The Zawadi Exchange is a family for isolated neighbors. It is a sister to children who have no sisters to share stories. It is a teacher for students whom all other teachers have failed. It is a friend to all those friends who have lost hope. It is a believer in the capacity of all people. Most importantly, The Zawadi Exchange makes dreams come alive. This grassroots, inclusive and citizen driven, community building organization improves the quality of life, health, safety and happiness of residents of Indianapolis’ Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood through a truly transformational and Asset Based Community Development framework.

Faced with structural oppression and limitations, the people of the Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood continue to fight to regain their connectivity and solidarity. The Zawadi Exchange is one result of that fight. Through a process called asset mapping, neighbors identify their individual gifts and talents. Then, by forming topical conversation groups, they are connected to each other based on their gifts and talents creating associations of people with mutually beneficial relationships. During this process, neighbors work together to leverage support and resources from institutions and organizations moving toward true and self-sustaining community. The people of The Zawadi Exchange produce unified and powerful neighbor led groups and associations that enhance solidarity and the quality of life of all residents.