UNIVERSITY AREA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Workforce development the university area invest workforce program is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by facilitating access to resources that foster long-term self-sufficiency. Through a community-based approach, our program equips residents, including non-fluent english speakers, with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to embark on successful career paths.central to our initiative is the provision of internet access, industry-specific training, and comprehensive job search assistance to help individuals initiate and navigate their employment journey effectively. Even those who are currently employed can benefit from our offerings by enhancing their skills, thereby positioning themselves for career advancement opportunities.our computer lab, accessible to the public on weekdays, serves as a vital resource hub, offering a myriad of services at no cost. From conducting research and seeking employment to obtaining certifications and participating in job training workshops, individuals can leverage the lab to enhance their employability and professional development.key features of the university area invest workforce program include: - unlimited access to computers and internet - computer training 101 - microsoft office certifications - job readiness workshops - job search assistance - job placement assistance - soft skills training - industry-specific trainings and certificationsannually, our computer lab serves approximately 500 individuals, catering to their diverse needs, whether it be job search endeavors, skill development, or application assistance. Given the prevalence of online job listings, access to a computer is indispensable for securing employment, and our program ensures that individuals have the necessary resources and support to navigate this process successfully.furthermore, our team provides personalized assistance, including guidance on crafting cover letters and resumes, discussing interview best practices, and facilitating follow-up communications with potential employers, thereby maximizing individuals' chances of securing meaningful employment opportunities.through the university area invest workforce program, we are committed to empowering our community members with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to achieve their career goals and pave the way for long-term economic stability and prosperity.

Harvest hope park: the university area cdc harvest hope park, located at 13704 n. 20th street, sits on 7-acres of land near the tampa campus of the university of south florida. It is a vibrant, resident friendly green space in a neighborhood plagued with various kinds of brownfields and related redevelopment challenges. The park was built in four development phases and opened in november 2019. This urban oasis encourages family play, healthy eating, environmental sustainability, education, and community interaction and features a community garden, teaching kitchen, multi-purpose sports field, playground, outdoor fitness stations, walking trail and 2-acre freshwater fishpond for recreational fishing. This past year, uacdc completed the construction of a splash pad to add to the enjoyment of the neighborhood families. University area campus: the mission of the university area campus is to serve as a navigational hub, connecting community residents and local businesses with anchored partners who are providing direct programing, services and economic growth opportunities through a holistic approach. This will allow for the expansion of services, and the creation of partnerships, to meet the growing need of our community. This will be done in four (4) phases that include the rehbilitation of a two office duplex, the renovation of a warehouse for programing and services, the contrsuction of a 12,000 sq. Feet economic development center and housing. When developing initial plans for the university area campus, we held numerous community conversations and conducted surveys to gather resident input regarding elements the initiative should include. We listened to those we serve and established an equitable development framework for success. Components of the campus will include social services, economic & small business development, health & wellness opportunities, critical housing needs and more.harvest hope community garden: the university area cdc harvest hope community garden is a catalyst for transformational change because it affords area residents, young and old, the opportunity to (1) improve their physical health through exercise and access to home-grown healthy food; (2) participate in hands-on gardening education and cooking classes (3) improve their mental well-being by communing with nature; and (4) learn eco-friendly ways to sustain their personal community well as the community at large. The primary benefits for community garden program participants and for residents of university area at large include increased access to healthy food and continued education or enhancement of skills related to plants, sustainability, and eco-systems. These benefits are immensely important for this community where poverty, lack of education, health disparities, and social determinants have severely impacted the physical, mental, and emotional health of many of its residents. Attainable housing: uacdc has multiple attainable housing initiatives aimed at restoring and maintaining affordable housing stocks. The median income resident in tampa bay is being forced out of the market by housing costs that are simply unaffordable. Uacdc currently owns and operates two apartment complexes comprising a total of 42 units. These units are all between 30 to 50 percent below market value. In partnership with blue sky communities uacdc operates uptown sky, a 61-unit apartment complex serving families below 70% of the area median income, with set asides for families earning 50% and 60% of ami as well. Uptown sky will have uacdc supportive programing on the 1st floor of the building.rehab to restore hope is a new initiative for acquisition and rehabilitation of existing rental properties from duplexes to small apartment communities. Uacdc purchases, repairs and remodels the properties and rents the units to individuals and families below 80% of the ami. The first purchase under this initiative is a duplex that has been remodeled and is being rented to two veterans.get moving! Mind, body & soul: the university area cdc's get moving! Program is a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to address multiple facets of individual health, including physical, emotional, mental, nutritional, and spiritual well-being. By focusing on these interconnected elements, the program aims to enhance the overall health and vitality of community residents, particularly those in the university area, through a range of engaging and enriching activities.at the core of the get moving! Program are organized sports, educational classes, wellness cognitive behavioral therapy groups, and various workshops, all aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering participants to take charge of their well-being. Upon enrollment, individuals undergo assessment and receive personalized tracking forms to monitor their chosen activities and individualized goals, fostering accountability and progress.with a commitment to supporting the community's aspiration for self-sufficiency, get moving! Serves over 500 children, adults, seniors, and veterans monthly through a diverse array of programs and events. These offerings include community-based health events, workshops on topics such as mental health, nutrition, cancer prevention, stress management, and diabetes education, as well as a wide range of physical activities.from weight management and boot camps to yoga, zumba, basketball, martial arts, cheerleading, football, soccer, kids and adults cooking classes, adult's seniors line dancing and youth swimming class, get moving! Provides ample opportunities for individuals to engage in physical exercise tailored to their preferences and abilities. Furthermore, the program leverages partnerships with sports organizations, health professionals, bilingual mental health therapists, educational institutions, certified trainers, and medical personnel to deliver a holistic menu of services.