2000 Annual Report Executive Summary
Robeson County Enterprise Community
Robeson County is very fortunate to have received the 1994 Enterprise Community designation. Year after year the impact of the designation is reflected through the many opportunities that are presented to the county. The year 2000 was no different!
This year’s Annual Narrative will reflect -- several benchmarks were revisited, re-prioritized and renewed particularly with respect to community development and organization. In an effort to respond to our ever changing communities -- the RECDC focused its energies on revitalizing the community tracts. As a result of board development training, each tract is now in the organizational stages of developing 501(c)(3) corporations to assure sustainability of their programs and operations beyond the 2004 designation. Change over in leadership of the councils have had substantial impact attracting a broad following within the communities. Community residents are now realizing the need to participate in community development activities to improve neighborhood housing, commercial strips, as well as, usage of vacant and abandoned land.
Equally encouraging and stimulating is the fact that in just the first year of operation -- the Decade of the Home program has amassed a solid base of accomplishments. By contract with the Consumer Credit Counseling Corporation of Fayetteville, NC -- the first-time home-buyer workshops was offered to more than 25 families and as a result, four families were fortunate to acquire their first home. A consortium of funding provided financing -- including monies acquired through USDA’s first-time home-buyer’s program.
As partners continue to emerge and expand, new opportunities are presented. The county, resulting from Enterprise leveraging and partnering afforded the community two new grant initiatives. The Weed and Seed Initiative devoted to weeding out crime and providing new birth to communities has provided $100,000 in funding. A second initiative -- the Youth Opportunity Grant is providing $5 million of funding to support coordinated services for youth, with a potential to receive up to $20 million over a five year period.
Again, for Robeson County, attitudes are changing, and the people are beginning to show some encouragement; but it is the results of all stakeholders -- the churches, the governments, providers, and the people -- working together for a brighter tomorrow.
Looking forward to the challenges ahead in the Year 2001!
Robeson County EC Summary Page Robeson County EC Funding Page