Designing and Establishing the Chosen Enrichment Community Development Corporation (CECDC)
Designing and Establishing the Chosen Enrichment Community Development Corporation (CECDC)
Tamara Morton | 2021
Abstract
Since the 1960s, governments and foundations have invested heavily in non-profit community development corporations (CDCs) out of a conviction that CDCs are uniquely positioned to build the economic and social strength of vulnerable communities. Unlike government agencies and private developers, CDCs are agile and opportunistic in pursuing revitalization. CDCs maintain strong links to their communities by involving residents in their governance and development activities. CDCs have raised living standards for those who occupy CDC-generated homes and apartments or work in businesses supported by CDC economic development investments. A CDC’s goal is to catalyze a chain reaction of neighborhood-wide improvement. This creation of a neighborhood benefit is one litmus test of a CDC’s encompassing strategy.[1]
This project discusses the underserved population to foster community engagement and collaboration to empower at-risk youth, individuals, families, and seniors. The design and the establishment of the Chosen Enrichment Community Development Corporation (CECDC) is a new response to the Hampton Roads of Virginia community’s explicit need to provide a wrap-around supportive approach to community intervention. The gathering of data and information with assessments and evaluation tools gives a clear direction for troubleshooting and finding resolutions. The following support programs and services of CECDC include:
- Develop life skills.
- Develop educational and literacy programs.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and counseling.
- Provide job readiness skills.
- Host community fairs and projects.
- GED preparation.
- Provide food and clothing assistance.
The purpose of this project outlines the scope of the problem, objectives, provide research and data, relevant literature, implementation of organizational design, and a business plan. The approach consists of establishing goals, strategy, structure, culture, and teams. Writing the business plan consists of naming the organization, finding a location, establishing a mission and vision, programs, and services, identifying target markets and competitors, creating a legal and management structure, and formulating a financial plan. The goals of CECDC are the following:
- Educate, train, and develop life skills.
- Reduce poverty and decrease crime.
- Reduce malnutrition.
- Empower at-risk youth, individuals, families, and seniors.
The organizational design of the Chosen Enrichment Community Development Corporation is to provide services with compassion to the marginalized community by embracing diversity, promoting collaboration, and giving support within the community.
Key Terms: organizational design; underserved; vulnerable; wrap-around services; community development
[1] Glickman, N. J., & Servon, L. J. (2003). By the numbers: Measuring community development corporations’ capacity.Journal of Planning Education and Research,22(3), 240-256.