors, shift mindsets, and transform lives. That’s why I’m proud to share that MBK Middlesex County has officially been certified by the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance—a milestone that reflects the power of neighbors coming together to create lasting change.

This recognition wasn’t earned overnight. It’s the result of more than 20 partners and community stakeholders working side-by-side—from classrooms to city halls—to ensure boys and young men of color in Middlesex County have the opportunities, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed from cradle to career.

Place-Based Partnerships Action

Our approach is simple: put community first and meet people where they are. That starts with listening—to youth, to neighbors, and to the stakeholders who know their communities best. From there, we work across sectors—schools, nonprofits, faith communities, local government, grassroots organizers, and beyond—to turn shared ideas into action.

In Middlesex County, our MBK work thrives on place-based partnerships (PBP) that unite local government, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and more—each with a stake in the outcome and a role in the solution. Rooted in trust and shared responsibility, these partnerships ensure resources are coordinated, investments are strategic, and results are measurable. When young people, local leaders, parents, educators, and representatives from both the public and private sectors sit at the same table, we can align around what matters most for our boys and young men of color—whether that’s helping a student prepare for college, pursue other post-secondary education, or access new opportunities. This includes advancing MBK Milestone 4: ensuring all youth complete postsecondary education or training. Our partners are here for the long haul.

Our Promise Going Forward

At MBK Middlesex County, we are committed to collaboration, accountability, and the belief that every boy and young man of color deserves a clear pathway to opportunity. In practice, this means:

• Listening first, then acting. Youth and community feedback shapes every initiative.
• Aligning resources. Through strong public–private partnerships (PPP), our partners will coordinate resources that prepare boys and young men of color for postsecondary education and training. This includes our collaboration with the City of New Brunswick, which has supported our efforts through shared spaces and community engagement.
• Advancing policies that ignite change. We work with local leaders to explore and champion policies that remove barriers, expand opportunities, and strengthen community resources.
• Measuring what matters and what works. We track outcomes that directly improve the lives of young people and their families.

This milestone is just the beginning. When neighbors, leaders, and partners unite around shared goals, we don’t just support one generation—we shape the trajectory for the next.

A heartfelt thank you to Lesley at the Obama Foundation and my colleague James W. Horne, Jr., whose behind-the-scenes support has been instrumental. This work is bigger than any one person—and I’m grateful to be doing it alongside people who lead with integrity, purpose, courage, and heart.

Together We Can. Together We Will.

Justin Goldsberry