Women In Community Service Inc.

''The News Box''

Jul 22, 2000

Wics' and Glen Lee Citizens On Patrols' first hard copy issue of the cooperative publication "The News Box" gets a "thumbs up" from neighborhood residents...

The "COPS/WICS Volume No.I Issue No.I May/June 2000" newsletter was delivered to over 150 area homes and over 50 City of Houston departments, Harris County departments, other non-profits, community leaders, businesses and churches.

"News Box" writers, editors and contributors were pleased to hear the many favorable comments about the first issue. This premier issue was longer than anticipated, but there was so much information that needed to be shared. Also, with this being the first issue, there were some introductions to be made concerning the two supporting non-profits: Women In Community Service Inc. and the Glen Lee Citizens On Patrol. This is not the first time that this group of community workers has undertaken to write to the community, but it has been several years (3) since these particular individuals have authored a newsletter. "We have been trying to get this done for months now.", said contributing writer Joyce N. Those of you who are actively involved in your communities know how difficult it is to fit another project into your busy schedules. But, anything worthwhile is worth making time to do and this newsletter has been long overdue for our area. There is so much information that is important to many persons who live in our particular community that was not being shared.

The first issue (and hopefully the future format)included the following columns: "Alert", this column is for information that needs immediate attention such as a recent rash of thefts of four-wheelers and riding lawn mowers. "For The Record", this column will be used to clarify any matter in the community that may be misunderstood because of lack of good information. We will strive to get facts and documentation that will help to explain a problem or situation. "N.E. Division Crime Analysis for 7C50", this column gives a crime analysis of our area which includes a brief discription of the type of crime, and the time and place of the incident. This is so that residents will be aware of what is taking place around them and maybe be able to notice trends that will alert them and possibly keep them from being victimized. "Northeast Beat News", this column will give an overview of the "goings on" at our NE Division police station. The Houston Police Department is always striving to find new ways to improve police and citizen cooperation in the fight against crime. The best way to do that is to provide links for those interested. Letting residents know that HPD is busy at their job of "Protect(ing) and Serve(ing)", and giving them opportunities to be a part of it, can only serve to improve the safety of our streets and homes. "Citizen On Patrol Stats On the Road", this column is a short report to make the community aware of the miles driven and the hours spent on the road by our volunteer patrollers. It is time consuming and costly to patrol our streets, especially with gasoline up in the $1.50+ price range. We want residents to know that the service provided by their neighbors/patrollers and base station operators, is a labor of love. "Northeast Positive Interaction Program" (NE PIP), this column will inform of the upcoming meetings available to them and all the information that they can take advantage of. The PIP is a wonderful way for residents to avail themselves of "straight from the horses' mouth" information that can improve and enhance their quality of life. "Sex Offender Registration", this column is a brief explanation of the Department of Public Safety website which lists sex offenders by zip code, and it's web address. "Spotlight On City Ordinance", this column will sumarize a particular ordinance by topic. There is so much that we must keep up with, so much that has been misconstrued about what is and is not permitted in the City of Houston. The first issue focused on the Animal Ordinance and also included phone numbers relating to animal issues and concerns. "Woman To Woman", this column will focus on issues directly related to the health, safety and well being of women/families. The first issue imparted information from the Attorney General about sexual assault, it's definition, what to do about it, the legal process, what to expect, and some encouragement on dealing with it. Also, a phone number/address on where to get more information. "WICS Stats", another short column on the miles driven and the hours spent by Women In Community Service Inc. Again, it is important that we share with others how much can be accomplished by giving of our time and energy. There is still plenty of room for the other items such as, the "Congratulations" to new parents, graduates, or birthday boys/girls. "Welcome" to new neighbors. "Thank You" to persons or organizations that have made a difference. "Easy and Delicious" recipies, and articles of interest concerning recent events or issues relevant to our community. Lastly, our appeal for advertising and our disclaimer.

We believe that our efforts have and will continue to make a difference in our community. That is the reason we continue to stay up nights and work weekends, spend from the bottom of our pockets and ignore the nay sayers and trouble makers. We have seen the results that come from perserverence and we like them. We hope that you will likewise find a way(s) to make a difference in your communities large or small.

If you would like a copy of our hardcopy newsletter "The News Box", please send us your snail-mail address. You may write us at "The News Box", Editor, 6045 Marwood Dr., Humble, TX, 77396 or e-mail at ruthie@ev1.net