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Exciting, positive changes have taken place in our community for individual residents – and for our area as a whole! Since Wheeler Creek Community Development Corporation (WCCDC) took centralized control over the Community Supportive Services Program (CSSP) in May 2004, hundreds of residents have found living wage employment, met the criteria to move back into the revitalized communities, and even become homeowners! In addition, your CSSP has served as a catalyst for the area’s economic boom – doing its part to move HOPE VI neighborhoods forward to a better future!
 Ms. Elelta Agonafer, General Manager for the CSSP, relays the incredible numbers that tell the real story. “At Henson Ridge we have assisted a total of 274 residents who have now met the criteria for entering the new community!” reports Ms. Agonafer. “And 134 of those have already moved into the new homes!” These criteria include meeting employment goals, resolving credit issues –demonstrating the kind of responsibility that makes a ready member of the community. In these last two years Capital Gateway has assisted 186 clients in meeting this re-entry criteria, Capper Carrollsburg has shepherded at least 125 clients into readiness, and the very new and smaller community of Eastgate has guided 19 clients to new development preparedness. And your CSSP’s have helped 543 residents find successful new employment!!!
 Mr. Michael Clarke, Economic/Business Development Coordinator, explains how the transformation goes beyond the numbers. “You look at how the surrounding community is coming to life! It’s exciting!” says Mr. Clarke. “For example, there’s the Andrews Federal Credit Union. That’s a very new thing for this area,” Mr. Clarke explains. “Wheeler Creek CDC supervised that project!” There’s also a new Nationwide Insurance office as well as a Giant grocery store opening – evidence that businesses now see this as an economically vital area. Ms. Agonafer points out that “it’s now becoming a mixed income community. Because of the new economic strength, people with high-paying jobs, professionals, have enough faith in the community to move in and invest in houses.”
“At the rate we are progressing, we’re confident that by the end of each program all initial goals will be far surpassed!” exclaims Ms Agonafer. “We’re so proud of our residents and our wonderful staff!”
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