Community Corner

Dispatches: A Changing American Dream

Patch introduces a new series on how Americans are adjusting to tough times.

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."
Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times.

There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities.

At Patch, we want to explore that conversation so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us. 

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams, which a multitude of people are working toward.

Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

Swampscott has been hit squarely by the Great Recession.  

Foreclosures, business closings and the double whammy of a huge fire that displaced residents and businesses during these tough times have taken a toll.

In response to the fire, Swampscott residents and officials  get back on their feet.

And the town is redoubling its efforts to develop vacant it owns.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in this community go to the heart of your American Dream. Email Editor Terry Date at terry.date@patch.com and let us know your thoughts.


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