From: THE COMMUNITY PRESS (Quinte) , December 1997

CDC helping improve our community

Almost a decade has passed since the Community Development Council (CDC) was formed. While many find the group's work invaluable, others are not aware of what the United Way member agency does. The recent release of the CDC's annual report provides an opportunity to highlight some of the initiatives implemented. The CDC is currently compiling statistics to prepare a local Quality of Life index. Those results are to be released in the New Year and will act as a gauge to compare the local community's social, health, environmental and economic dimensions with other communities in the province. The index will provide focus for improving areas where work must be done. A number of forums, like the December 10 Community Forum for Children, a first for the CDC, gives stakeholders an opportunity to talk about their ideas for an ideal community. Sponsorship of events like the Grow Your Own container gardening workshop empower community members to take charge of their food needs. The CDC also formed the Second Helping registry linking growers with surplus produce to those in need of enhanced food security. The Good Food Box Program, Good Lunch Box Program, Community Allotment Gardens, and Collective Kitchens are just a few more of the community development initiatives implemented. CDC has three staff members and a very active board. To find out more about the CDC you can stop by their website at http://www.lks.net/~cdc/index.html or phone 968-2466.