Bellevue City Council members have voiced support for a coordinated series of activities and events designed to strengthen neighborhood connections, improve community appearance and help families suffering economic setbacks.

Bellevue’s Neighborhood Outreach Team presented a 2009 Neighborhood Fitness work plan that offers city assistance with clean-ups and other activities to improve overall neighborhood appearance and livability. The program works in partnership with neighborhood associations and other community groups, including volunteers willing to step forward and help their neighbors with home maintenance challenges.

Also on the horizon is a related plan to engage neighborhoods in spring and summer activities that strengthen community ties while generating resources for families in need. Drawing on funding made available by the City Council for 2009-10, the Outreach work program will include:

A neighborhood food drive competition, culminating in a city-sponsored celebration and recognition for the best efforts to collect food for local food banks;

A know-your-neighbor campaign, with the city helping neighborhoods to build connections that increase community security, enhance emergency preparedness and facilitate neighbors helping neighbors (Participating neighbors receive a Party-in-a-Box);

Assistance to neighborhoods planning and implementing their own community celebrations;

Adopt-a-Cause campaign, helping residents identify and respond to needs in the community by “adopting” a needy family, a human services program, a child who needs funding for a summer camp or sports program, etc.; and

Neighborhood volunteer projects culminating in city-sponsored celebrations.

More information about the Neighborhood Fitness program and community-building events is available by contacting Neighborhood Outreach, 425.452.6836, or go to http://www.bellevuewa.gov/neighborhood_fitness.htm.