Desire Street Ministries
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

CDC 58:12

CDC 58:12, Inc. was formed in January 2007 as a strategic partner of Desire Street Ministries (DSM) to transform communities by creating opportunities in housing, education, health, and economic development.
 
The Vision of CDC 58:12, a faith-based community development corporation, is:
 
  • To produce affordable housing for low to moderate income families
  • Rebuild an elementary school for the Desire/Florida community of New Orleans’ Upper Ninth ward
  • Provide After School and Summer Enrichment Programs for youth
  • Make community health care accessible to the uninsured, working poor
  • Develop relationships for employment and economic development on the Louisa Street corridor
 
Programs
 
After School Academy, a 21st Century Community Learning Center – operates September to May, Monday through Thursday, from 4pm to 7 pm at 3101 Desire Parkway. The program implements the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools ® model, a national literacy program which focuses on culturally relevant reading materials and activities.
 
Summer Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School® - operates during the months of June through July, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 3pm for scholars in grades kindergarten through Eighth grades. The program focuses on helping students retain skills and keep them engaged in learning and new experiences throughout the summer. The program also offers art, music, dance, social and life skills and values training. Scholars receive breakfast and lunch through the summer feeding program sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education School Lunch Service.
 
Youth Leadership Development – CDC 58:12, Inc. partners with New Orleans Recreation Development Commission to provide recreation activities that teach life skills. The program prepares students for college, vocational training, and exposure to the arts. Housing Authority of New Orleans also partners with CDC 58:12, Inc. for these services to be provided on site in The Estates, a public housing development across the street from Desire Street Ministries.
 
Faith in Community Development –
  • Growing Desire is a community garden project in partnership with Heifer International. The garden is located at 2921 Clouet Street where CDC 58:12 has focused its redevelopment efforts by assisting homeowners with funding to rebuild and return to their homes. The garden is a teaching tool for students to learn the valuable skills of urban gardening, food systems and healthy choices in eating.
  • Chat & Chew is an empowerment group for residents of The Estates, formerly the Desire Projects. The purpose of the group is to teach spiritual principles that motivate women to action in their community.
  • Leadership Development Lunch & Learn Workshops are monthly seminars for faith and community leaders that are geared to subjects to build capacity in leadership. These workshops are conducted through a partnership with Faith and Community Development Institute.