DIAMOND SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: December 10, 2024
Agenda Date: December 16, 2024
Prepared By: Charlene Neuterman, Community Services Director
Through: Stockton Whitten, City Manager
Requested Action:
title
Request Agency acceptance of the 2024 Annual Report for the Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration.
End
body
BACKGROUND:
The Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration (ANR) performs services in the Diamond Square CRA under a Professional Services Agreement executed each year since 2017. ANR performs services for youth in Diamond Square and Cocoa that develops relationships between law enforcement and youth, educates and trains youth to build their workforce readiness skills to be competitive in both school and employment and the program strengthens leadership skills through education, community service and character development. ANR currently services their program out of the Moore Center at 307 Blake Avenue, home to the Leon and Jewel Collins Museum of African American History and Culture.
As part of their Professional Services Agreement, ANR is required to present an annual report to the Agency highlighting the accomplishments of the program and its youth. The full report is attached to this agenda. ANR is celebrating its tenth anniversary of serving the youth at the Moore Center, providing programming to the surrounding youth. The program served 158 young people in FY2024 through five programs ranging in activities from academic, athletic and community service.
Highlights of this annual program include the following:
Special Events
• Lights on After School (October 26, 2023)- focuses on showcasing the programs of providing a safe location for youth to attend and engage in learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
• National Night Out (October 2, 2023) - approximately 400 residents participated in this event at Provost Park. This is an annual nationwide event to bring the community together.
• Community Day (January 5, 2024) - Third annual event showcasing the programs and services of Cocoa PAL.
• Trash Bash (April 6, 2024) - Youth collected 3,000 lbs. of trash in Diamond Square.
• Florida PAL Regional Training (May 1, 2024) - Cocoa PAL hosted the State Regional Training with approximately 100 youth from across the state participating.
• Career Day (May 16, 2024) - Showcasing careers in this area to focus on career readiness and leadership training.
• Juneteenth Arts and Cultural Festival (June 15, 2024) - This is the highlight of the ANR/Cocoa PAL year, commemorating the end of slavery in the United Stated. The festival provides a historical perspective using entertainment, education, arts, food and culture. This is widely attended by Brevard’s African American community.
Programs
• Cocoa Police Athletic League (Cocoa PAL) - Academic and Athletic programming
o PAL Basketball Program (64 youth with 24 from Diamond Square)
• PAL After School Program - Academic programs
• Youth Employment Training - Job readiness skills program
• Cops and Kids Summer Camp - 30 attendees (20 from Diamond Square)
• PAL Youth Leadership Council (YDC) - State of Florida PAL Program that emphasizes character development, leadership and service to the community.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
Budgeted N/A
PREVIOUS ACTION:
None
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommendation
Request Agency acceptance of the 2024 Annual Report for the Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration.