Civic League announces award winners

Santa Clara, Calif.

Community Housing Programs have improved a housing area for middle- and low-income residents by revitalizing state surplus land with new additions that include corporate headquarters of a company, restored historical buildings, open space, a day-care facility and shelter for homeless families. A Youth Skate Park was developed by the city and school district.

Delray Beach, Fla.

The Youth Enrichment Vocational Program has provided high-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 23 with opportunities to learn job skills. Community Neighbors Helping has helped minority senior citizens living in one of the city’s poorest areas to improve their health, receive health services and meet people outside their established environment. Finally, the city, in conjunction with the school district and community, has developed Village Academy, a public school regulated by members of the community instead of a school board, that addresses the needs of at-risk elementary students living in low-income neighborhoods.

South Miami, Fla.

Hometown Plan has revitalized the city’s downtown Sunset Drive area. The South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency has identified more than 35 redevelopment programs for both the private and public sectors. The Prevention Through Academic and Recreational Excellence Program has provided children with homework assistance, counseling and athletic training and has exposed them to dance, music and art.

Fort Dodge, Iowa

The Community Action Network has provided leadership and planning on issues facing residents, such as drug and alcohol abuse. The Fort Dodge Public Library has been constructed, providing residents access to state services through the Iowa Communications Network and hosting the Webster County Historical and Genealogical Societies. Gateway Community Learning Center has expanded learning and enrichment opportunities before and after school for children in grades five through eight.

Howard County, Md.

Aging in Place has provided senior citizens with health services that allow them to remain in their homes. The Health Alliance for Patients in Need has provided medical help to uninsured residents, with volunteer doctors and nurses working in donated space. Patients are helped or referred to specialists, laboratories or surgeons free of charge.

Ocean City, Md.

Children’s House by the Sea, a pediatric beach respite, has increased the quality of life for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program has worked to protect and restore bays in the area. Play It Safe hosted alcohol-free events for youth during June to deter underage drinking.

Independence, Mo.

Better Streets and Parks, an organization of residents who want to improve their community, has worked to get voter approval of a sales tax that supports street and park improvements in the city. The Midtown/Truman Corridor project has revitalized 72 blocks in the Harry S Truman district and surrounding areas. The William Chrisman High School Association for Chrisman Excellence, a volunteer club of more than 300 high school students, has encouraged volunteering by rewarding students who provide at least 40 hours of volunteer service with a school letter.

Bozeman, Mont.

The Affordable Housing Land Trust has provided housing for at-risk residents. Single-family homes, apartment buildings, a Head Start Center, a playground and a park now make up an affordable neighborhood in the city. Downtown Partnerships has created partnerships to redevelop downtown through community involvement.

Fayetteville, N.C.

Study Circles Project has involved residents in discussions about issues including race relations, youth development and law enforcement that affect the community’s quality of life. Operation Inasmuch has organized projects to aid low-income individuals and families by repairing homes and providing food, clothing and amenities for children. MetroVisions has developed long-range planning and direction for the community, with an annual report that tracks and measures the community’s progress on 140 quality of life indicators.

Brownsville, Texas

The Partnership for Higher Education Opportunity has lobbied the state legislature to establish a university in the area. The Southmost Community Center supports a police-community network that encourages residents to help police fight crime. Brownsville READS! has promoted research-based reading instruction in schools.

For additional information about the awards program