Neighbor Up Brevard Revitalizes Generations
Neighbor Up Brevard has been helping revitalize impoverished communities for over 20 years. First established as the Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition, the founders came from diverse backgrounds in local churches, businesses, and civic organizations and focused on the Booker T. Washington area of Melbourne.
Early on, the founders were introduced to Sister Irene Summerford, a longtime resident who had a passion for helping neighborhood children. She was doing outreach to the children on the streets. They formed a partnership and Sister Irene’s vision for the Dorcas Outreach Center for Kids (The DOCK) was realized. The DOCK opened its doors in 2004 in a public housing apartment, with Summerford as founding director. Neighbor Up was responsible for expansion to a 3,500-square-foot building in 2007.
“The DOCK is one of our best known programs,” Community Engagement Director Andrea Sasson said. “Over 100 kids come through the DOCK doors each year and find a safe haven, healthy food, support, motivation, and mentorship.”
In 2018, Neighbor Up opened a teen center on an adjacent lot so they were able to serve the neighborhood’s children from kindergarten through high school.
Right across from the DOCK campus sits the Greater Heights Community, an 18-unit affordable housing complex that opened in 2009. Greater Heights serves a diverse population of 46 residents. Rent is subsidized based on each individual resident’s income, so no two residents pay the same amount.
“The Greater Heights Community really provides stability for its residents,” Sasson said. “With the cost of living these days, it is so hard for folks to get by. This is not a transitional neighborhood, these units really provide the stability that allows them to get to the next stage.”
On Sept. 14, Neighbor Up Brevard will host its 17th annual Anchor Breakfast fundraiser at the Hilton Rialto. Keynote speaker Dr. John Nicklow, the new president of Florida Institute of Technology, comes from New Orleans and has a strong connection to helping students aspire to higher education.
“It is an inspiring time,” Sasson said. “We want to celebrate the revitalization that has happened and celebrate with all the people who have supported us over the years and of course, share the mission with those who may not be familiar with Neighbor Up and give them the opportunity to see what we do.”
The Anchor Breakfast is Neighbor Up Brevard’s only fundraiser of the year. Orion180 is this year’s premier sponsor.
“We are committed to making positive changes here in the community and working alongside local leaders and residents. And the proof is in the pudding. The kids at the DOCK and the families we serve come back year after year. We get to see the positive impact we have.”
CONNECT
neighborupbrevard.org/
Facebook: /neighborupbrevard
Instagram: @neighborupbrevard
Anchor Breakfast
When: Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:45-9:30 a.m.
Where: Hilton Rialto, 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne, FL 32901
Click here for tickets and more information, including sponsorship opportunities, or email Andrea Sasson at development@neighborupbrevard.org
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