New Series Seeks to Profile Changing American Dream

University City Patch is starting a new series called "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 on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams that a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath and trying to decide whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and older residents 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.

Locally, we want to know where University City Patch fits along these fault lines. In recent months, we've highlighted new businesses opening in U City. For example, a new bank in the Loop;a hip streetwear store

"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 University City are at the heart of your American Dream.