This Community Discovered How to Transform their Neighborhood

At the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), we believe Resident-Led Community Engagement is the cornerstone of lasting change. This philosophy is rooted in the understanding that those who live in a community are its greatest assets and most effective changemakers. It emphasizes listening to residents—their dreams, ideas, and unique insights—and partnering with them to foster growth from within.

As Rhonda Dueck, community leader and executive director of Jackson Community Development Corporation (Jackson CDC), explains, “The people of the neighborhood know the neighborhood best—they know the challenges, they know what they love, and they have the answers.” Jackson CDC focuses on empowering residents to lead the way in transforming their community. By fostering leadership, connecting neighbors, and promoting collaboration, the organization creates opportunities for residents to identify their passions, leverage their strengths, and take meaningful action. At CCT we share this commitment to listening deeply, uncovering residents’ unique gifts, and creating space for them to make a lasting impact.

This approach empowers neighborhoods to shine brightly, creating a ripple effect that inspires neighboring communities, cities, and even counties. As Rhonda puts it, “When all of these small pockets of neighborhoods are shining, we’re going to impact a city… there’s a trickle effect of positivity, of light, of hope, of belief that together we are better.”

By focusing on the assets a community already possesses, Resident-Led Community Engagement affirms that every person matters, every person has value, and everyone has something to contribute. 

Why Resident-Led Community Development Matters

Too often, community development efforts are led by outsiders who impose solutions without understanding the unique dynamics, strengths, and desires of the community. This top-down approach can result in dependency, unintentional harm, and unsustainable progress. Resident-Led Community Engagement turns this narrative on its head by placing the power in the hands of those who know their communities best—the residents themselves.

This approach aligns with Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, which highlight the existing talents, strengths, and resources in a community. Combined with the Christian Community Development Association philosophy, it creates a transformative model for growth. By inviting residents to take an active role in addressing challenges, this method shifts the focus from deficits to assets, fostering pride, ownership, and sustainable progress.

When communities embrace this philosophy, they unlock their full potential. They become empowered problem solvers, equipped to bring about meaningful, lasting change. At CCT, we see this as a reflection of God’s vision for thriving, interconnected, and self-sustaining communities.

Transforming Communities Through Resident Leadership

At CCT, we witness the incredible impact of Resident-Led Community Engagement through the stories of individuals like Ben, Maria, and Elbio, who are using their talents and experiences to bring renewal and growth to their neighborhoods. 

Ben with Tink Construction: Building Independence and Opportunity

Ben Strickland’s journey from hardship to hope embodies the resilience and determination we aim to foster. After overcoming homelessness and addiction, Ben rebuilt his life and launched Tink Construction in 2023—a handyman business born out of his desire for independence and service to his community.

Through our LaunchPad program, Ben developed the entrepreneurial skills needed to grow his business, including customer targeting, financial management, and online invoicing. Today, Ben is thriving and expanding his services through additional certifications. His story demonstrates the power of equipping individuals to lead and inspire transformation in their neighborhoods.

Certificado: Equipping Spanish-Speaking Leaders

Our Certificado program equips Spanish-speaking leaders to identify and address the needs of their neighborhoods. Participants like Maria and Elbio exemplify the program’s impact.

Maria, a 65-year-old Certificado graduate, overcame her hesitation with technology to develop digital literacy skills. With the support of student intern Yetzanit, she has become a leader in her community, empowering others to engage in local initiatives and fostering meaningful connections.

Elbio, another graduate, was inspired by Certificado to pursue a master’s degree in seminary at Fresno Pacific University. Today, he is serving his community as a pastor and being considered for a program coordinator role through a Lilly grant. Both Maria and Elbio demonstrate how equipping residents with tools and knowledge creates ripple effects of growth throughout entire neighborhoods.

Together, We Can Transform Our Communities

At CCT, we are committed to fostering Resident-Led Community Engagement because we believe the people of a neighborhood hold the key to lasting change. From Ben’s entrepreneurial success to Maria’s leadership in technology and Elbio’s dedication to community service, we’ve seen the transformative power of empowering residents to lead.

Our goal is simple but profound: to inspire change in our cities from the inside out. By equipping residents with the tools, resources, and support they need, we are creating a ripple effect of renewal, hope, and sustainable growth. Together, we can build thriving communities that reflect God’s vision for peace, prosperity, and wholeness.

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