Last updated on December 4, 2007

RDRC’s overall mission is to promote the revitalization of the peninsula's economic base and neighborhoods, and assist its residents in obtaining an improved "quality of life." Since its inception, RDRC’s major priority has been to serve as a catalyst for the Rockaway’s revitalization.

Description:
Since its inception, RDRC’s major priority has been to serve as a catalyst for the community's revitalization by initiating community development activities that remove barriers to economic growth, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs. RDRC’s multi-service programs enhance the quality and diversity of educational offerings for Peninsula students, reduce the blight and neglect of our neighborhoods, and assist our residents in overcoming the community's severe geographic and social isolation. RDRC’s services are delivered by its four divisions: Business and Professional Services; Real Estate Development; Workforce Development; and Youth Development.

The Business and Professional Services Division is primarily concerned with the retention and recruitment of businesses in the Rockaway Community through its administration of NYS Empire Zone (EZ) benefits. The Professional Services portion of the division’s activities involves counseling and preparing individuals for homeownership and entrepreneurship. The division’s staff coordinates first time homebuyer workshops and counseling sessions and, when ready, assists families in successfully completing the homebuying process.

The Real Estate Development Division is engaged in the acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of manufacturing, retail, office and residential units on the Rockaway peninsula. RDRC is involved in every facet of the development process, from project feasibility to design and construction documentation through lease up and/or sale. It is the division’s intention to target key properties that hinder the overall revitalization of the Rockaways and put these properties back in use to benefit Rockaway residents.

The Workforce Development Division prepares individuals for entry into the workforce and then seeks to actively place them in a job. The Adult Job Readiness Program is a three-week program that stresses job preparation with a concentrated effort on “attitudinal” training. Participants learn how to accept constructive criticism from a boss or co-worker and how to work with others in groups. The program provides computer instruction, employment counseling, employment assistance and job placement.

The Youth Development Divison provides after-school and summer programs to high school-aged youth. Our Youth Employment Program places over 800 youth in summer jobs and part-time internships throughout the year. The Out-of-School Time Program at Beach Channel High School focuses on educational enhamcement, community service projects, arts and culture. The In-School Youth Program focuses on career development, internships and college preparation.

History:
Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) corporation founded in 1978 by a group of dedicated community residents and businesspersons interested in developing a comprehensive community development strategy to address the social, economic and physical decay of the Rockaway Peninsula. The present corporation was created in 1987 as a result of the consolidation of two smaller agencies that previously served the eastern and western ends of the Peninsula. The outcome of this consolidation was the creation of the Rockaway’s first peninsula-wide development organization, governed by a twenty member Board of Directors and representing all major ethnic groups, businesses, institutions and neighborhoods located on the peninsula

Contact people:

Rachel Forde, Chief Operating Officer, (718) 327-5300, (email) Valerie West, Director, Community Outreach, (718) 327-5300, (email) Janet Henriquez, Program Director, (718) 327-5300, (email)

Office fax number: (718) 327-4990

Address:

1920 Mott Avenue Far Rockaway, NY 11575 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.rdrc.org

Directions:

Take Far Rockaway A-Train to the Mott Avenue Station in Far Rockaway. Exit train station and walk east along Mott Avenue to 1920 Mott Avenue.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: A Train - Far Rockaway/Mott Avenue Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2 minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: Q113, 1 minute minute walk

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