CDC HISTORY

Founded in September 2004 as a 501(c)3 faith-based organization, Rehoboth Community Development Corporation (RCDC) arose as the human service arm of Rehoboth Saints Center (RSC), which began in 1995, to respond to escalating needs within its growing community.

RCDC began by adopting the RSC Youth Enrichment Program, People Educating and Centering Efforts (PEACE). PEACE is designed to increase independent living, social, emotional and financial literacy skills for at-risk youth who are in foster care, Child Protective Services (CPS) custody and those who are seriously at-risk of repeating the cycles of poverty, violence, becoming teen parents, substance abusers or homeless. Since adopting the PEACE Youth Enrichment Program the Rehoboth CDC has impacted the lives of more than 400 at-risk youth (with a special emphasis on those in foster care &/or emancipating out of CPS custody) by providing them with independent living preparation, life and social skills, financial and abstinence education, as well as teen parenting workshops. The program provides mentors and circles of support that assist in youth successfully transitioning into young adulthood.
In June 2005, PEACE expanded its services to include an 8-week Summer Enrichment Program offering basic skills education, leadership development, etiquette classes, computer skills, arts and crafts, fitness, and healthy lifestyles which currently serves up to 40 at-risk youth (ages 5-14).

To further strengthen its capacity, RCDC formed partnerships and collaborated with several community based organizations, city and government entities, including: AZOIC, AZ Fathers & Families Coalition (AZFFC), AZ Saves, AZ Central Federal CU, Chase Bank, Desert Schools FCU, FIBCO Family Services, Fresh Start Community Services, Southwest Leadership Foundation (SLF), Touchstone Behavioral Health, City of Phoenix Human Services Department, and the US Small Business Administration by providing the following youth and community services:

• Teen Parenting Skills and Abstinence Education Classes;

• Building Wealth & Not Debt – Financial Literacy Education Classes;

• How to Start A Small Business;

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Training Site and Preparation;

• Homebuyer Education Classes;

• Building Healthy Marriages and Families.
  

Each of these organizations is instrumental in either facilitating workshops or providing volunteers to assist the Rehoboth CDC in its efforts to demonstrate compassion and combat poverty in Central-West Phoenix and Maricopa County.

In 2009, RCDC anticipates breaking ground on a new 47-unit affordable housing community for low and moderate-income residents of West Phoenix. This exciting development, along with existing programs, will continue to strengthen our community’s resiliency by providing affordable housing, stimulating business and job creation, promoting collaborative planning, and delivering comprehensive community service in an atmosphere of growth and dignity. Thus, RCDC will create a stronger, healthier community that serves as a model to neighboring communities.

RCDC is the catalyst for the Canyon Corridor Neighborhood Alliance (CCNA), established in April 2007, to engage residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in strategies for revitalizing the Canyon Corridor Neighborhood and Commercial Corridors. The purpose of CCNA is to create community and economic development opportunities. Our long-range plan is to provide:

• safe and walkable neighborhoods;

• a network of community support agencies;

• retail establishments including grocery stores and new micro-enterprise businesses;

• safe and affordable workforce housing;

• create new revenue streams for this community, by working with community residents & business owners to select properties that need revitalization and fully develop the potential of the community for its residents.
  

Our strategy utilizes the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to ensure long-term sustainability. RCDC will partner with the US Small Business Administration, City of Phoenix, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Goodwill Arizona One-Stop Center, and other nonprofit organizations to leverage all possible resources.

OUR VISION
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Violence through Commitment, Compassion, and Collaboration

OUR MISSION
The Rehoboth CDC’s mission is to increase social and economic justice, demonstrate compassion and combat poverty in partnership with low and moderate income residents in West Phoenix and Maricopa County. We develop affordable housing, stimulate business and job creation, deliver community and youth services, shape and promote collaborative planning to build stronger healthier communities.

OUR CORE VALUES
The Rehoboth CDC conducts business and interacts with people, both internally and externally, according to the following primary values:

• Commitment

• Faith

• Passion

The organization further strives to integrate the following values into its day-to-day operations: accountability, love, loyalty, family and dedication.

 
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