Pubdate: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2005 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Author: Reginald T. Dogan Note: Reginald T. Dogan is assistant opinion editor for the News Journal. THE SEEDS OF HOPE STARTING TO SPROUT "But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:8 Since 2001, Pensacola Weed & Seed Partnership has been planting seeds in hopes of rebuilding lives and producing a better community. As the weeds of crime, drugs and poverty are pulled, the seeds of regeneration and revitalization are planted throughout designated areas to help improve the appearance of the community and the lives of its residents. Kevin Franklin is the "master planter." Through his efforts as the program's site coordinator, his hard work and dedication are beginning to yield a harvest. Franklin, 35, a native of White Plains, N.Y., started with the program as a volunteer while employed by the University of West Florida. Weed & Seed has had mixed success in other cities, but may be a good fit for the Belmont-DeVilliers area. Coordination between the law enforcement and social-service aspects is crucial, along with full participation by the area's residents. The targeted area is bounded by West Cervantes, North Spring, West Gregory and North G streets. It includes 902 single-family housing units, of which 366 are owner-occupied. The program is more than a crime-fighting tool; it also is about saving young lives and rebuilding old ones. Since 2001, arrests for serious crimes such as assault, rape and robbery have dropped nearly 30 percent; 16 new homes have been built; and more than 130 youths have completed 61,512 reading hours. "Crime is abated, but the primary objective is to wheel in revitalization," Franklin said during an interview in his new office at 1019 W. Belmont St. The renovated house sits in the heart of the designated area. In addition to his office space, the house accommodates space for computer training, workshops and classroom instruction. It's no secret that crime and poverty have long plagued the Belmont- DeVilliers area, making it a prime target for the federal program aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods. The program coordinates federal, state and city efforts to strengthen both law enforcement and social services. But success will not come easily in the face of skepticism that has hardened over years of scant progress. Weed & Seed has joined with more than 70 community-based service providers, civic organizations, faith-based groups, agencies and educational institutions in providing sponsorship and leadership to aid in the long-term rebuilding and recovery of neighborhoods in targeted areas. The activities include, but are not limited to, computer training classes, neighborhood association meetings, parenting workshops, reading projects and neighborhood clean-ups. By using a multi-prong, community-based approach, Weed & Seed aims to help residents help themselves, enabling them to find solutions to public safety problems, strengthen leadership and achieve their community and law enforcement goals. Since taking on the job as site coordinator full time, Franklin doesn't just work, he works to make a difference -- in the lives of people, the health of the community and the success of an organization. To be sure, there is much work to be done. But as long as the seeds of hope continue to fall on fertile soil, the Weed & Seed Partnership will continue to produce good fruit of success, progress and hope for a better future.