Little free pantries 2 Executive changes 7 Activists invite police, clinicians to get to know the locals in challenged Cleveland neighborhoods

By JULIE MINDA

When Barbara Anderson heard about a new “reverse ride-along” program in Cleveland a half dozen years or so ago, she was eager to participate.

In a typical ride-along, a community member spends part of a shift in an emergency vehicle, observing a first responder on the job. The reverse ride-alongs through the streets of Cleveland bring law enforcement officers, clinicians and others together with people who have deep knowledge of the economic injustice Clevelanders face after years of disinvestment and segregation.

Reverse ride-along participants talk about the aspirations, assets and challenges of residents of marginalized neighborhoods and the efforts of community members and nonprofits working to improve the quality of life and opportunities.