Memorial Community Development Corp. celebrates 25 years of developing youth, housing

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — In its 25 years of taking risks and blazing trails for others, Memorial Community Development Corp. has represented the best of Indiana, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said.

Crouch was the keynote speaker Thursday at the organization's annual luncheon, which this year doubled as a 25th anniversary celebration.

Founded in 1994 by the Rev. Adrian Brooks Sr., Memorial CDC has taken on issues of affordable housing, commercial development, childcare and youth employment in Evansville's Center City, with numerous success stories along the way.

Crouch, of Evansville, pointed to Memorial CDC's "ability to prepare and promote each generation as they seek to accomplish even greater things in life. You have achieved great success here and added so much to the city of Evansville and people who need a little bit of help."

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The luncheon audience at Old National Bank was told about ways Memorial CDC impacted life in Evansville during 2018 alone. A few examples:

* The trash pickup program collected 1,000 bags of trash during the summer and 250 more during the fall in the 47713 zip code, while employing 49 youth and young adults.

* The Garden Market program produced 1,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables while employing 12 youth and young adults.

* In the housing arena, 26 homeowners received help to remain in their homes through the Emergency Home Repair Program; a single family home was renovated and sold; 110 affordable housing units were occupied, and Memorial Place I, a 16-unit multi-family complex, was renovated.

* The Early Childcare Ministry, Weekend Childcare and Fit Camp programs served 108 children while providing 17 jobs. A "Built to Play" initiative was launched to build an outdoor playground.

* In commercial development, Memorial CDC retired its mortgage on its Walnut Street Subway restaurant, built in 1996, while continuing to operate Memorial Shopping Plaza with four tenants.

Memorial Shopping Plaza's grocery store has closed, but Memorial CDC has said housing, a smaller grocery store, and some other commercial purposes are being considered for the space.

 "We do have big plans for that site, for that facility," said Rasheeda Ajibade, program development director for Memorial CDC. "We have big visions and can see the potential. It doesn’t always take you to the top, sometimes you have hurdles, but we believe we will get there.”

Brooks said Memorial CDC is in capable hands with leaders such as Ajibade, Executive Director Sireta Cabell and others taking over day-to-day operations of the organization.

"Thank you for being here and being wonderful partners to us," Brooks told the luncheon audience. "We’re just getting started. God is going to do wonderful things for the Memorial CDC."

Crouch and Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said they also look forward to seeing what Memorial CDC continues to accomplish.

"When I attend a Memorial CDC groundbreak or ribbon cutting, it’s more than event," Winnecke said. "You see the lives that are improved as a result."

"Visions are not easy to execute," Winnecke added. "Our city is stronger and better because of your great work."

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