What is the name of your neighborhood?

Edgemont Elms, but I was at Calvert Place

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

Three years.

Tell us about your neighborhood.

It is a nice peaceful community. My neighbors have been helpful, especially during my illness. They would run errands for me when needed. 

Prior to moving here, it was considered a high crime area.  However, since being here, the crime is not as prevalent due to myself and other neighbors getting out to know one another.  I took it upon myself to start talking to the management of Main Street Townhomes and Calvert Place to start community events.  I was the Resident Council President at Calvert Place.

My son also has a band that has supported our community events.  The group is “Nice Burruss & Ace of Hearts Music Group” at 919-638-1519 and [email protected]  www.aceofheartsmusicgroup.com

What successes have your neighborhood and community had?

We have had many successes including:

• Getting to know your neighbor
• Increasing community involvement
• Networking with resources such as Neighborhood Improvement Services’ Community Engagement Team and the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center.
• Participating in Lincoln Community Health Care Diabetic Education Classes.
• Successful events including:
  • Fall Festival
  • Christmas Toy Drive
  • Turkey Basket giveaway to 30 families through a partnership with the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center.
  • 30 blankets given to homeless people.
  • Cooking and delivering food to homeless residents.

What are some concerns that you still have in your neighborhood?

Some concerns I have include:

• The need for more police presence
• More activities needed in the community. Especially for youth.  We need more affordable afterschool activities and programs for people without transportation.
• More proactive ways to bring people into work, especially for people who are homeless, were incarcerated or are disabled.

What advice would you give to other community members?

• Get involved
• Find out who is living in your community who wants to do something. What are their skills so you can form a team.
• Don’t be afraid to communicate.
• Don’t talk about it, be about it.
• Be a person of your word.
• "Know your Position do it well", the gift or talent that you have you will never receive the amount of money that you are worth there is none. It comes from your heart and you have to love people, community and what you do. Keep on working. Someone is watching and never think because you are behind the scenes you do not matter. You are the one that makes everything works.

Do you have any upcoming opportunities for other people to get involved?

I am starting a non-profit called “From my Hands to your Hands.”  We will help with brand new clothing, food, hair and makeup to help with self-esteem, financial management and gaining other life changing skills. We will need volunteers.

I plan to continue to give food to families through the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center. starting in January 2019.  Each month, hopefully in the area, I would like to get Edgemont Elms and other complexes to participate in monthly community meetings.  For upcoming suggestions or events you may call or email C. Burruss at 919-564-9404 or email [email protected].