Helping Neighbors and Building Relationships
“There were years when Pat Perkins rarely ventured out of her home, other than to attend church or run errands. Mrs. Perkins, a statuesque and personable African-American woman who enjoys creating arts and crafts, had lived in the Austin community for many years and had never met her neighbors. While attending a funeral, she talked with neighbors who encouraged her to attend an Every Block A Village (EBV) community meeting. “At the EBV meeting, residents talked about ways to improve their blocks and help youth,” Mrs. Perkins says. Over the past two years, Mrs. Perkins has become an active EBV Citizen Leader, who has used her talents to teach arts and crafts to neighborhood youth.“
Initiated in 1995, Every Block A Village (EBV) is the cornerstone around which WHA develops its work. Based on the concept “it takes a village to raise a child,” this asset-based organizing initiative focuses on capacity-building among neighbors on a block-by-block basis, and promoting positive values for youth. Currently, over 100 blocks are actively involved in the EBV network. EBV seeks out at least one Citizen Leader on each block with a focus towards building trust among residents. Each month an average of 40 EBV Citizen Leaders meet to discuss economic, social and health-related issues that affect their community and neighborhood blocks.
Accomplishments:
- EBV Citizen Leaders developed the groundwork for the construction of the Austin Wellness Center, a $7.9 million healthcare facility developed by WHA which opened in July 2004.
- EBV Citizen Leaders spearheaded fundraising efforts for the Austin Wellness Center, and raised over $60,000 towards its development.
- The EBV network has grown from 68 blocks to over 100 blocks in the Austin community.
WHA’s youth program resulted from EBV Citizen Leaders’ desire to promote positive norms and values to community youth.
- EBV Citizen Leaders implemented Austin’s first youth baseball league in May 2002.
