You are cordially invited to the Community Corrections Improvement Association (CCIA) 2010 Tribute Event. CCIA is going to honor Chuck Larson, Sr. for his dedication and commitment to the criminal justice system.

Chuck Larson, Sr. is a leader that has shaped the criminal justice profession on a national and international level. He has been instrumental in bringing valuable resources and programming to the Cedar Rapids community, including Operation Weed & Seed and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

* Operation Weed & Seed is a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and is an innovative, comprehensive multiagency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization (more information can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/ws/welcome.html and http://crweedandseed.com)

* Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful (more information can be found at: http://www.psn.gov/about/index.html).

Here are some terrific accomplishments since the inception of Weed and Seed in Cedar Rapids in 2005:

* AmeriCorps*VISTA program, administered thru the Community Corrections Improvement Association, has grown to become the second largest in the nation. AmeriCorps*VISTA has championed flood recovery efforts by operating the Volunteer Reception Center and matching over 800 volunteers with over 1200 home owners.

* Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program has operated for five years and assisted over 3,300 filers receiving over $5 million in federal income tax returns.

* Tiger Cub Club housed in Taylor Elementary school has provided after school daycare assistance to over 500 children, 4 years old and up.

* Neighborhood-based supervision, the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services has placed probation and parole officers in neighborhood centers to allow for place-based supervision and to strengthen neighborhood relations.

* The Cedar Rapids Police Department renewed bike patrols in the neighborhoods.

* 20% decrease in arrests within the Wellington neighborhood during the four year period after Weed and Seed was implemented versus pre-Weed and Seed.

* Neighborhood Resource Centers in Moundview and Oak Hill Jackson neighborhoods were created to assist neighbors with needs, provide information regarding available community resources, and act as a safe place within the neighborhood.

* Leveraged over $3.5 million worth of resources that have been infused in the core Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

Please help us to recognize Chuck Larson’s amazing contributions with an evening of celebration Thursday, November 18th to support the continuation of these programs. E-mail CCIA.Fundraiser@gmail.com for more information or check back for updates.

Please feel free to share with others dedicated to positive change in the Cedar Rapids community.