Founded just last year, East Dallas’ version of the federally initiated Weed & Seed program has been making inroads in “weeding” out crime and “seeding” programs to improve the community.
Known locally as the Community Revitalization of East Dallas, the organization is involved in many aspects of our community: helping crime victims, strengthening home security, establsihing community gardens, improving the availability of low-cost health care and helping residents get to know one another. All the work is done by volunteers, with the exception of executive director Evy Kay Ritzen.
The organization’s newest project is staffed by seven Americorps volunteers and funded by the Enterprise Foundation. The volunteers will go door to door asking questions about neighborhood and personal needs in order to get residents involved in the future of their community.
Another new program is At-Risk-Kids (ARK), an eight-week counseling program for youths 7-17, with concurrent sessions with their parents. Two pilot classes have been launched at Woodrow Wilson High School, with special emphasis on specialized therapeutic programs for chemical dependence, runawatys and behavioral management for youths with specialized needs. The program consists of three phases: evaluation, therapy and follow-up.
Weed & Seed’s new office at 1327 Peak St. still need donations of office equipment and supplies. For more information on how you can help, or how Weed & Seed might make an impact in your neighborhood, call 757-WEED.
