Ferguson Road InitiativeFerguson Road Initiative | A grassroots organization dedicated to the complete restoration of the White Rock Hills community. http://www.fergusonroad.org A grassroots organization dedicated to the complete restoration of the White Rock Hills community. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:42:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 New Years Update http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/new-years-update/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/new-years-update/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:55:56 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1216 The Ferguson Road Initiative (FRI) has a bold VISION for the future and believes the BEST DAYS are yet to come! Building on our 13 year track record as an official Department of Justice Weed and Seed Site serving our far East Dallas community — 70,700 residents, across 35 neighborhood and crime watch organizations, over 60 apartment communities, dozens of faith organizations, and several public schools, — we are ready to begin the next decade of service.

Working in a strong alliance — FRI, the City and Law Enforcement partnerships, along with elected and appointed officials –we empower the community and make it the most desirable place to live, work, worship, and recreate in Dallas!

The exciting November launch of the COMMUNITY CONNECTION membership campaign at Highland Park Cafeteria in Casa Linda Plaza is the beginning of new era for FRI. Along with our new Business and Resident Members, we will all work together to realize our Vision – “Complete Economic Revitalization of far East Dallas” and our Mission – “transform far East Dallas into a safe, beautiful, prosperous and proud community.” I hope you saw the positive news articles about FRI over the Thanksgiving holidays. Here are links to the articles.

http://lakewood.advocatemag.com/2011/11/ferguson-road-initiative-announces-inaugural-community-connection-event/ and http://neighborsgo.com/stories/77651

Let me tell you about the Community Connection membership program that links residents with local business.

Community Connection businesses, community groups, faith organizations, and residents connect through volunteer opportunities to keep our community safe, the families strong, and the schools improving! In addition,

Community Connection business members get to offer new customers discounts and incentives for shopping local along with many other benefits. We are excited to have YOU help set the direction on the programs and projects for 2012. To learn more and to receive our communications, go to http://www.fergusonroad.org. If you become a Community Connection Member — your name will be entered to win a free iPad! We are moving into the digital age and want to keep in touch.

 

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/new-years-update/feed/ 0 We can help select our new superintendent http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/we-can-help-select-our-new-superintendent/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/we-can-help-select-our-new-superintendent/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:51:56 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1214 As part of the search for a new superintendent for the Dallas Independent School District, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees and PROACT Search are actively seeking stakeholder input and engagement through an online survey, personal interviews, focus groups with both internal & external stakeholders, and community meetings. The online survey may be accessed at http://DallasISDSurvey.com.

Five community meetings open to the public are scheduled for:

Date                    Time           Location
January 9, 2012 6:30-8 pm W.T. White High School Auditorium
4445 Ridgeside Drive

January 9, 2012 6:30-8 pm South Oak Cliff High School Auditorium
3601 S. Marsalis Avenue

January 10, 2012 6:30-8 pm Moises E. Molina High School Auditorium
2355 Duncanville Road

January 10, 2012 6:30-8 pm Woodrow Wilson High School Auditorium
100 S. Glasgow

January 11, 2012 6:30-8 pm Dallas ISD Administration Building Board Room
3700 Ross Avenue

Based on stakeholder input, PROACT and the Board of Education will develop a Superintendent profile which will be presented to the Board of Education.

“We want the Dallas community’s opinions to be heard and considered,” said Dallas ISD Board President Dr. Lew Blackburn. “This search is a vital decision which will impact the future of our children, schools and the community for many years, and with honest feedback from the Dallas community, we will be better suited to select a superintendent who meets the needs of our city and region.”
“PROACT Search is enthusiastic about this important work in Dallas and the opportunity that exists for the city to find itself a best fit leader for the city’s schools,” says PROACT Search CEO Gary Solomon. “In engaging not just the Dallas educational community, but all stakeholders and community members, PROACT Search will be able to accurately recruit the best candidates from across the country.”

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/we-can-help-select-our-new-superintendent/feed/ 0 FRI Steering committee meeting and board nominations in January http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/fri-steering-committee-meeting-and-board-nominations-in-january/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/fri-steering-committee-meeting-and-board-nominations-in-january/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:45:50 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1212 FRI Steering Committee Meeting will be January 30, 6:30 p.m. at White Rock Church of Christ. This will be our General ...]]> Reminder! The next FRI Steering Committee Meeting will be January 30, 6:30 p.m. at White Rock Church of Christ. This will be our General Meeting & Election of Officers & Directors for FRI. In accordance with our Bylaws, “FRI members may place in nomination the name of any current FRI member, but such nominations must be received in writing by Dr. Ken Cantrell (cantrellpearce@sbcglobal.net) 8541 Ferguson Road, Dallas, TX 75228, at least 10 calendar days prior to the General Meeting. Such nominations must include the signatures of the persons making the nomination(s) and seconding nomination(s), plus the written permission of the nominee(s). Nominations meeting these criteria will then be added to the ballot for voting at the FRI Annual Meeting.”

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2012/01/01/fri-steering-committee-meeting-and-board-nominations-in-january/feed/ 0 Tax time volunteers needed http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/tax-time-volunteers-needed/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/tax-time-volunteers-needed/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:37:35 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1207 FRI’s Annual VITA campaign will be open for business starting the last Saturday in January. Our center, in cooperation with New Hope Lutheran Church and the LINC Center will be at 2835 Peavy Road, Dallas, TX 75228.

We plan to offer free tax services (including tax preparation and e-filing) 6-9pm week nights and 10am-4pm on Saturdays through April 16, using software donated by the IRS on computers donated by the USDOJ. All volunteers will receive free (and very valuable) certification training through the IRS.

If you can volunteer any or all of these times and dates we need you to start training now. Contact us at wscoordinator@fergusonroad.org. Many thanks for your help. In the five years we’ve been offering this service, over $3.5 million dollars have been return to our community and those we’ve served (about 2,500) have save tens of thousands of dollars.

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/tax-time-volunteers-needed/feed/ 0 Edna Foster receives doctorate http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/edna-foster-receives-doctorate/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/edna-foster-receives-doctorate/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:35:15 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1205

Edna Foster

Edna Foster will soon be Dr. Edna Foster. She is receiving her Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University on December 10. We are proud of the work she has done to achieve this prestigious goal. Multitasking is an understatement, besides working for FRI, she has often held other jobs, attended classes and had internships all at the same time. We are fortunate and delighted to have her a part of FRI.

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/26/edna-foster-receives-doctorate/feed/ 0 Annual Holiday letter http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/16/annual-holiday-letter/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/16/annual-holiday-letter/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:00:22 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1194 Dear Friends:
The Ferguson Road Initiative (FRI) has a bold VISION for the future and believes the BEST DAYS are yet to come! Building on our 13 year track record as an official Department of Justice Weed and Seed Site serving our far East Dallas community — 70,700 residents, across 35 neighborhood and crime watch organizations, over 60 apartment communities, dozens of faith organizations, and several public schools, — we are ready to begin the next decade of service.
Working in a strong alliance — FRI, the City and Law Enforcement partnerships, along with elected and appointed officials –we empower the community and make it the most desirable place to live, work, worship, and recreate in Dallas!
The exciting November launch of the COMMUNITY CONNECTION membership campaign at Highland Park Cafeteria in Casa Linda Plaza is the beginning of new era for FRI. Along with our new Business and Resident Members, we will all work together to realize our Vision – “Complete Economic Revitalization of far East Dallas” and our Mission – “transform far East Dallas into a safe, beautiful, prosperous and proud community.” I hope you saw the positive news articles about FRI over the Thanksgiving holidays.
Here are links to the articles.
and
Let me tell you about the Community Connection membership program that links residents with local business.

Community Connection businesses, community groups, faith organizations, and residents connect through volunteer opportunities to keep our community safe, the families strong, and the schools improving! In addition, Community Connection business members get to offer new customers discounts and incentives for shopping local along with many other benefits. We are excited to have YOU help set the direction on the programs and projects for 2012. To learn more and to receive our communications, go to http://www.fergusonroad.org. If you become a Community Connection Member — your name will be entered to win a free iPad! We are moving into the digital age and want to keep in touch.

Now is a great time to join FRI! If you are not a member yet, I invite you to join today, by going to our website at http://www.fergusonroad.org. If you are a member, Thank You! We appreciate your loyalty, support, and generosity. If you are considering any nonprofit charitable gifts at the end of this year, we hope you will consider  making a contribution to FRI. Again, this can be made at http://www.fergusonroad.org. The programs and services we bring to the community continue to raise our quality of life in far East Dallas.
Sincerely,
Vikki J. Martin, President  —– Alice Zaccarello, Executive Director
FRI Community Connection . . .  Count Me In!
Dear Business Friends here are some special benefits businesses should consider when thinking about becoming a member of FRI:
GENERAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
  1. We PROMOTE your business
  2. Membership Plaque and Window Sticker.
  3. Community Connection Promotions and Discounts – You are entitled to provide and take advantage of discounts and promotions at local businesses that support FRI.
  4. Customer Referrals – FRI will refer your business and encourage residents to shop local and support FRI Community Connection members.
  5. FRI E-Blast Article – You may submit two 250 word articles each year promoting your business in our E-Blast, sent to residents in far East Dallas zip codes 75218 and 75228.
  6. FRI Community Connections Directory – Your business will be listed in FRI’s annual printed directory distributed to residents and business newcomers.
  7. FRI Community Connections Website Directory & Advertising – Your business will be listed in FRI’s online directory. You may also purchase web advertising to promote your business on our website.
  8. Special Event Opportunities – You will receive marketing opportunities, some free, and some at a nominal cost, at Community Connection Events.
  9. Event Sponsorship – You will have several opportunities to sponsor FRI Community Connection events, either in-cash or in-kind, to promote your business. We will work with you to select the way you wish to be promoted – in print, on banners, public recognition, etc.
  10. We introduce you to IMPORTANT PEOPLE
  11. FRI Business Networking – You are invited to attend or to host networking events where all FRI Community Connections, both residents and businesses will be invited.
  12. FRI Community Connection Annual  Gala – You will be invited to participate in our annual fundraising gala. There are many opportunities to promote your business – live and silent auctions, promotions, sponsorship, in-kind contributions, etc.
  13. Meet Elected and Appointed Officials – FRI has great relationships with those who represent our area – congressman, city council, boards and commissions, and city staff. We will provide opportunities for you to personally meet them at FRI events.
  14. We provide practical TOOLS to help you grow your business
  15. Job Posting/Recruitment  – You may post employment opportunities at your place of business at no cost. Find qualified employees who live in the community.
  16. Seminars – FRI will host two annual Educational Seminars for Community Connection business members in partnership with agencies that can provide you with tools and skills to grow your business.

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/16/annual-holiday-letter/feed/ 0 Photos: Community Connection holiday event at Cafe Lago http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/02/photos-community-connection-holiday-event-at-cafe-lago/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/02/photos-community-connection-holiday-event-at-cafe-lago/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:44:18 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1187 FRI Community Connection Holiday Event, posted by Mike Orren on 12/02/2011 (91 items)
From FRI Community Connection Holiday Event, posted by Mike Orren on 12/02/2011 (91 items)
























Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher


]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/12/02/photos-community-connection-holiday-event-at-cafe-lago/feed/ 0 Community Connection Holiday Social on December 1 http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/22/community-connection-holiday-social-on-december-1/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/22/community-connection-holiday-social-on-december-1/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:11:11 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1179 Join us for our first social!
Drop-in and visit a bit or stay a lot! Come by and meet other people and businesses in the area. Café Lago is providing snacks and beverages. There will be a COD bar.
If you wish, stay for dinner after our event.

Members can pick up their membership packet.
Welcome and comments will be at 6:00pm.

In the spirit of the holiday, we are collecting gifts for women who are in recovery at Nexus, a neighborhood nonprofit organization. Executives of Nexus will be in attendance.
Bring Coats, sweaters, toiletries. Clothing can be new or gently used.
If you don’t have time to meet, snack and greet, and want to make a donation for Nexus, volunteers will be available in the parking lot to accept your gift.

This is a great venue for neighbors and businesses to mingle and get to know each other.

A special thank you to Café Lago, our Host for the event.

This event is free.

]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/22/community-connection-holiday-social-on-december-1/feed/ 0 FRI graduates from Weed and Seed; launches Community Connection http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/13/fri-graduates-from-weed-and-seed-launches-community-connection/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/13/fri-graduates-from-weed-and-seed-launches-community-connection/#comments Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:49:53 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1152 More than two hundred FRI supporters gathered at Highland Park Cafeteria on Wednesday to celebrate FRI’s graduation from the Department of Justice’s Weed and Seed Program — and to kick off the next phase of the organization’s work.

Mayor Mike Rawlings thanked FRI for its work to improve the community. US Attorney Sarah Saldaña presented FRI President Vikki Martin with a graduation diploma.

Vikki outlined the new Community Connection initiative, which will make FRI self-sufficient while bringing the business and residential communities closer together.

Longtime staffer Kerry Goodwin was honored with the Obelisk Award for his hard work and faithful service to FRI and the residents of East Dallas.

Video highlights and a photo gallery are below.

Ferguson Road Initiative Community Connection Breakfast from Mike Orren on Vimeo.


From CCB- Breakfast November 13, 2011, posted by Mike Orren on 11/13/2011 (21 items)







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]]> http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/13/fri-graduates-from-weed-and-seed-launches-community-connection/feed/ 1 FRI receives tax assistance grant http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/09/fri-receives-tax-assistance-grant/ http://www.fergusonroad.org/2011/11/09/fri-receives-tax-assistance-grant/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:37:42 +0000 FRIORG http://www.fergusonroad.org/?p=1130 FRI is pleased and excited to announce that we are the recipients of a 2012 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant from the IRS. A letter received from the Department of the Treasury this past week informed us of funds being made available to strengthen and expand our VITA services for the coming 2012 filing season.

Over the past five years, FRI volunteers have helped prepare over 2,200 tax returns, resulting in over $3.5 million in refunds.

FRI volunteers have also provided over 900 families with financial literacy training, and is a Certifying ITIN Acceptance Agency.

As announced in our last issue of NewsFlash, we are now recruiting and preparing to train volunteers for this coming season.

Please email us (wscoordinator@fergusonroad.org) to sign up if you’d like to volunteer for tax prep services to begin in January.

AND many thanks to IRS for all their support to the residents in our neighborhoods.

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