The pandemic stretched the timelines for many of our goals we had our eyes set on in 2020. This year, our staff is working around the clock to not only make up for lost time, but to continue to create change along the Las Vegas Trail. It's hard to believe it's already April, but LVTRise has already begun to take major strides towards accomplishing our annual goals.
Fully Staff the Rise Community Center
Executive Director Willie Rankin emphasized the importance of hiring a few more employees to help with the operational needs at the Rise Community Center. The team at LVTRise is slowly growing, and they hope by the end of the year to be fully staffed and open five days a week. LVTRise is currently looking to add a volunteer receptionist to their team to help man the front desk and interact with community members at the Rise Community Center. For more information on the position, check out the listing here.
Implement Data Integration System
Last month, LVTRise partnered with the Communities Foundation of Texas, an organization dedicated to building thriving and inclusive communities across North Texas. CFT gifted LVTRise a $300,000 grant to help us build our technical and staff capacity to support the implementation of a Salesforce data system. This data system will not only allow us to better track our community members we assist at the community center, but it will help us better match them with the materials and resources they need.
Expand Community Events
LVTRise aims to serve as the bridge that keeps residents engaged and connected to their community. Program Director Ashley Mortimer has been hard at work planning events every month that not only bring the community together, but help strengthen the Las Vegas Trail community as a whole.
"On a personal level, I would like to accomplish a comprehensive calendar of events for 2021 that not only bring in a variety of service partners but also meet the expectations of the community," Mortimer said.
In February, Mortimer planned LVTRise's Heart Walk to celebrate American Heart Health Month. The event brought community members together and stressed the importance of staying active and healthy. Other programs have been implemented on a weekly basis at the Rise Community Center, such as free STD and HIV testing every Thursday from 9AM to 12PM and art therapy with the Art Station on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Spring Fling is right around the corner for Las Vegas Trail residents, and Mortimer is already looking ahead to plan a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Rise Community Center on May 8th! We are so excited to see what the rest of this year has in store for us, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates on what LVTRise is doing to move towards our 2021 goals.