Last Friday, about 50 people of all ages gathered at the Hazelwood YMCA for POORLAW's first volunteer meeting. The intention was to recruit volunteers, build relationships, provide an update on what POORLAW has been up too, and eat dinner!
Participants filled out volunteer applications and also brief surveys on transportation issues in Hazelwood. POORLAW introduced themselves, Saundra and Terrell shared information about the Sister Circle and Boys to Mens Club.
Towards the end we broke up into two discussion groups. One group focused on the issues of schools and how we can get more parents involved. The other focused on different efforts in the neighborhood in bringing workshops in. Ms. Allen announced that there is neighborhood effort to open the Hazelwood pool this summer. There is a bank account being opened at the First Niagra on 2nd ave and they are asking everyone to go down there and donate 10$ for the pool. Ms. Deanna is hosting a home buying workshop at the end of April. Two participants, Ms.Robin and Ms.Karen expressed interest in leading support circles for community healing focused on healing from trauma and loss. More information on those events coming soon.
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| Sade, Sandy and Samara |
Sarah Love commented that it is really important for there to be time for questions in all these community events. She stressed that people learn in different ways and there should always be time for questions to make sure everyone is getting the most out of these different events. An elderly participant explained that sidewalks were in desperate need of repair and she had seriously hurt her ankle, including a break, twice in the last year. Mr. Love said the break out session on schools made the meeting worth it and felt as if the community was in agreement about the problems relating to schools. Please let POORLAW know if you are interested in volunteering at any school that Hazelwood youth attend. We will coordinate with Mr. Love and his Mifflin School Project to get training and clearances for these volunteers.
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| the welcome committee! |
Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped serve dinner, who cooked dinner and Suzanne South for providing childcare for the 15 or so young ones!! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
If you attended this meeting and have any additional information or comments about the gathering please email: writealetta@gmail.com so we can incorporate your information and feedback.
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| Saundra |
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| Jamaica |
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| Sister Circle Represent! |
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| Brittany and Eben |
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| Terrell speaking with some POORLAW Board members in background |
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| Some of the children! |
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| Keino from A-plus Schools |
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| Wally Poorlaw's Board adviser from Heinz |
Last Friday, about 50 people of all ages gathered at the Hazelwood YMCA for POORLAW's first volunteer meeting. The intention was to recruit volunteers, build relationships, provide an update on what POORLAW has been up too, and eat dinner!
