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County Offering Free Six-Week Course on Neighborhood Revitalization

For immediate release: Date: December 29, 2006
Contact: LaToya Ricketts, Planner II
lrickett@co.palm-beach.fl.us
(561) 233-5239 Fax: (561) 655-7935

WHO: Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization (OCR)

WHAT: Resident Education to Action Program (REAP) "Am I My Neighbor's Keeper?"

WHEN: January 25, 2007 - April 17, 2007

WHERE: Western Palm Beach County
January 25, 2007 - March 1, 2007 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Palm Beach Community College 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Central Palm Beach County
March 13, 2007 - April 17, 2007 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Palm Beach County Vista Center 2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Palm Beach County, through the efforts of the Office of Community Revitalization (OCR), has designed a six-week, hands-on educational course intended to help community residents who are interested in improving their neighborhood.

The Resident Education to Action Program (REAP) supports the formation of neighborhood associations and empowers residents to seek a better quality of life. Through this course, residents will learn effective neighborhood organizational methods including: community leadership development; resident empowerment; and encouraging community volunteerism and participation. Residents will also learn about public safety and crime prevention methods; hurricane preparation; financial management; and other community development strategies.

During the course, participants will be given the opportunity to create and present a community action plan, as well as apply for a grant through the "America's Next Top Neighborhood Award Grant" program. Sessions are facilitated using a variety of innovative techniques including group activities, lectures, guest speakers, individual outside work, and oral presentations.

The course and all materials are free but a commitment for the entire six-week course is required. Seating is limited and available on a first come-first served basis. To register, or for additional information regarding the program, please contact LaToya Ricketts at (561) 233-5239 or e-mail her at lrickett@co.palm-beach.fl.us.