Community Leaders Step up in 7th Ward

Community Leaders Step up in 7th Ward

The 7th Ward Citizens’ Coalition (7WCC), a non-profit umbrella organization that consists of 11 neighborhood associations operating on the southeast side of Youngstown, has involved hundreds of residents in its work this year.

The group has flourished under the direction of a team of leaders and active participation from Councilman John Swierz. “The 7th Ward Citizens Coalition is partnering with the 12-plus neighborhood organizations in our ward and the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative (MVOC) to bring about change that will raise the quality of life in our area and in the city as a whole. Neighbors coming together with businesses and institutions to rebuild the neighborhood is positive,” stated Patti Dougan, 7WCC President.

In 2009, 7WCC has assisted in obtaining SUCCESS grants for the area, been a key leader in the campaign to get slumlords to clean up their properties, surveyed vacant buildings and land, organized clean-up events, and addressed nuisance issues.

7WCC and MVOC recently began a community reengagement effort involving six neighborhood associations in the area. Through canvassing door-to-door with neighborhood residents and activists, the organizations have reached out to over 300 new residents who have expressed interest in participating in their local neighborhood associations.

An exciting community and economic development partnership is also underway in the upper seventh ward. The South Avenue Corridor Community Development Partnership (SACCDP) includes leadership from four area neighborhood associations, South Avenue business owners, school officials, the City of Youngstown, MVOC, 7WCC, and the Mahoning Valley Real Estate Investment Association, with the support of Councilman Swierz. SACCDP seeks to improve the quality of life along the South Avenue corridor by organizing key stakeholders to strategically focus their attention and resources along South Avenue and its adjacent neighborhoods in order to maximize impact.

For more information on the work that 7WCC is doing on Youngstown’s southeast side, or to become involved in your neighborhood, please contact Phil Kidd, MVOC community organizer, at 330-743-1196 or email phil@mvorganizing.org.

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