County Offering Free Six-Week Course on Neighborhood Revitalization

For immediate release: December 11, 2008
Contact: LaToya Ricketts, Planner II lrickett@pbcgov.org
(561) 233-5239 Fax:  (561) 656-7968

Palm Beach County’s Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) is proud to once again offer, the Resident Education to Action Program (REAP), a six-week, hands-on educational program providing community revitalization and civic leadership development. This educational program is intended to help residents who are interested in improving their neighborhoods. The theme this year is “Unity in the Community!”

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 gain knowledge of innovative ways to solve neighborhood issues. Course topics will be:  Successful Neighborhood Revitalization; Approaches to Community Organizing and Strengthening; Sustaining Neighborhood Economics; Project Safe Neighborhood; Building Healthy Neighborhoods; Civic Engagement: A Call to Action. Residents will also be provided an overview on OCR's programs and initiatives as well as learn more about county government, community resources and services that are available for neighborhood improvements.

One mission of REAP is to provide an opportunity for the residents of Palm Beach County to acquire a greater knowledge of and appreciation for government through active participation in the process. Residents will perform a mock commission meeting and showcase their strategies to local county and city officials.

Participants will be given the opportunity to apply for a grant through the America’s Next Top Neighborhood Award Grant Program. Participants will also complete a community service project.
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 for REAP or for additional information regarding the program, please visit our website at www.pbcgov.com/ocr or contact LaToya Ricketts, REAP Coordinator at (561) 233-5239 or lrickett@pbcgov.org.