Weed & Seed and Theatre Horizon Host 'Out of Harm's Way' for At-Risk Youth

Norristown's Weed & Seed Steering Committee has partnered with Theatre Horizon to produce a community event and forum aimed at addressing risk factors faced by Norristown youth.

Out of Harm's Way, an "educational production and forum aimed at reducing youth violence and risk behaviors," will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Theatre Horizon's new performance space at 401 DeKalb Street in Norristown.

"The point of the event is to inform parents and to explain to them the risk factors their children are facing," Akeem Davis, the outreach coordinator for Theatre Horizon told The Times Herald. "The issues involve truancy, drug availability and its use and the disproportionate minority contact between youth and police." 

According to organizers, the event will feature six dramatic presentations and a forum for parents, youth and civic leaders. The aim is to engage those affected directly about ways the community can combat these issues. 

According to the Herald, Norristown Councilman Marlon Millner and his wife, Diana, Weed & Seed Chairwoman Rochelle Griffin Culbreath, Weed & Seed Member Yvonne Platts, and Theatre Horizon Artistic Director Erin Reilly, will hold a panel discussion following the dramatic presentations.

The program is aimed at 7th graders and their parents, but children of all ages and their parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Out of Harm's Way was funded with a grant from Weed & Seed and is free to attend. 

For more information on the program or on Theatre Horizon, call Akeem Davis at 610-283-2230 or email him at Akeem@theatrehorizon.org.