CPDC’s Formative Years (1989-2004)
Tribute #5 – Our Backbone: Collaborating for Success
During its formative years, CPDC established its competitive advantage by offering innovative programs and services across several of its communities, most notably high-tech education solutions at Edgewood Terrace. And while innovation represented one side of the coin, collaboration represented the other. The backbone of CPDC, and certainly a major factor in the equation of its success, was establishing strategic partnerships with government agencies, other nonprofits, corporations, universities, and the like.
Some of CPDC’s earliest supporters were institutions that believed in its mission, vision, and values. Those funders, service providers, and community-based organizations helped CPDC serve communities most in need by making invaluable investments into the lives of CPDC residents.
Early supporters of CPDC’s youth development were the Berklee College of Music, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, Microsoft, SunTrust Bank, and the Capital Area Food Bank. Likewise, leading the charge in career and skills enhancement programs across CPDC communities were George Washington University, Northern Virginia Community College, Verizon, Washington Gas, Microsoft, and the D.C. Department of Employment Services.
Understanding the importance of finding solutions to address health, isolation, and other challenges associated with aging in place, CPDC hosted several senior living enhancement programs in partnership with Setting Priorities for Retirement Years Foundation, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, Bennett Beauty School, Catholic University, Berklee College of Music, and George Washington University.
While many of CPDC’s programs and services focused on areas such as education, employment, and technology; the overall goal was to empower whole communities of underserved populations. CPDC did so by making significant contributions that would change the course of an individual resident’s life. Through effective collaboration, CPDC:
- supported complimentary internet access for entire communities to help address the digital divide;
- offered free business accounts for resident groups;
- conducted financial literacy training among adult residents to help them learn to budget and better provide for their homes;
- challenged residents to get involved in civic engagement; and
- sought internship opportunities to train resident leaders.
These community empowerment opportunities were made possible through support from groups such as Microsoft, Citibank, SunTrust, GPO Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Enterprise Foundation, and the Georgetown Harrison Law Institute.
Since its inception, CPDC has been developing vibrant communities through innovation and partnerships. Today, CPDC continues to innovate and collaborate in its approach to resident services and real estate development. Through generous financial partners and service providers, CPDC has established a strong backbone for success.