2004/2005
Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants

Project Summaries 

Boca Club’s FCAT program will target its elementary and middle school students and their families to provide weekly FCAT tutoring sessions in students’ area of greatest need, computer and Internet exposure and training, plus art and drama sessions to reinforce academic learning.  The program will focus on areas of reading, math, and test taking strategies over 22 weeks, culminating with a drama performance.

The UCF/Callahan Center Reading Camp operates on Saturday mornings during the school year and daily in the month of June. Elementary children (kindergarten through sixth grade) receive free tutoring in reading by UCF students. The Reading Camp is at the Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center at 101 North Parramore Avenue. A “Parent Education Program” is also offered to help parents teach their children to read at home. The Director of the Reading Camp is Dr. Timothy R. Blair, Professor of Reading Education, in the College of Education at the University of Central Florida.

The College Park Neighborhood Association will be working with Lake Silver Elementary School to enhance the Math Magnet Program.  The math-based curriculum encompasses all grades (K-5).  The neighborhood will be providing needed supplies and materials as well as time for “teach-ins”.  In addition, there will be a monthly activity during non-school hours to provide access to neighborhood families who are interested in the program.

Each project allows our residents to shine. We tackle projects that would be overwhelming if taken on individually, but as a team we can accomplish anything. Our residents are encouraged to participate in the planning and execution of the projects. Our residents develop long lasting relationships because of the MNMG projects.

The Griffin Park Resident Association in partnership with GOAD International will provide two Life Skills Enhancement Development Programs - One for 30 youth and the other for 25 Mothers or Grandmothers in the community.  Each will consist of 12 weekly learning sessions provided by two instructors, concluding with a formal ceremony of accomplishment.  Topics covered in the two programs include goal setting, social pressures, family relationship issues, character development, citizenship, and leadership.

The McFall Homeowners Association will plan and provide group fieldtrips that will focus on educating neighborhood youth and adults about history, science, academics, arts, culture, politics, and accomplishments of African American forefathers.  In addition the neighborhood history of Parramore will be discovered.

The Palm Grove Gardens Neighborhood Association will have 40 participants in an after school Arts & Drama program where the students will have the opportunity to be involved with activities geared to increase youth self-esteem, self-determination, discipline and coping skills, effective communication, problem solving, critical thinking skills and healthy choices.  The program will conclude with an opportunity to showcase the newly acquired skills.

This project was valuable to our neighborhood as it helped designate residential borders in a high traffic area downtown. It will hopefully help drivers know to proceed with caution. In addition, it enhanced the overall aesthetics of the downtown community.

PowerTeens Abstinence Education Program was a series of workshops to empower the youth to maintain a healthy lifestyle, self esteem enhancement, and personal development. Parents were involved in order to reinforce the abstinence message. Youth were trained to teach the curriculum to their peers.

This project allowed our community to participate in Educational, Art Appreciation and Historical activities including: Bethune Cookman College Tour, St. Augustine Trip with youth and seniors to promote intergenerational relationships and experience Florida history, A Walk Club for youth and seniors to promote physical activity and health awareness, A Healthy Eating and Living workshop to promote quality lifestyle management, Community Advocate Workshops to help residents understand Landlord Tennant Dispute issues and laws, Community Resourcefulness and Partnerships by partnering with the Rock Lake Community Center for a Winter Wonderland dinner Hosted by the Rock Lake Community Center and The Rock Lake Neighborhood Association, A community dinner for Thanksgiving to promote relationships between youth and seniors in our community.

Sunbrook Condo’s were damaged as a result of the Hurricane’s of 2004. We were left in the dark as most of our outside lighting was destroyed. With our new lighting our complex is safe – and beautiful at night. The addition of our picnic tables provides residents a place to gather for picnics, meetings, and cookouts.

The Washington Shores Neighborhood Association’s project is designed to help senior citizens overcome “computer phobia” by teaching and helping them to understand computer operating systems.  The 12 week program will also cover topics such as using email, surfing the Internet, and digital technology.