One of the core programs in our Community Development program is the Strong Communities Initiative.  The Strong Communities Initiative (SCI) was developed by former Delaware Governor Thomas Carper and the Governor's Family Cabinet Council to help eight unincorporated, rural Kent and Sussex County communities become self sufficient. The program  targets Delaware neighborhoods in crisis, identifies their needs, and helps them rebuild.

First State assists concerned citizens in these communities by teaching community leaders how to organize community civic associations, develop strategic plans and projects to create positive change in their communities.





Strong Communities Initiative (SCI) Communities
 The Sussex County communities are:
  • Greentop
  • Cool Spring
  • Slaughter Neck
  • Coverdale Crossroads
  • Polly Branch
  • Pinetown
  • Ellendale
  • Lucas Development
  • Mount Joy
  • Walker's Mill
The Kent County Communities are:
  • Capital Park
  • Star Hill/Palmer Park
  • Woodland Manor
  • Brightway Commons
  • Capital Green
The New Castle County Communities are:
  • Middletown/Odessa Community
  • Overview/Garfield Park
  • Simond's Gardens
Community Development is the heart and soul of a Community Action Agency.  This is where the rubber meets the road!  Defined as the "mobilization of people, families, and communities to be proactive as opposed to reactive to all external and internal factors that impact their lives.", Community Development is where the planning ends and the action begins!