Weed & Seed
Multi-Agency Strategy
Weed and Seed is a multi-agency strategy to “weed out” violent crime, gang activity, drug use and drug trafficking in specific neighborhoods and then “seed” the area by restoring these neighborhoods through social and economic revitalization. Click HERE for the English version Weed and Seed Brochure or HERE for the Spanish Brochure version.
Our Burlington Weed and Seed is a law enforcement strategy to improve the quality of life in east Burlington. In general our crime rate is higher than that in the rest of the city. The objective of Weed and Seed is to lower the crime rate in east Burlington and provide the residents of our neighborhoods with a better quality of life. We have made progress in achieving these goals and are striving to maintain it.
How is this going to work?
Weed and Seed can only work with your help. Communication between the community and the police must continue to increase. Involvement of the community in making our neighborhoods safer, healthier and more prosperous must increase. We must increase awareness of all the opportunities to improve our individual circumstances and that of our community. We must engage in action to help our community and ourselves by taking advantage of current opportunities and creating new ones.
What can you do?
Become aware of our community’s problems and the gaps in service to our residents.
* Violent crime and repeat offenders * Substance abuse * Domestic violence * Youth gangs
Join a community / neighborhood organization to help solve a problem and / or fill a gap in service.
* Community watch * After school program * GED or ESL classes * Small business
* Sport leagues * Project Safe Alamance * Reentry * Job training and searches * Weed and Seed Steering Committee
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More about the Weed and Seed Strategy
On the one hand, “Weeding” involves increased Law Enforcement and Community Policing; on the other hand, “Seeding” speaks to Prevention, Intervention and Treatment services as well as Neighborhood Restoration.
Recently, the Burlington Police Department received Federal Grant funding that will enable us to increase our weeding/patrol presence in the Weed and Seed designated area with six Community Policing Officers. We continue to seek community input and assistance on neighborhood problem solving.
We have a number of secular and faith-based partners in this endeavor, two of which are Building Futures and the Burlington Housing Authority. Building Futures assists at-risk or offending youth 16 to 21 who are seeking job training and employment. For years Building Futures (336-227-6050) operated from our Tucker Street Substation. However, it is now conveniently located at 412 Maple Avenue is the place to be. Come visit the Building Futures Youth Center and make a positive change in your life. Eligibility requirements are the following:
- Age 16-21
- Low income
- And at least one of the following:
- Deficient in basic skills
- School Drop-Out
- Homeless, runaway, or foster child
- Pregnant or parenting youth
- Offender
- An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or secure and hold employment
Participants will advance through a five stage level system with associated awards for each level. The program is year round and culminates with students obtaining 500 hours of subsidized job experience.
Participants benefit from the following curricula:
- Career exploration
- Setting Educational Goals
- Setting Personal Goals
- Maintaining a Journal
- Job Readiness Activities
- Job Getting Skills
- Job Keeping Skills
- Leadership Activities
- Job Shadowing
- Subsidized Work Experience
- Peer Group Activities
Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) is another partner that contributes significantly to our overall effort. For example, young men and women in Burlington and Alamance County will find it most beneficial to participate in the following youth programs: Hoops for Hope (basketball), Dream Girls (cheerleading), and Training for Manhood (youth leadership and development). For further information please call (336) 226-8422.
Project Safe Alamance and Reentry Initiative
Project Safe Alamance and Reentry Initiative are helping to reduce the recidivism rate among ex-offenders returning to our city and county. Some 600 offenders are released to Alamance County each year after serving their time. Every successful reentry to our community means less crime and safer neighborhoods. It also saves taxpayers the approximately $24,000 per year necessary to reincarcerate an offender. Please contact (336) 229-3154 for more information.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
One of the four categories of work that the Weed and Seed strategy prioritizes is Neighborhood Restoration. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (English, Spanish) program allows us to do just that. Through our VITA volunteers, we provide free tax preparation services to low-income earners. Many of our clients would otherwise miss out on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Low-income residents may receive EITC tax refunds up to $5,657 per each year filed. The EITC can be used to stimulate local economies. The credit lifts nearly five million Americans above the poverty line each year. Our goal is to maximize the number of Weed and Seed residents and others who may benefit from this and other credits.
Burlington Weed & Seed Initiative, with Glen Hope Baptist Church, has partnered with the IRS and Department of Justice to provide the VITA Program to the community, particularly those with low and limited income, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking and elderly taxpayers. Taxes can be completed and e-filed free of charge to those who qualify.
Weed & Seed Steering Committee - Voting Member
- Black, Steve Burlington Police Department/Resident*
- Black, Carlton Graham Housing Authority
- Byrd, Bob Alamance Regional Medical Center
- Coffee, Laura Alamance County Community College
- Mangum, Ernest Burlington Housing Authority
- Marti, George Los Pentacostales de Burlington
- Parker, Belinda Burlington Police Department/Resident*
- Seel, Greg Burlington Police Department
- Tysinger, Randy US Attorney's Office
- Wall, Tammy Building Futures
- Williams, Mike Burlington Police Department
Resources
We realize Teenagers face a variety of challenges as they strive to find their way towards adulthood. This is a difficult challenge for both parents and our community to guide our children and keep them safe. We all have the same goal – seeing our children grow into successful adults.
Please use this page as a resource. We have provided several links that we hope will provide information, answer questions, and offer guidance when needed.
Tobacco
Mobilize Against Tobacco For Children’s Health
North Carolina Public Health
Alcohol
Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free
Young Adults Educating Responsible Drinking
Al-Anon/Alateen
MADD
Drugs & Inhalants
The Partnership for a Drug Free America
Freevibe – For Teens
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Parents The Anti Drug
Inhalant
Driving - Motor Vehicle Laws & Dangers
NC DMV
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
I Promise Program
Childhood Depression
National Mental Health Center
National Institute Of Mental Health
National Alliance for Mentally Ill
Teen Stress
Focus Adolescent Services
Eating Disorders
National Eating Disorders Association
HealthyPlace Eating Disorders Community
Eating Disorder Referral and Information
Eating Disorders Mirror Mirror
Body Positive
Real Women Project
Crime & Victimization / Domestic Violence
National Center for Victims of Crime
Sexual Abuse
Rape Abuse & Incest National Network
National Exchange Club Foundation
Mothers Against Sex Abuse
Focus Adolescent Services
Internet Safety
FBI Guide
US Department of Justice
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
SafeKids
NetSmartz
Get Net Wize
Internet Safety Awareness
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Protect Your Kids
Parenting
Parent Best
More information is available through:
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