ECDC
Emmanuel Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is a Non-for-Profit organization partnering with youth, families and community organizations to create, enhance, assist and provide resources to navigate toward improvement and change.
Experience within the Community:
ECDC has been a long-standing entity within the Greater Grand Crossing community. However, as time passed new leadership viewed a vast amount of work that needed to be restructured or created. Designing a path to encourage and involve the community and organizations in working together transitioned to the forefront to initiate and comprise a broader plan of action.
ECDC’s primary focus has been to heighten awareness to community needs and develop plans to address a plethora of issues. Community Outreach was a first plan of action. Community Outreach proved to be a key component as residents of the community recognized that their voice, insight, and participation were valuable tools.
During 2016-2020, twice a month the ECDC staff, volunteers and youth volunteered at Mont Clare Senior Living Residence. This event offered the seniors the opportunity to engage and interact with youth in the community.
The Future Leaders program is a creation of many educational opportunities for youth in the community. The youth were exposed to an environment outside of their community and/or comfort zone. A camping/fishing trip was planned to teach team building and trust activities ultimately to form a sense of community. ECDC has hosted Life Skills workshops to the youth since 2014. These workshops include career planning, budgeting, interview skills, resume writing and dress to impress skills.
Voice, a program specifically designed as a safe space for youth to ask questions, express concerns and receive resources. The youth meet with peers in a group setting where they are provided feedback and support under the supervision of ECDC staff.