Baltimore CLI Conference / Neighborworks Grant Project - Summer 07′
Particpants:Rebekah Edwardson, Patita Shaday, Lauri Kochis, Jeff Carpineta, Laura Semmelroth, Anna Bodon, Leah Lample, accompanied by Sandy Salzman- Executive Director NKCDC.
Chair: Leah Lample
As an awarded member of Neighborworks , and following their mission to foster leadership in the EKNA organization- the NKCDC invited a delegation of EKNA members to Baltimore to participate in the Neighborworks Community Leadership Institute.
The participants chose from dozens of workshops related to community organizing. They took tours of Baltimore areas in transition. At the end of the Conference, the group was asked to brainstorm a modest project, to excercise the knowledge gained there.
$2,000 funding was awarded for the project. After many brainstorming sessions, some heated, the group decided to do large size planter project in early 2008- residents of targeted blocks were offered planters at a tremendous discount for outside of their homes, complete with the ingredients to make them flourish throughout the growing season.
Generous advice and cost saving provisions were afforded by Marlene Buck- manager of New Kensington CDC’s Garden Center. Thanks to Marlene for your dedication!
NOTE ** In 2006 EKNA members also attended the Neighborworks CLI in Florida. They were awarded funds for a project of their choosing- as a result several permanent trash cans were custom designed and installed on Frankford Avenue- with a pledge to keep them tended.
