R.A.D.O. is a CDC. Isn't that the center for disease control?

If you were not aware of it , RADO is a CDC. Now you may ask yourself " I thought that was the center for disease control". Well , so did I before I got this job! In regards to the Riverside Avondale Development Organization , it stands for Community Development Corporation. What in the world does that mean?! Well...

a Community Development Corporation or CDC, is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs with the sole purpose of promoting and supporting a community or neighborhood. CDCs can serve a small location such as a neighborhood (Springfield or Riverside) or an entire city.

But CDCs do more than develop projects. As a community developer, we are able to bring in leaders in business, civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies together to increase neighborhood vitality and provide group investment. This will eventually drive the community’s self sustainability, improve neighborhood conditions and create new opportunities for families. Overtime ,this will create a truly successful community.

So there you have it. If anyone ever asks you what a CDC is , you will have an answer for them, and a good one at that! :)

Clean-Up

RADO is the midst of organizing a clean-up! It will be on February 20th and I am not quite sure about the time yet. It'll be in the morning at either 9 or 10 . But, I digress!!! It'll be good CLEANIN' - UP FUN!!! We are going to either focus on the Gilmore, Acosta and Ralph area or we will do the Post Street and College area. Either way, we will have a great time with lunch provided afterwards. I will let you know about any updates on times etc. Please put it on your calenders! 904.381.0950 for more information. :)

Featured Home!

439 Smith Street 32204

This home is brand new and is only $118,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with 1458 square feet. There is an open floor plan with hardwood floors, ceramic tile in bathrooms and kitchen and carpet in the bedrooms. There is a spacious master suite with a garden tub & walk-in closet. It is located on a quiet tree-lined street!

Call about receiving up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

*Melody S. Byrd 904.381.0950 or msbyrd@radocdc.org*

RADO's Annual Retreat

This past Saturday , RADO had their annual retreat. It was very inspirational and informative. Kevin Monahan was our facilitator. He works for the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida. They offer many classes and workshops for small businesses that range from their "Girls Going Places Entrepreneurial Conference" to their "Non-Profit Social Networking Class" . They even have free workshops. With the help from Kevin, I truly believe he helped ignite the RADO staff and Board. I have a much clearer vision of what needs to be done in order to help spread the good word about what RADO does and has to offer.

Our Origin

RADO was initiated in 1998 by a few dedicated individuals from the Riverside Avondale Preservation Society (RAP). The initial goal was small: rebuilding a home destroyed by a fire in a marginal part of the neighborhood. The task proved to be more complex than imagined for an all volunteer group and in 2001, RADO sought LISC Jacksonville's support to prepare for the next round of projects. RADO continues to pursue new development opportunities in Riverside Avondale and surrounding neighborhoods. To date, RADO has developed and sold over 20 single -family homes.

Upcoming Seminar

RADO is hosting another free NSP Seminar On January 25th, 2010. I know I said I was working on having the next one on a Saturday, but that didn't work out! Sorry! This is on a Monday night at 7:00pm. Everyone who is interested in learning how to receive up to $40,000 in down payment and closing costs assistance towards the purchase of your new home, is welcome to attend!
Location: 881 Stockton St.
Jax., Fl. 32204

RSVP Please. 904.381.0950