"Making a Difference in OUR Community" It is in the spirit that Canaan's Community Development Corporation seeks to bring economic empowerment to distressed communities. We take the position that we can no longer remain complacent in response to the challenging needs of brining economic growth and social freedom to create sustainable employment and education, business and entrepreneurial developments and economic opportunities that are not just for the wealthy, but anyone who Dares to Dream. Faith-based community organizations all across the country are changing the face of communities and neighborhoods. Here in Louisville, Kentucky, Canaan Development Corporation continues to set the mark by engaging in strategic partnerships and creative alliances with government agencies, for profit entities and other non-profit organizations to bring about change throughout our community. The future of faith based organizations such as CCDC will play an even greater role in changing our communities as the nation wrestles with moving people off welfare rolls. More than 35 million people across this country continue to live below the poverty line. The government is now turning to churches and faith based institutions to take a proactive role in how communities are being revitalized, lives strengthened and empowered, violence prevention and nurturing dysfunctional families. It has been said that building strong families creates strong communities, and strong communities builds strong Cities. The corporation seeks to empower individuals and families through its programs regardless of their socioeconomic status, religion, gender, or ethnic background. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "There is no greater purpose in life than to serve your fellow man." In this statement lies the cornerstone belief for CCDC to provide services and or programs designed to meet the holistic needs of the community we serve. As we move through this 21st century, the greatest need across our nation is the building of community. Community speaks of an inclusive society where every person has access to the resources, education and privileges that sustain life. Community speaks of every person having the opportunity to experience what it means to be truly human. CCDC has created many collaborative partnerships with city and county government, the Federal Department of Labor, and a host of agencies in our determination to make more livable community for others. Over the past eight years, CCDC has gone beyond the norms in terms of our aggressive efforts in developing programs and services that minister to the total person in a holistic manner. The most rewarding experience I have had as CEO and founder is what I see us doing with our children and youth. Canaan Community Development Corporation is making countless "human investments" that will ultimately produce "human capital." Human capital will pay future dividends of children growing up in safe and healthy environments, individuals purchasing single-family homes in non-traditional neighborhoods and rehabilitated communities becoming thriving economic centers. It is in the spirit of Christ that we humbly accept the challenge that lies ahead as we continue to "lift others as we lift ourselves."