Weed & Seed Hosting Public Meeting on Youth Violence Tonight

Norristown's Weed & Seed Steering Committee had originally scheduled a training session for its facilitators tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, but after recent violent incidents in the community involving young people, organizers have decided to invite the public to join them and learn more about how they help.

"There is a lot of anti-social youth behavior going on," Weed and Seed Chairwoman Rochelle Culbreath told The Times Herald. "People are interested in finding out how they can help. Some people want to get involved."

Tonight's meeting will include a training session for community facilitators, a short video presentation on youth-violence prevention forums and remarks by several of the experienced facilitators.

The Weed & Seed Steering Committee recently selected the various programs it would direct the $27,000 in remaining state grants the group secured in March.

According to Culbreath, the following proposals have been voted on and selected for funding. The funds will be used in the Norristown community. 

Out of Harm’s Way – Theatre Horizon Award: Program Budget $1,200 (supplies); $2,400 instructors.

Police Youth DMC Forum – NAACP/NMOE with Theatre Horizon Award: Program Budget $2,961 (operating); $1,500 facilitators.

Capacity Building – Rebuilding Every City around Peace Program (RECAP): Budget $187 (supplies); $3000 (consultant) $855 Travel.

Weed & Seed Site Coordinator – Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC): Program Budget $3000 (consultant fee, rate of $25/hour for up to 120 hours).

The remaining funds will be used for an "Eddie Eagle" component that would send police into schools to teach kids about gun safety.

Read more about tonight's meeting here.

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