By Austin Dickson, EACA President

For 29 years, the East Atlanta Community Association (EACA) has worked tirelessly to bolster the quality of life for all East Atlantans, and 2010 was another example of the organization achieving its mission. Notably, after a decade of attempts, EACA was determined a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service in August. This new designation allows tax-deductible donations and makes the organization more attractive to outside funders. It has also helped EACA in securing, in partnership with the East Atlanta Village Farmers' Market, American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (Stimulus) funds for nutritional programming for local seniors and children.

These same residents have been a focus for EACA in 2010. In May, EACA established its Neighbor in Need initiative, a program providing emergency home repairs for low-income seniors. This program improves their quality of life, keeps them in their homes and maintains East Atlanta's diversity. To date, EACA has raised nearly $15,000 for this effort. EACA also dedicated 10% of its budget to Branan Bingo, a monthly entertainment event coordinated by neighbors, for residents of Branan Towers, a low-income senior housing facility on Glenwood Avenue. Additionally, the East Atlanta Parents Network, another new initiative of EACA, sponsored quarterly playgroups for families and continues to build relationships among parents and children in the neighborhood. The Parents Network has supplied lots of support to EACA's Education Committee, a group that works hand in hand with East Atlanta's local school, Burgess-Peterson Academy (BPA). Dennis Madsen, Education Committee Chairperson, was recently named to BPA's Local School Council; this appointment is one of many 2010 examples - like the enhancements of the BPA Organic Garden, the construction of the Outdoor Classroom and school-day volunteers - of the community's connection to its school.

Since the early 20^th century, East Atlanta has also been deeply connected to its principal greenspace, Brownwood Park. By removing invasive plants from the stream buffer, EACA took large strides this year in restoring the forest and stream in the south half of the park. This project began a three-year management plan that will result in the near total control of invasives in the stream corridor; invasive control will allow native species to recolonize the area. EACA, in partnership with the East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC), also created a Committee focused on the Brownwood Recreation Center. The city-owned property (originally closed due to budget cuts) is operated by EAKC, and the Center's programming, finances and repairs are overseen by a group of community members who ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of the neighborhood.

Beyond efforts at the park, EACA has had volunteers in the streets and representatives at the table to preserve and enhance the beauty and desirability of East Atlanta. In April, EACA planted $2,000-worth of trees on private properties; in May, it advocated successfully for the Atlanta Regional Commission to remove Glenwood Avenue in East Atlanta as a regional alternative freight route for trucks; and throughout 2010, it continued its involvement in stopping a wireless communications tower at 469 Metropolitan Place. Additionally, volunteers dedicate one Saturday or Sunday morning a month to cleaning up the business district, vacant properties and other spaces that become littered or overrun by invasives (such as kudzu).

A large part of EACA's work supports communication in the neighborhood, whether in weekly newsletters, Facebook posts or an engaging Monthly Meeting, where neighbors can speak directly with community leaders and other individuals accountable to the neighborhood. This year, EACA held 12 Monthly Meetings with 30 featured guest speakers (including nonprofit executives, artists, activists and school representatives as well as elected leaders from the City, County and Capitol), outside of the usual reports from the Atlanta Police Department's Zone Six Commander, EACA Officers and Committee Chairpersons. For the January 2011 meeting,Greg Smith, co-founder of the Atlanta Street Food Coalition, will present to the community. EACA also produced 52 electronic newsletters this year - reaching 1,125 individuals and covering 232 unique stories - as well as created a new website, highlighting all of its activities and serving as an electronic welcome mat for East Atlanta.

EACA enters its 30^th year with past successes and clear objectives, but, of course, EACA would be nothing without the many active neighbors dedicated to making a difference. Achievements in 2010 are solely attributable to them.

(Published in the 12.15.10 edition of the Porch Press.)