The Welman Project, is a perfect example of reuse, recyle, and reduce. Its primary customers are the Fort Worth community and nearby school districts. All educators and staff employed at any accredited public or charter school are able to register and utilize this project and its resources for classroom use.
The project is the brainchild of Taylor Willis and Vanessa Barker, both FWISD graduates. Willis is a Paschal Panther and graduated in 2001. She was inspired to work toward a cleaner environment by her middle school and high school science teacher, Blake Sills.
The store is packed with resources and materials that once were headed to a landfill but instead are being picked up by teachers or educators in need. Art materials, classroom decor, project materials, furniture, theater items, educational materials, and more can all be found at The Welman Project which is located at located at 3950 Vickery Blvd. Any material received is meant to be used strictly for the good of a classroom and children, not for personal use or personal benefit.
Donations to The Welman Project are encouraged and greatly appreciated. It accepts donations including such items as art supplies, books, any kind of reusable paper, writing boards, coffee makers, computers, cameras, and even furniture. People are able to drop off any supplies to its location on Vickery Blvd. Teachers can “shop” free during open hours and find a treasure trove of useable materials for their classrooms.
The Welman Project appreciates volunteers of all ages and skill levels. The owners and employees appreciate all volunteers, stating they could not function without their support. Choosing to volunteer at The Welman Project is an opportunity to earn credit for student volunteer hours through any one of their programs. Sign up to volunteer with a friend and get credit hours while spending time with friends and serving your community.
This project aims to conserve, contribute, and create. Statistically, 74% of the waste that goes into Fort Worth landfills is material that could be recycled or reused, and 77% of teachers pay out of their own pocket for their classroom supplies.
By conserving waste, The Welman Project is enabling companies to create less waste in an impactful way and help teachers with classroom needs. Communities are encouraged to contribute to the wellness of their neighborhoods and schools. Creativity blossoms from the exchange of new ideas and new materials.
For more information on The Welman Project, visit their website at thewelmanproject.org/ or social media (@thewelmanproject).
