Established in 2004, to manage the then Weed Community Center, the Weed Community Resource Center is a beacon of hope to the citizens of Weed and surrounding areas. It is located inside the historical Weed Mercantile Mall building at the end of Main Street. The location provides quick access to the citizens of Weed as it is near the STAGE transit stop and within walking distance for most citizens.
In 2010 the Weed Community Center (WCC) voted to disband, which left the citizens of Weed without a resource center. Due to the void left by the WCC, the Weed Revitalization Coalition board voted to take over the fiscal commitment and responsibility to ensure that the Weed Community Resource Center obtained funding and continue programs and services to the citizens of Weed. Shortly afterward, the Weed Revitalization Coalition and Weed Community Resource Center evolved into one entity with two separate responsibilities. While the Weed Revitalization Coalition is focused on civic needs and beautification of the Weed community, the Weed Community Resource Center focuses on the social and economic needs of the community members and families. Our Board of Directors ensure that both arms of the organization work together cohesively to build a strong community here in Weed, California. This partnership has resulted in an entity that strives to ensure the entire community is served.
Weed Community Resource Center offers a wide variety of programs, services and activities to enrich lives and provide assistance to the members of the Weed community. One of the major obstacles that people have is knowing where to go and how to apply for services. Weed Community Resource Center connects the community with local resources and provides referrals to agencies, services and activities. Weed Community Resource Center works diligently to bridge gaps in State and Federal services, and works in collaboration with other programs and services. This helps to minimize the number of individuals in need from “falling through the cracks”.
A sampling of some of the programs and services available to the citizens of Weed through the Weed Community Resource Center include:
- Family Advocacy – Provides one on one support service to families. We are available to help families who are facing challenging situations.
- Parent Education – Workshops to assist parents to improve communication, supervision and disciplinary skills.
- Play Groups – Activities for children 0 – 5 years old.
- Resource and Referral – Connecting the community with local resources and providing referrals to agencies, activities and services.
- Raising Readers – Offers free books to children 0 – 5 years old to encourage early literacy
- Meeting Space – Offers meeting space for individuals in need and support personnel. Behavorial Health Services of Siskiyou County uses space at the Weed Community Resource Center for client counseling meetings as well as crisis intervention.
- Summer Day Camp – Educational and fun activities for children. A welcome alternative to regular daycare.
- Soups On – A Free lunch program on Wednesdays and Thursday for those in need.
- Computer Lab – Access to computers and the Internet for those without access. This helps individuals apply for services online.
- Much, Much more
First5 Siskiyou and Siskiyou Community Services Council decided to not continue funding to the Weed Community Resource Center effective in the middle of 2012. Although this became a speed bump, the Weed Community Resource Center continues to provide programs and services to the Weed community. However, the abrupt ending of funding from First5 and CSC did reveal to the Board members of WCRC that we had to do more to ensure financial sustainability. The community of Weed should not be held hostage due to politics. The Weed Community Resource Center developed a Grant Writing Committee. The Grant Writing Committee’s sole purpose is to identify funding sources and write grants to fund the diverse variety of programs and services offered through Weed Community Resource Center.
The Weed Community Resource Center will continue efforts to maintain, improve and increase programs and services for children 0 – 5, their families and the community. We will accomplish this through obtaining grants and working in collaboration with other non-profit organizations, businesses and Siskiyou County agencies.
The Weed Community Resource Center will continue fulfilling their mission which is to strengthen and unify all community members by providing civic, social, cultural, educational and recreational activities for individuals of all ages. We work diligently to maintain and increase partnerships within the community.
The Weed Community Resource Center is about serving the citizens of Weed. People who are in need require assistance and direction, not politics and bureaucracy. The Weed Community Resource Center is your beacon of hope to assist in navigating individuals and families who are facing challenging situations. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, call us at (530) 938-3229 or stop by at 590 Main Street, Weed, California.
