County Offering Free Six-Week Course on Neighborhood Revitalization

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2007
Contact: LaToya Ricketts, Planner II
lrickett@co.palm-beach.fl.us (561) 233-5239 Fax: (561) 656-7935

Palm Beach County’s Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) has designed a six-week, hands-on educational program regarding community revitalization and civic engagement designed to help residents interested in improving their neighborhoods. Residents can learn more about County government, community resources and services that are available for neighborhood improvements.

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, crime prevention methods, code enforcement policies, financial management and other community development strategies. The theme this year is “There’s No Place Like Home!”

The mission of REAP is to provide an opportunity for the residents of Palm Beach County to acquire a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the civic government system through active participation in the system. Participants will be encouraged to solve a neighborhood improvement problem and will be given the opportunity to 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 for REAP or for additional information regarding the program, please contact LaToya Ricketts at (561) 233-5239 or lrickett@co.palm-beach.fl.us.