Stakeholders identified three key benefits to Third Places. Keep reading to learn more.
Improving Mental and Physical Health
Interviewees reported that Third Places improved mental and physical health of county residents, reinforcing the findings from the research.
"They build a sense of community. What I've seen is a lot of individuals leave high school and start becoming isolated. But if you have a place to go, if you have a group of people, that helps you to be active. There is an old saying that an idle mind is a troubled workshop. If you don't have anything to occupy your time, you're often left alone with negative thoughts. But if you're with people and you do activities and you feel supported, it helps. We really do need each other."
-Social Service Agency Director
Providing Safe Spaces to Find Resources & Build Social Capital
Interviewees described how Third Places created outlets for people to spend time and connect with others, creating more opportunities to build social capital, which is a critical resource linked to employment, education, and health outcomes.
"I think there's a level of motivation that comes with people feeling included and connected to the community. When people feel more connected, they’re isolating less. So their mental health is improving. And then they are more driven to work or help out with the community. And everybody benefits from that."
-JCMNH Employee
Strengthening Relationships Between People in the County
Interviewees highlighted how Third Places create opportunities for people in Johnson County to build relationships with each other.
"Most nights every week we go to Waterworks Park. It's a tiny little park in our neighborhood and we just walk around. I see a lot of the same people and wave at them. That's how you meet your neighbors. When people get to know their neighbors and their community, then you can build bonds. That what gets you through hardships."
-Anonymous Student