(KYTX) - One Jacksonville woman is on a mission to change the image of the west side of town and she's getting her neighbors involved.
Whitney Graham Carter sits on the front porch of her home that once belonged to her great grandparents.
Her great grandfather built most of the houses in this neighborhood back in the 1930s.
"You really can't find a home as well built as these anymore," said Graham Carter.
Just a few years ago, Whitney decided to move back to her roots. But she was disappointed in how the neighborhood had changed.
"I can sit out here sometimes and I can see drug deals going on," said Graham Carter.
With the help of neighbors and Jacksonville police, Whitney is in the process of starting a neighborhood watch.
She wants to see gang and drug activity vanish from the west side of town. Her neighbors are behind her 100%
"It's something good she's trying to start. We'll be behind her with all the decisions that she does make," said Margot Rios, "Because she's trying to keep it clean and safe for all of our kids and grand kids to come."
This neighborhood has already undergone a major change. Whitney and her husband have renovated several homes.
"We to make sure we keep it clean. Just like everybody has it now, clean and neat," said Rios.
"One of the big things we are looking for is other concerned citizens who have access to supplies, paint, wood or just want to lend a helping hand," added Graham Carter.
A helping hand that will restore the neighborhood and the whole side of town to its former glory.
"They just want to come together to make this a better place, just like us, for our children," said Graham Carter.
A community meeting will take place on Monday, July 16th. It will be held at the Norman Activity Center across from the Tomato Bowl at 6:30 pm.
