Victoria Gaither, who has lived in the Optimist Park neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1990, discusses her life history and her experience of living in Optimist Park. She notes that her immediate neighbors form a cohesive group because they share the common bond of living in Habitat for Humanity houses that were all built at the same time. Ms. Gaither acknowledges that the community is changing as larger houses are constructed and as the light rail expands out of downtown Charlotte. She describes this change as being positive for Optimist Park, but she expresses her belief that additional programs are needed to maintain cohesiveness within the neighborhood and to better serve children. Ms. Gaither also discusses the importance of her church, Soul Saving Ministries, where she serves as secretary.
