Oak Hill CDC's mission is to assist and empower individuals and groups to become self-sufficient and productive in ways that will contribute to and enhance the sense of community and quality of life in Worcester's Union Hill and Oak Hill neighborhoods.
The CDC carries out its mission through the implementation of initiatives in the following areas:
HOUSING:
¨ Housing rehabilitation, preservation of homeownership and the creation of a range of safe and affordable housing opportunities.

ECONOMIC AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:
¨ Providing access to training, capital and planning resources for individuals and businesses.
¨ Assist low- and moderate-income residents in attaining economic self-sufficiency.

YOUTH AND RECREATION:
¨ Providing positive recreational opportunities for neighborhood children.
¨ Providing opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and participate in the revitalization of their community.

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
¨ Providing opportunities and support for residents to develop leadership skills and participate in the revitalization of their community.
¨ Encouraging the involvement of all individuals and groups in neighborhood revitalization activities.

Description:
The goals of the Oak Hill CDC are to support and implement projects and programs initiated and directed by the community that strive to:

Reduce neighborhood blight.
Stimulate public and private investment.
Facilitate and encourage resident empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Improve living conditions and promote a safe and healthy neighborhood.

History:
The Oak Hill CDC emerged in 1985 through the joint efforts of the Oak Hill Housing Council, a group of neighborhood activists concerned with the lack of decent affordable housing, and Friendly House, Inc., a multi-service neighborhood center. The CDC was formed to encourage and promote the improvement of community life in the neighborhood, with an emphasis on housing and economic development projects.

The Oak Hill CDC was organized to serve the Union Hill and lower Grafton Hill neighborhoods. It is from within these areas that we seek membership support and offer our loan and technical assistance programs. In the Fall of 1992, the CDC completed a strategic planning process designed to focus the CDC's development activities on areas of need that would yield the greatest impact and maximize limited organizational resources. This process resulted in the adoption of the Union Hill Revitalization Plan, an initiative that targeted a major portion of the CDC's efforts in the Union Hill area. Phase II of this plan, scheduled to begin in fiscal year 1996, will expand this work to encompass the Oak Hill neighborhood.

Contact people:

Paul Hernandez, Community/Youth Organizer, (508) 754-2858 ext 26, (email) Anita Burdick, Office Manager, (508) 754-2858, (email)

Office fax number: (508) 754-0138

Address:

74 Providence Street Worcester, MA 01604 (See a map)

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

Directions:

VIA MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE Take Exit 10 (Auburn/Worcester Exit) and follow Route 290 toward Worcester. Take Exit 13 (Vernon Street). Stay in right lane and follow the ramp up to the traffic light. You will see a one-way street. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	We have a youth program called Teen Inspirators ages 10-17, we focus on youth development and organizing