Hello, Everyone!
It’s been awhile since we last wrote, but we're am sure that you
haven’t missed much; since we are constantly trying our best to
keep you all up-to-date about what’s been happening at SEEED on our social media.
As you were
already made aware, SEEED celebrated its sixth birthday, and the turnout was
tremendous. We reached ¼ of our targeted goal, but since the event, we have
been steadily making progress towards hitting that mark. For this post, we'll talk
more about the minor, but impactful strides that we are making in regards to
our renovation efforts. We'll also talk about bit about our Job Readiness
Program, which at the moment seems to be a huge drag.
In previous posts, we have made some inclining to the fact
that we are trying to install our computer lab. Since we last wrote, we had the
desks installed and we had some gorgeous bar stools donated to add to the décor
of our lab. At the turn of the new year, SEEED had been working with the
University of Tennessee for computer donation. Last Thursday, we received a
total of eight desktop computers free of charge. Now, we just need to work with
our friends over at Neighborhood Nerds to get the software for each computer
updated, and we should be good to go. With the desktops and a printer added, the
lab looks sophisticated. See for yourself:
In addition to fully installing our computer lab, we have
been working with Tennessee College of Applied Technology to “modernize” our
heating and air systems. This is also tied into our building renovation efforts.
And so, we are hoping that by the time we get closer to summer, we’ll have our
HVAC system fixed and functioning like it should. Right now, we were told that
the total cost will be $4,373.00, which itself could call for another fundraising
event.
As for the organizational atmosphere, SEEED has been putting
in a lot of effort into writing grants. SEEED’s partnership with the Morningside
Housing Association is to serve as a Green Hub for all of East Knoxville. This
hub is for residents to gain access to resources that focus on energy
efficiency, sustainability and other initiatives that promote environmental literacy
among our communities. Hence, we've written a grant to Bank of America for
assistance in funding this project. Although we did not receive to total amount
requested, we are grateful for the Foundation’s generosity in supporting SEEED’s
efforts. We are also looking at other funding opportunities that will support to
Morningside Revitalization Project that SEEED is in the process of
spearheading. This project is also tied into our current interest—both the
interior and the exterior renovation of the facility.
In regards to programming, we have run into yet another
stumbling block. We've spent the last three months planning and coming up with
recruitment efforts that will ensure the success of the program. Yet, after
hours of recruiting in surrounding communities, and many phone calls, we had a
total of 8 individuals showing interest in our program. However, when the first
day came around, we had only two showed up. It’s been really stressful to see
that all that work resulted in naught.
As the VISTA in charge of programming, it’s like I have spent this entire year
trying to build something that will eventually be sustained, but on not one,
but three tries, I seemed to have failed miserably. Now, with all of this, I am
starting to question why I am even here in the first place. It really sucks
when you are constantly being reminded about the successes that the program has
had, but since I have been here, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. When
I do something, I expect result because I am a results-driven individual. But that
hasn't been happening for some time now. Don’t get me wrong, I do love being
here. I do enjoy my job. I think that this experience is teaching me a lot
about myself.
As VISTAs, we’re always being reminded that the experience is worthwhile,
but is it really worth anything when I am probably doing more harm than good to
the organization?
On the bright side, I am trying to find ways to remedy any potential
damages that I may have caused the organization. I am currently looking into
other ways that SEEED could potentially grow: through established summer
opportunities for children and young adults. I am also looking into ways that
we can turn our edible garden into an educational tool for community residents.
So, I hope that by the completion of my year of service that I’ll have at least
given the organization another reason to prosper.
Side note: it’s getting awfully close to May 22nd!
While I am really excited that I am less than two months away from successfully
completing my year of service, I know that there’s still a lot left to be done.
But in due time, it’ll all come together.
That’s all for now, y’all! For those of us celebrating the
Easter Festivities, I wish for a very HAPPY Easter weekend. And for those of us
who aren't celebrating, I wish for you a very relaxing and fun weekend.
Until next time,
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