Organization & Mission. In 1994, the Glades Community Development Corporation (GCDC) formed as a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization. The GCDC was initially started as a project of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc. in 1990. The GCDC serves as a facilitator and advocate for the diverse population residing in the Glades Communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, and the residents of the Glades unincorporated area. The goal of this organization is to ensure that the residents of the western rural area of Palm Beach County are equitably represented in the decision-making process, that the strategies devised are sustainable and compatible with both the environment and available resources, and that leadership skills are enhanced among its resident population.

Services. The GCDC in its main role as a facilitator tries to provide a neutral venue for Glades residents to discuss issues, and to articulate their needs and priorities. The organization seeks out funding for particular projects by identifying and assessing "matches" between community needs and potential resources. The GCDC's activities include participating in community forums, charrettes, economic summits, rural initiative conferences and planner series. These venues allow a broad cross-section of the Glades population to engage in visioning and planning for the future. The GCDC supports capacity building activities designed to add to the ability of citizens to carry on development activities themselves and to increase local empowerment.