25 stories
Altar Offerings | Ofrendas del Altar
Building an altar for the dead brings two strangers together to honor their losses and find new life
El Barrio Beauty | Belleza del Barrio
A beauty salon in Spanish Harlem is where secrets are shared, hearts are mended, and love finds unlikely paths
The Latina Lawyer | La Abogada
A corporate lawyer reconnects with her roots through a pro bono case and finds love in the community she's helping
Muralist Love | Amor Muralista
A muralist painting a neighborhood mural captures more than the community—she captures a heart
Soccer Saturday | Sábado de Fútbol
Two rival team fans find common ground—and something more—when their children's teams merge
The Halal Butcher of Dearborn | جزار ديربورن الحلال
America's largest Arab community. A butcher shop that's been there for generations. The widow who inherits it—and the customer who keeps coming back.
The Islamic School Teacher | معلمة المدرسة الإسلامية
She teaches at an Islamic school in Sydney. He's the single father who volunteers constantly. Their paths cross over bake sales and homework—and become something more.
The Ramadan Moon | هلال رمضان
Moon-sighting is contentious. She's the astronomer who settles the arguments. He's the imam who relies on her—and comes to rely on her for more.
The Somali Tea House | بيت الشاي الصومالي
A Somali tea house in Minneapolis. A regular customer who comes for the spiced tea. The owner who gives him something stronger than cardamom.
Willesden Woman
Property developer James plans to demolish the Willesden community center, but community organizer Denise fights back—and their battle becomes something neither expected.
Boumerdès Breezes
Nassima rebuilt after the 2003 earthquake destroyed Boumerdès. When seismologist André arrives studying reconstruction, she shows him that resilience can't be measured on scales. 'El ard tetharrek, el ness yebqaw' (الأرض تتحرّك، الناس يبقاو) - The earth moves, people remain.
Clinic Connection
Women's health advocate Salma runs community clinics. When specialist Dr. Andersen volunteers his expertise, healing extends beyond patients. 'Al siha asas al hayah' (الصحة أساس الحياة) - Health is the foundation of life.
קשר בלוד | Lod Liaison
A Jewish social worker and an Arab community leader in Lod fight for coexistence—and fight against their growing attraction.
The Community Organizer
Clarice has mobilized her Detroit neighborhood for thirty years. When a foundation director offers funding, she discovers some campaigns run on more than grants.
The Crossing Guard Connection
Miss Ruby has protected the school crossing for twenty years. When a single grandfather starts walking his grandchildren to school, she discovers some crossings lead to unexpected destinations.
The Gardening Club Growth
Rosemary tends the community garden like her life depends on it. When a widower takes the plot next to hers, something unexpected blooms between the tomatoes and sunflowers.
The Grandmother's Legacy
Big Mama raised the whole block in Brooklyn. When an urban developer wants her brownstone, she discovers some legacy includes finding love again.
Thamesmead Treasure
Community worker Ngozi runs the Thamesmead youth center. When new volunteer Marcus proves himself with the kids, she shows him that her appreciation runs very, very deep.
Tottenham Treasure
Youth football coach Chiamaka develops future stars from Tottenham's estates. When sports journalist Marcus profiles her program, she shows him that her passion extends far beyond the pitch.
West Croydon Warmth
Soup kitchen volunteer Nneka feeds the hungry at West Croydon's community center. When banker Marcus joins to fulfill community service, she shows him that real nourishment comes from the heart.
Regina Community Center
She runs the Somali community center in Regina—a thick ebony widow who unites a scattered diaspora. When he volunteers for her programs, she puts him to work. Some work is done in private.
The Fadhi Kudirir
Fadhi kudirir is the Somali term for sitting around chatting—a beloved pastime. She hosts the neighborhood women's gathering at her house. When everyone leaves and he stays to help clean, she shows him a different kind of conversation.
The Madrasa Mother
She's the head of the PTA at the Somali madrasa—a thick widow who organizes everything. When he volunteers to help with the fundraiser, she shows him how she thanks dedicated helpers. Some gratitude is best expressed behind closed doors.
Neighborhood Watch
The HOA president takes her inspections very seriously. Every young husband in the neighborhood knows what happens when she finds a violation. Their wives know too—and some of them watch.
Extra Time
She manages a youth football club in Tower Hamlets—keeping Somali boys off the streets and on the pitch. He's the former professional player who volunteers as coach. Between drills and matches, they score something unexpected.