During my first year as a student at CSU, Fresno, I was told not to go west of the Fresno State’s fraternity/sorority mall because it was unsafe. I heard horrible stories of the crime happening there, but I never took the time to actually see for myself because I was afraid.
Last semester, I began volunteering in this neighborhood, which is known as El Dorado Park. I quickly began meeting residents and was amazed at their efforts to make their neighborhood a safe and crime free place to live. Community leaders have weekly meetings and work together with others to resolve issues. They recently added a neighborhood resource center; here they provide resources and aid community members. It is also a place where residents come in and mingle with one another. Other community members initiated weekly alley cleanups. The alleys in this neighborhood were previously filled with trash that was potentially harmful. Now, they are cleaner and safer.
In the short time I have been volunteering in the area I’ve seen the determination and faith the residents have. They are making positive strides toward making their neighborhood a safe place to live. So, I want to invite everyone to support this community in their journey to become a safe and crime free place to live. If you would like to volunteer or get to know the community feel free to stop by the Fresno Wesley United Methodist Church to ask how you can help.
Sincerely,
MIRIAM SOTO,
SENIOR STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY
