Commissary Is Very Necessary, Inc. (CIVN)

Company Overview

Commissary Is Very Necessary, Inc. (CIVN) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Dallas, Texas. Established in 2019 by co-founders Marcus X Russell, Davante P. Peters, and Yafeuh, CIVN aims to provide communal support to homeless children, veterans, minority communities, and families in low-income areas. This organization emerged from efforts to fulfill community safety and development goals despite limited city support and financial resources.

Mission and Focus Areas

The primary objective of CIVN is to offer resources and services that address environmental justice, community empowerment, sustainable food systems, and educational opportunities. Their core programs and services include:

Monthly Health Fairs

• Providing access to nutritionists, nurses, and doctors to tackle underlying health issues within underserved communities.

• Hosting health drives and fairs with a focus on holistic well-being, including mental health.

Nature Smart Learning Academy

• Educating K-12 students on agricultural practices, environmental sustainability, and aquaponics.

• Collaborating with Texas A&M AgriLife to use the Learn Grow Eat Go curriculum.

• Offering the Nature Smart Learning Academy focused on addressing urbanization disparities, energy deprivation, and health literacy.

Financial Literacy

• Free workshops to aid individuals in building family businesses and understanding grant writing.

• Providing food security through feeding programs targeting households in need.

• Facilitating after-school tutoring and mentoring programs for youth.

Key Programs and Initiatives

• Community Garden Projects and Composting Initiatives: Emphasizing sustainable practices in urban settings.

• Nutrition and Feed Programs: In partnership with entities such as "Nutrition With Love" and "Oakcliff Veggie Project."

• Environmental Justice Programs: Addressing environmental disparities and promoting green spaces within minority communities.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Working closely with numerous organizations including the Dallas Sierra Club, Earth X, North Texas Food Bank, and many others to amplify their impact.

Leadership

• Marcus X Russell: Co-Founder and President, involved in community activism since 2019. He played a pivotal role in forming the Community Engagement Specialist (CES) safety program.

• D'Ashleigh Brooks: Executive Director.

• Other recognized team members include exceptional grant writer Tami Parker.

Recent Achievements

• Food Donations: CIVN recently donated 2000 pounds of food to the DeSoto Senior Living Center.

• Educational Programs: Their Nature STEAM Learning Academy received significant recognition and continued to work with Dallas College PREP teaching sustainability with technology.

• Recognition: CIVN has been acknowledged for its participation in the TEXPrep at Cedar Valley and awarded as part of the Dallas College summer program in 2023.

Contact Information

• Location: 2603 MLK Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75232.

• Email: tparker@civn.org

• Phone: +1 (214) 207-9915

• Website: [Commissary Is Very Necessary](http://commissaryisverynecessary.org)

• Social Media:

• [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CIVNINC/)

• [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/commissaryisverynecessary/)

• [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/CIVNINC/)

• [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8lF3iYokzmzvgZO3iQPn8g)

Industry and Footprint

CIVN operates within the individual and family services industry, employing a team of 2-10 individuals, and focuses significantly on health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and financial literacy.

Notable Partnerships and Community Engagements

CIVN demonstrates robust communal engagement through various alignments with local and statewide organizations, aiming to enhance its resources and outreach capabilities. Some of their notable community partners include the Dallas Sierra Club, the North Texas Food Bank, and organizations in Houston and Baltimore.

With their comprehensive programs, strong leadership, and commitment to addressing community needs, CIVN stands out as a pivotal organization facilitating positive change across diverse, underserved populations.