COMMUNITY IMAGE & PRIDE

Goal:

To Enhance the Image and the Preception of the Community as a Safe, Friendly, Family Oriented Small Town.

Objectives:  

• Maximize Recreational Activities.
  
• Create community based and neighborhood based beautification projects.
  
• Expand and Implement Public Education and Awareness Campaigns

Immokalee Weed and Seed

Immokalee Weed and Seed is a community-driven initiative overseen by a 15-member Steering Committee. The Steering Committee includes residents, as well as representatives from various organizations and county agencies. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to "weed" out or remove criminal elements and activities from the community while "seeding" in positive programs for youth and adults and cleaning up the community like in the clean-up event pictured below. 

The Immokalee Weed and Seed Steering Committee is responsible for selecting the projects to be funded and the initiatives to be undertaken. The Empowerment Alliance serves as the fiscal agent for Immokalee Weed and Seed.  For more information on Weed and Seed, contact Terrie Aviles at 239/657-3858 or e-mail her at Terrie_ws@earthlink.net.

Front Porch

In late 2002, the Empowerment Alliance applied for the State of Florida's Front Porch program for southern Immokalee. This grassroots program relies on residents to develop and implement a strategic plan for improvement in their local community. The Empowerment Alliance facilitated the first election of residents to the Immokalee Front Porch Council and assisted in operating the program until the program's Coordinator was hired. The program brings funding to assist residents in emplementing their strategic plan.

Small Grants Program

In 2003, a total $27,500 was awarded by the Empowerment Alliance to 15 community organizations as part of the Small Grants program, with maximum award of $2,000. Grants were targeted to fund housing, education and training or community image/ pride projects. These awards enable community organizations to build their capacity and increase their services to the community. The Small Grants Program provides financing to further the implementation of existing programs and help jump start new community-based initiatives.

Recreational Improvements

Over the last two years, the Empowerment Alliance has provided approximatley $100,000 to assist Eastern Hendry County with recreational enhancements including landscaping, community signage, and community center improvements.