New Series: Keeping the American Dream Alive in Wauwatosa

Parents always hope life will be better for their children and grandchildren than it was for them. More prosperous. More secure. Healthier. Happier.

But the last decade — the lost decade? — especially the past four years since the recession officially began, have shaken the American Dream for many.

Residents of Wauwatosa — just like the rest of the country — continue to adjust to trying times. And today Patch is launching a new project to chronicle the positive and negative impacts on people, families, government and businesses.

The series, under which stories will run periodically, is called "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

The American Dream means different things for different people. But at its most basic, it's a hope and belief that people will be able to financially support themselves and their families, be healthy and enjoy life. 

Looking across Patch's nearly 900 community websites nationwide, 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.

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.

How is your life changing as more and more Americans deal with actual or threats of foreclosure, job loss, debt and heath insurance problems? Are you struggling to find a job? Are you employed but losing wages and benefits?

Conversely, do you have an inspirational story to tell? A business succeeding? A volunteer effort or support group making a difference? Ideas on how to save money, be healthier and happier? A change in how you're spending family time? 

We at Wauwatosa Patch and all the Patches want to tell those American Dream stories from the front lines — the positive and the negative impacts of the roller coaster economy. 

Please send any and all story ideas — and tell us what issues you'd like to read about — by commenting here or e-mailing editor Jim Price at James.Price@Patch.com.

Thanks for reading and engaging.