Community Service Projects
As a member of Seattle's Adopt a Street program, Seattle Community Court receives litter pickers, trash bags and gloves to walk areas needing attention, removing litter and recyclables.
Partnering with Seattle Public Utilities celebrated "Red Wagon Graffiti Removal" program, we also send crews to accompany graffiti removal staff and volunteers as they travel the city in the program's van. Every other Saturday, crews paint over "a football field size" of graffiti!
Environmental restoration is an ongoing concern in the Pacific Northwest. Community Court partners with groups working to restore the native ecosystems that provide the habitat for salmon and other urban wildlife. Our urban forests have become overrun with invasive plants such as English Ivy and blackberries. These and other "invasives" disrupt the native plants that serve as filters for toxic chemicals that enter our waterways. Additionally, ivy vines wrap themselves around large native trees, such as Douglas Fir, and potentially threaten their existence. In the wet Northwest, these trees are crucial to stabilize the land and prevent mudslides. Our crews have removed an enormous amount of invasives from parks and urban creek areas.
The Department of Neighborhoods collaborates with the volunteer run "P-Patch Consortium" to develop and maintain over 72 public gardens in the city. Several of these gardens are located in low income housing areas. Our AmeriCorps team brings crews to these Community Gardens regularly in the spring, summer and fall. Participants remove overgrown weeds, build and repair raised beds, clear pathways, spread bark and mulch gardens. Defendants love this activity, as it provides immediate results and the neighbors are so thankful for their hard work!
The Lake City Community requested a mural for a public place in their neighborhood. Community Court participants worked with senior citizens to create a visual depiction of the history of their community. Crews prepared the wall and painted the colorful mural as well.
Other activities include assembling hygiene kits for the homeless, sorting, bagging and distributing food and clothing for needy people.