In 2010, NHS' Community Building and Organizing department encouraged residents to take increasing control and ownership of volunteer activities. Residents participated in a Resident Leadership Institute in the spring of 2010, where a number of exciting initiatives were planned.  

In Newhallville: A new resident association was created.  This Association has been instrumental in a number of activities including gathering for weekly meetings and the dramatic increase in attendance at the Newhallville Community Management Team Meetings.  

In West River: Residents have rallied to reclaim the city park called Monitor Square (planting trees, securing the installation of pavers, initiating regular clean-ups, and working with the police to ensure safety).  

In Fair Haven: Claudia Herrera has started the Adopt-a-Corner Initiative, planting trees, cleaning up and improving public and private spaces, and using See-Click-Fix to secure necessary street repairs from public works.

On Stevens Street, a community garden was started where residents met weekly with NHS' Summer VISTA Associate and children in the neighborhood to reclaim a forgotten community garden.

In Newhallville, a significant community mural project was started on a building that had been blighted for decades.

On West Division Street: Community Building Specialist, Stephen Cremin-Endes, performed bi-weekly clean-ups with the assistance of NHS' Yale President's Public Service Fellow, VISTA members and residents.

On Blake Street: an Anti-Litter Campaign was started with young children and teenagers