It brings together all the key partners in the Steering Committee leadership to develop a long-term plan for the neighborhood. On the enforcement side, targeted arrests and prosecutions are the primary thrust. On the community development end, the focus is on providing social service, educational support, truancy prevention, employment training, and economic development opportunities.
Funding
Operation Weed & Seed is an initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, Community Capacity Development Office. In addition, as the grantee of this initiative, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office provides administrative oversight and supplemental funding.
Weeding Initiatives
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors work together to target and arrest violent offenders and drug traffickers from designated areas. They weed out the crime problems that keep us indoors, isolated and afraid, and that prevent our children from using playgrounds and parks.
Weeding also makes our neighborhood streets safer through such efforts as community policing, bike and foot patrols, and proactive visible enforcement activity.
Seeding Initiatives
The seeding component seeks to revitalize neighborhoods by strategically designing programs to address and resolve problems identified by community members.
Through neighborhood partnerships, an infusion of prevention, intervention and community improvement services are seeded into the community to help it flourish.
Our seeding activities include a Safe Haven after-school program with educational, recreational, arts, and environmental beautification activities. Youth and adult workshops address community issues. Additionally, a computer learning center brings the world of computers to area residents of all ages.
Programs & Services
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After School Program
The After School Program meets Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm for youth from five through 12 years old. Daily activities include homework assistance, tutoring, arts and crafts, computer literacy training, sports, gardening, cooking classes, dance classes, African drum classes and the Partners-in-Reading program.
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Youth and Teen Sports
The Youth and Teen Sports Program for youth from five through 18 years old operates Monday through Saturday and offers a variety of sports activities including basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball and baseball.
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Computer Learning Center
The Computer Learning Center operates Monday through Saturday for those five years and older. It offers an opportunity for residents to access the internet who may not otherwise have access. Classes are offered for all age groups at beginning through more advanced levels. Students can come into the center to do research and homework.
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Summer Recreational Program
The Summer Recreational Program was designed to offer an opportunity for parents who can not afford the fees of summer camp to enroll their children in a safe, fun summer program. The program offers two sessions, a morning session from 9:00 – 12:00 for children five through nine years old and an afternoon session from 1:00 – 3:00 for children 10 through 12 years old. All children are invited to have both breakfast and lunch at the center. Activities include sports, games, crafts, music, dance, family activities and trips.
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Environmental Club
The Environmental Club is for children five through 12 years old. The Club meets weekly to learn about the importance of caring for the environment by participating in beautification, community clean-ups, and recycling programs in the community.
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Teen Mentoring Program
The new Teen Mentoring Program offers an opportunity for both male and female teens to meet separately to discuss issues of concern. Staff reinforce positive choices to lead healthy, productive lifestyles through interactive group discussions, one-on-one communication and self-expression. Each group is offered the opportunity to participate in joint recreational programs.
Operation Weed & Seed Officials & Staff
CHAIRPERSONS
Honorable Michael J. Garcia
United States Attorney for the
Southern District of New York
Honorable Robert T. Johnson
District Attorney, Bronx County
OFFICIALS & STAFF
Barbara Guss
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Office of the United States Attorney
Southern District of New York
Nicole LaBarbera
Chief, Crime Control Strategies
Office of the United States Attorney
Southern District of New York
Odalys C. Alonso
Cheif Assistant District Attorney
Office of the Bronx District Attorney
Lisa Payne Wansley
Administrative Chief
Office of the Bronx District Attorney
Barbara Robles-Gonzalez
Director, Community Affairs Unit
Office of the Bronx District Attorney
Gerri Arrighi
Director of Operations
Bronx River/Bruckner Weed and Seed
Jasminda Johnson
Program Coordinator
Bronx River/Bruckner Weed and Seed
Robert Spencer
Program Coordinator
High School for Law & Public Policy
Mario Bodden
SoBRO
Vice President, Community & Economic Development
Mott Haven Weed and Seed
Garrett Lucien
Deputy Director, Community & Economic Development
Mott Haven Weed and Seed
Debra Manning
Re-Entry Case Manager
Mott Haven Weed and Seed
Sharon Flowers-White
Seeding Coordinator
Mott Haven Weed and Seed
Jamila Diaz
Administrative Assistant
Mott Haven Weed and Seed
