* "INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE"

The Youngs Memorial Community Development Inc (YMCDC)is a non-profit(501C3) organization that provides services in the areas of preventive health, housing, welfare reform and environmental justice. We serve the Washington Metro Area, with emphasis in communities East of the Anacostia River. We believe neighborhoods can be transformed only when an organization such as YMCDC makes an investment in people withing the community in which they live. The results of such an investment are healthier families and more viable, sustainable communities.

* MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Youngs Memorial Community Development Corporation is to raise the quality of life and improve the environment of Anacostia/Congress Heights residents who are socially and econimically challenged.

VISION STATEMENT

YMCDC's Vision is as follows:

** To advocate for greater education and skill-building opportunities for local residents and to create opportunities to provide personal and family enrichment, education and training.

** To empower community residents and families to acquire affordable rental housing or quality for purchases of their own homes.

** To provide affordable 24-hour childcare and Senior Day Care.

** To provide special services and programs that enhance community bonding and stability through a family life center.

** To promote, encourage and enhance the educational, economic development, outreach and advocacy process for the community on critical environmental justice issues that are prevalent in at-risk neighborhoods.

** To engage residents in dialogue through regular forums to ensure that communication and information sharing are consistently accessible.

** To promote and encourage preventive healthcare services and healthcare options in the community.

*  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

In many urban communities, the environment is not well preserved or protected. The YMCDC has taken an innovative approach in dealing with this reality. We identity creative employment and entreprenuerial opportunities for the disadvantaged.

As good corporate citizens, our responsibility is to make an effort to keep the environment clean. We not only have a committment to the people but land, air and water as well.

*  HOUSING

People must have a place to live. Affordable housing is a hot commodity in communities in transition. The YMCDC housing component not only focuses on bricks and mortar, but  also on the potential homeowner. Home ownership is a sign of success. It gives people a different world view about themselves, where they live and how they live. Ownership is a life-long investment that benefits both the family living in the house and the neighborhood as well.

*  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Sustainability of a community is contigent upon the vitality of econmic development to create new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. It also creates a vehicle to circulate revenue within a community rather than being dependent on outside assistance.

Thriving economic development ensures that an area will have money for:

**Better schools
**Affordable homes
**Adequate recreation
::Better hospitals and clinics
**Improved public safety

Economic development can enhance the quality of life in any neighborhood. Economic investment will yield enormous social profit.

*  PUBLIC HEALTH

YMCDC has a vested interest in preventive healthcare as well as delivery of quality healthcare in at-risk communities. We are working dilligently identifying healthcare options plus developing alternative healthcare for uninsured and underinsured. Our goal is to promote mental, physical and spiritual wellness for children; families; single adults; seniors; individuals with HIV/AIDS; cancer and other degenerative diseases.

*  WELFARE REFORM

Youngs Memorial CDC has made a conscientious committment to invest in welfare reform as it will have a direct impact on our target population. Viewing welfare reform as an opportunity rather than punishment, our goal is to ensure that recipients in our surrounding area are educated and prepared for the transition of welfare to work in the Metropolitan Area.

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OTHER COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Day Care Center (M-F); Mentoring Programs; Literacy Programs, Food & Clothing Distribution; HIV/AIDS Outreach; Vacation Bible School; Samaritan Ministries; RIGHT Inc (Residing in Group Housing Together)