HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING (OR WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU ARE CELEBRATING TODAY)!!

Hello, Seeedville Family, 

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING (for those of us who are experiencing spring around this time of the year)!!!!!!

This will be another short, but sweet post; as there isn't much to report on because we've been laying low this past week. 

Since our last post, not much has happened at Seeedville. As we mentioned previously, SEEED celebrated its 6th birthday and now that the celebration is over, it's time to move on to other significant business--our Job Readiness Training Program. Starting on Monday, March 23rd, we will be having our spring training session. So far, we have five young adults committed. But we're still hoping to recruit a few more into the program. Everything is already in place, and so we should be off to a great start. We've spent this past week recruiting in the surrounding communities. We're looking forward to hitting some of the other local hot spots where young people hang out.  

Below are a few photos of us recruiting in communities surrounding the SEEED office. 

The individual in this photo is yours truly, Kenisha W. I am also one of the two AmeriCorps VISTAs working at Seeedville. I am currently serving as the Program Coordinator for our Job Readiness Program. I have been living in Knoxville for less than a year. I moved here for my year of service in May and will be leaving once my term ends. I am truly liking the experience here. There is a lot to learn about the people and the culture, as well as how my passion for service fits into the mission of SEEED. An interesting fun fact: I am also the author of Seeedville's weekly blog posts. I'd personally like to say a HUGE THANK-YOU to everyone who has been reading our posts. We have readers from Indonesia, France, Germany, and of course, the United States. It's really an honor to know that our blog is reaching a wider audience. 

In this photo is our executive director, Stanley Johnson, and a volunteer, who is also the mother of one of our program graduates. It is really great to see how people are invested in SEEED and the work that we do. 

On a rather slightly different note, our fundraiser for windows is coming along well. We've reached over a quarter of our goal. So, if you haven't yet donated or have some extra change in your wallet, I'd recommend that you go ahead and donate on our gofundme page: www.GoFundMe.com/seeedopenhouse.

That is all for this week, y'all. We don't necessarily have any upcoming events planned at this moment; except for the program. But we will definitely make sure to update you on whatever events we plan in the near future. 

Once again, the staff here at Seeedville will like to extend its sincere gratitude to all of you for being so dedicated and staying informed with the work that we are doing in our communities. It is because of our supporters like you, that we are able to continue to be successful, even after 6 years!

We'd like to wish for you all a relaxing and fun-filled first day of spring (or whatever it is that you are celebrating today). 

As always, we can always use more LIKES on our Facebook Page, so please take a moment to check us out: facebook.com/seeedknox. We'd sincerely appreciate you liking our page. 

In the spirit of spring cleaning, we'd like to challenge you to do more than just spring clean your home(s), but to reflect on yourself as an individual and see what aspects of your life needs "spring cleaning". Today we leave you with this quote: "If your life is a mess clean it up. THROW AWAY your excuses, SWEEP the negative people out of your life, FIX the problems that you CAN fix and PICK up the pieces of your life one at a time." ~Sonya Parker

Until next time, 

+Seeed Knox 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SEEED--SIX YEARS STRONG

Hi Guys!!!
TGIF!! After yesterday's fantastic celebration of Seeedville's birthday, we're still rejuvenating. Hence, this week's post won't be as lengthy as others.

It's been two weeks since we last wrote. We didn't do an update for last week because not much had happened around the organization due to how terrible the weather was.

But as the saying goes, "after the storm, there's a calm." This past week has been a tremendous week for us. The organization is doing well. We just CELEBRATED our SIXTH year anniversary, which was on March 12th. We had a huge Open House Birthday Fundraiser Extravaganza. The turn out was tremendous. We reached 1/4 of our target goal. It was really great to see all people who have been supporting us throughout our six years of being in existence.

Though we may not have reached our desired goal in its entirety, the celebration in itself was a success.

Here are a few photos just in case you wanted to get a sense of what happened yesterday.

Now with that said, we still want to reach our target goal ($2,500) by the end of March, which is 18 days away. So, you can still donate to our cause to ensure that our windows get fixed so we can stop wasting so much energy. Again, please donate to help us reach our target by donating on our Go Fund Me page: www.GoFundMe.com/seeedopenhouse. Remember, no donation is too small. 

As for our Job Readiness Program, now that our celebration is over, we will resume to recruiting and getting geared up for our first day of class which is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd. So far we have done some recruiting, had a few interests, and so we just hope that we can gain some more this upcoming week, and then see where things go from there. 

If you're in the local Knoxville area, and know anyone who might be interested in a FREE job training program, please feel free to send them our way. We want to make sure we reach as many young people as we possibly can.

That's all for this week, folks. If you're still sad about missing our event, or want to recap with us about how fun yesterday was, please drop by our facebook page: facebook.com/seeedknox.

We wish you all a very productive remainder of your Friday afternoon, and a very relaxing weekend. 

Cheers, 

Staff +Seeed Knox 

BUSINESS AS USUAL... AND SOME NEW

Hi Guys!

Since our previous post,not much has happened at SEEED due to weather conditions. However, we’d like to provide a refresher just to make sure we are all up to speed and then focus on what we have been up to since the last time we wrote.

Here at SEEED, a lot of interior changes have taken place. We have renovated the inside of the building, redid our bulletin boards, painted the inside walls to a brand new, and more people-friendly color(s), as well as installed our computer lab. The “junk” from our soon-to-be classroom is dissolving at a slow, but stead rate. We can honestly say that since the renovations, SEEED’s stability within the Morningside Community Center has become noticeable. For more in-depth details about our renovations, please feel free to refer to the previous posts.

Now for more new and enticing matters, a few board members have move on. They have successfully and selflessly completed their term of service to SEEED. We are sincerely grateful to have had them at our service. The ideas, structure and passion that they’ve brought with them has given the organization a push in right direction. It is safe to say that we are successful due to their willing contributions to the organization.

As far as programming goes, we are currently getting geared up for the launch of our spring Job Readiness Program. Like we have stated in our previous post, the program has been revised, some classes have been eliminated, others have been added, and so this spring session will be the first time that we are trying out our new and (hopefully) improved program. The goal—equipping young adults with job-ready skills—has not changed, but the ways in which the program is delivered has been. Because of the revisions that have been implemented, we have gone ahead and updated our brochures, re-evaluated recruitment strategies, as well as revised the overall message the organization is trying to send.

In previous posts, we have also discussed the organization's efforts to create new partnerships that will potentially serve as employers for your graduates. Since a lot of SEEED’s efforts have been spent renovating and revising the Job Readiness Program curriculum, our efforts for partnership creation has been rather slow.

And as we have also mentioned, because we are implementing a new curriculum into the program, we are creating avenues for our young adults to become responsible individuals; meaning that they will become active stakeholders in their job searching processes.

As for things on a more personal note, there’s TOO much snow in Knoxville. We know it shouldn't make it a big deal, but it is! It is a very big deal!! Recruitment has been a bit slow due to the weather, but hopefully things will pick up once the weather permits. Our goal is to recruit and train 15-20 young adults this spring. We are relying on you, our local supporters, would take it upon yourselves to send any potential candidates our way.

Just a little insider, SEEED is celebrating its 6th BIRTHDAYYYY on March 12th!! It is also a fundraiser for purchasing new windows. Our goal is to raise $2,500.00 for this event. We hope to have people come out and support us, but if you can’t make it, you can definitely donate right from the coziness of your couch through our Go Fund Me: www.gofundme.com/seeedopenhouse. We are relying on you all to assist us in obtaining this goal. It’d mean a lot to us.

That’s everything SEEED-related that is worthy of sharing, folks. We hope you all have a great weekend! Hope you enjoy the read.

Until next time,

LET THERE BE SNOW

I say burr, it's cold in here! It's single digit temperature in Knoxville!!!

Hi Everybody!!

It's another week for Seeedville updates! Not much that has happened at SEEED this past week, due to the weather. We had SNNOOOWWW! Lots and lot of snow--from a Knoxville-an's perspective. 

Due to bad weather, we experienced some set backs in regards to recruitment as well as events. We had to cancel our Open House Fundraiser that was scheduled for Thursday because it was freakishly cold outside all day. In addition, we designated Thursdays and Fridays as the days we recruit, but we weren't able to recruitment this week!

With that said, we are still needing assistance with getting our broken windows fixed. I can assure you, the single-digit weather is NOT on our side :) 

Here is a link-- http://youtu.be/KUNI_zTzg-A--for you all to check out of a squirrel having fun in the snow! Looking at this video reminds us that we have to "make hay while the sun shines." We cannot wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow is promised to no one, and just like this squirrel, we have to take advantage of the present; regardless if it's sleet, hail, rain, snow, storm or sunshine! We hope this video brings a new meaning to your reality and give you something this hope for--at least a new day!

Okay, enough with the cute squirrel and the inspirational/motivational mumbo-jumbo. We want you to know that you can still support our call for financial assistance WITHOUT leaving your home in this brick weather, by going to our GoFundMe page: www.GoFundMe.com/seeedopenhouse. 

That's all for now folks. As always, thank you all for your continuous support to SEEED; whether that be clicking on a link, checking out our website, liking our Facebook page, following us on twitter and/or instagram, donating, volunteering, or any support of any sort. We sincerely appreciate having an audience to cater to. 

To that end, we wish for you all a productive and fun-filled weekend. 

Until next time, 

Seeedville Staff

JOB READINESS PROGRAM PREPARATION: THE SEEED-(MAKE)OVER CONTINUES

Greetings to you all on this (hopefully) wonderful Friday afternoon!!

For this week's post, we have a few things that we'd like to share with you all: (1) Thank-You; (2) Computer Lab installation; (3) Funding; (4) Program Recruitment; and (5) Upcoming Events 

First, we at SEEED would like to take this time to say a huge "THANK-YOU" to everyone who's been supporting us. Last time we checked, we have viewers from Indonesia, Germany, Russia, and don't forget the US. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who's been reading. We are happy to know that we have people who are interested in the things we are posting; whether at home or abroad. Thank-you to all of you!

Second, we'd like to, as usual, provide some updates about things that have happened at Seeedville this week. We are SO excited to share with you the small, but great things have happened throughout the week. We FINALLY got to install our long-overdue computer lab! Yes, we did it! Seeedville has installed its computer lab!!! Soon we will be installing actual computers to add to the interior remodeling that has been taking place. Our friends from First Baptist Concord Church came out on Tuesday to get us in motion for what will soon become a designated work space for our program participants, but also a hub for community residents. 

The photos below provide a visual glimpse of what we started with and what the final product is. It is, indeed, an amazing feeling to have the ground work covered for the computer lab. We are thrilled to know that our young adults will have a space that they can call their own, a space that gives them a sense of freedom, and a space that will, potentially, in the end, make most of their dreams come true. 

In addition to finishing the ground work for installing our computer lab, we are also working on getting the heating system fixed. Inspectors from Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) came by to look at what can be done to ensure that we get to stay warm and cozy during the cold seasons. SEEED is super pumped to be able to finally call the Morningside Community Center a home. This renovation gives a sense of stability, it also helps us tell our community members that we'll be around for a while. 

Third, we are in need of support for the projects and tasks that we are undertaking in preparation for our job readiness program. Upon completion of the computer lab, our next task will be fixing all the broken windows and blinds that are taking a toll on our energy usage; especially during the winter season. To help our cause or to learn more about SEEED's renovations needs, please feel to check out our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/seeedmakeover or visit our website at: www.seeedknox.com. You can directly donate to our "call for new windows" on our GoFundMe Page: www.GoFundMe.com/seeedopenhouse. Here is your chance to see what SEEED sees whenever it looks outside of its windows. And on a side note, the view is really beautiful during the nighttime :)

Fourth, not only are we busy with renovating the interior of Seeedville for our Job Readiness Program, but we are also pulling the necessary strings to get our program off to a great start, which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, March 10th. This week marks the official start of our recruitment. So, we will be hitting up the nearby communities to pass out information about our program, and hope that we might snug a few potential interested candidates. On Thursday, we hit the streets and recruited around the Morningside community. If you missed us, we'll be back again. In addition to recruitment, we have been writing grants and looking for potential ways that we might be able to fund our program so that our young adults do not have to. Again, if you'd like to know more, please visit the links posted above. 

Fifth, and last, Upcoming Events:
February 19th (6:30-8:00): SEEED's Open House Fundraiser @ the SEEED building. If you're in the Knoxville area and want to learning about the new and exciting things that are happening, this is a great opportunity to learn!

That is all for now, everyone! I wish you all a productive rest of the day and a wonderful weekend.

P.S. For those of us who do celebrate Valentine's Day, I wish for you nothing but an extra day filled will love & laughter. And for those of us who don't, I wish for you the very same.

Until next time,
Take care

Job Readiness Program Updates

Hello Seeedlings!

A very happy Friday to you all! This week's updates are relatively shorts; as there aren't much that had happened this past week. 

This past week was spent in preparation for the job readiness program, which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:30PM. A lot of time has been spent on trying to create a more up-to-date brochure that included all the necessary changes that were made to the program and the organization as a whole. 

Furthermore, the month of February is dedicated to program recruitment, as well as getting the facility in preparation for our first day of classes. 

Below is are the inside/outside of the tri-fold brochure and a copy of our recruitment flyer. 

Seeedville would greatly appreciate the efforts of our Knoxville locals who might be able to assist us in our recruitment efforts. Should you know anyone who's currently unemployed or underemployed, someone whom you think could benefit from the services that SEEED offers, then please feel free to pass our information along. 

Upcoming Events: 

February 10: Computer Lab Installation courtesy of First Baptist Concord

February 19 (6:30-8:00): SEEED's Open House

SEEED MAKEOVER

Hello Everyone,

We hope you all have had a wonderful work week, and are looking forward to whatever it is that you have planned for the weekend. And if you haven't yet decided on what your plans are, don't worry, you still have time. But whatever you decide, we at Seeedville hope that it relaxes you.

Since our last, and first, blog post, A LOT of exciting things have happened here at Seeedville! And we are SOOOO excited to let you in on the scoop. First, we (more like our Social Media and Events Coordinator, Summer Gregory, who also happens to major in interior design) renovated the organization's lobby. We turned the SEEED lobby from being a cold dark passageway to a more welcoming and people-friendly space. We have new and update bulletin boards- boards that provide a feeling of stability, success, and welcome. They provide information about what's currently happening at SEEED and/or around the City and offer information on local resources for community members.

Here are a few pictures to give somewhat of a tour:

Board providing information about events happening at Seeedville or in the community, as well as highlighting SEEED's moments in the News.

In the process of adding local resources that will benefit visitors, however they see fit.

Our Social Media and Events Coordinator hard at work. Also, one of our two AmeriCorps VISTAs.

Couches rearranged to offer a more welcoming space for visitors. 

Bookshelves stacked with books to add to the welcoming atmosphere that the lobby/organization as a whole provides.

In addition to making Seeedville more welcoming and friendly, we have painted the inside of the facility with the help of volunteer from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Bank of America, and various others. This was done in the spirit of MLK's Day(s) of Service. Now, the inside of the building looks tremendously great. The paint color compliments the building's interior. 

Bank of America crew applying painter's tape around the trimmings.

CTV's camera collecting footage of the day.

A glimpse at what the inside looks like after being painted. 

This is everything that has happened at Seeedville this week. We hope you've enjoyed the tour of what seems to be the newly made-over SEEED. We'd love to have you stop by to check out what we do! Please, we'd love to hear any feedback or suggestions you may have.

SHOUT-OUTS: 

1. To Summer Gregory for creating and publishing our brand new website: www.seeedknox.com It's fantastic. So check it out and become familiar with it. 
2. Kermit Hayes, our dedicated volunteer for taking on the role of documenting all of SEEED's building renovation progress via CTV's camera.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Tuesday, February 10th, 9:00-NOON: Computer Lab Installation
• Tuesday, February 10th, Job Readiness Program Recruitment Commences