You may be aware of Operation Weed and Seed in Old East Dallas. If you aren’t familiar with the program, Weed and Seed is a multi-agency strategy that works to “weed out” violent crime in a targeted neighborhood and then “seeds” the area through social and economic revitalization. The strategy relies on the coordination and utilization of existing resources.

The Weed and Seed Community Revitalization Committee, which includes representatives from government agencies and non-profit organizations, is working to increase employment in East Dallas by informing residents and businesses of job placement services in our neighborhood.

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The Wilkinson Center on Bryan Street and the YWCA on Ross Avenue have agreed to work with Weed and Seed to assist in this area. Both organizations have free job banks and employment service programs.

Job listings range from entry-level positions to jobs requiring high-tech skills or a professional degree. The problem both programs face is that not many businesses or residents know about them.

The Wilkinson Center

The Wilkinson Center Employee Assistance Program is staffed by trained volunteers who will assist anyone wanting to improve their lives. The program provides a Job Search Seminar every Monday morning and teaches skills to find and retain a job.

Clients entering the program complete an application form containing their personal background, education and work experience. The client’s skills are assessed and then matched with different types of employment.

Clients also receive assistance with clothing and transportation to interviews.

The Wilkinson Center Employee Assistance Program is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and is located in the Wilkinson Center, 5200 Bryan. For information, call Alma Nieves at 821-6380.

The YWCA

YWCA Job Development Services are available to women and men. The YWCA Job Bank lists more than 2,000 job leads every month.

The program offers a career preparation workshop that includes resume development, job search techniques, image presentation and interview tips, workshop materials and two individual career counseling sessions. Job placement counselors provide employment information and assistance.

Participants also may take advantage of a job search support group, a career clothes closet and a computer lab to learn computer skills. The program holds an annual Job Fair for area employers to recruit employees.

YWCA Job Development Services are available at 4621 Ross. Contact Claudia Nguyen at 821-9595, ext. 2302, for assistance.

If you own or manage a business and have employment positions available, contact these agencies to become listed on their job bank lists. If you are an individual seeking employment, take advantage of what is available in your neighborhood.

For information about this or other Weed and Seed activities, call me at 670-4420.