About Us
We work to help communities thrive
Real Freedom CDC is leading a collaborative effort to transform distressed communities by stabilizing neighborhoods to improve the area’s physical and economic condition through methods such as the rehabilitation of housing and the creation of jobs and business enterprises.
Vacant and abandoned properties are the source of numerous problems in the community and are known as hotspots for crime, blight, property devaluation, and neighborhood blight. To tackle this problem, the organization solicited support from partners whose mission is aligned with ours to provide the opportunities and resources to alter the decline of neighborhoods and to restore them to vibrant and healthy communities.
To ensure the feasibility of acquiring potential properties, Real Freedom will work with elected officials, community and business organizations specializing in foreclosed properties and forfeiture properties, and financial institutions to acquire distressed properties in the city. Therefore, Real Freedom created a workforce and property abatement program to increase economic viability efforts and to offer homeownership opportunities.
All participants will undergo academic assessment to determine if participants can meet basic educational skills. Participants who fall below the baseline of 12th grade math and reading will undergo additional academic classes to improve math and reading skills. Those without a high school diploma will be enrolled in GED classes to prepare them to take and to pass the GED state exam. Furthermore, our organization will provide basic industrial math courses to be utilized on the job. Trainees will learn arithmetic, metric measurements, and calculator fundamentals necessary for on-the-job scenarios.
Job readiness is the initial step in the workforce process. While many are eager to start finding employment, many of our proposed participants lack the proper skills or materials necessary for effective employment. Additionally, many job seekers experience obstacles that interfere with their ability to acquire or retain employment. Core skills that are highlighted in the readiness phase include, writing resumes, mock interviews, and developing effective job searching skills.
The construction industry job training phase begins with a 10-hour course in Trades Safety. They will learn about proper safety measures such as accident prevention, fire safety methods and proper use of personal protective equipment. This phase of workforce development is imperative, as each worker must be fully equipped with a thorough knowledge of safety protocol in the construction industry.
The final component of our job training module incorporates in-class coursework and on-the- job training apprenticeships to gain practical knowledge and experience. The accelerated apprenticeship training is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and received industry recognized credentials. Trainees can enroll in carpentry, painting, labor, heavy equipment, electrical, and plumbing apprenticeships. Entrepreneurial classes will also be made available to trainees who desire to start their own construction company.
As an incentive to community residents, Real Freedom established the Family First Program which grants family members of forfeited property owners the first right of refusal to gain possession of forfeited properties. The family must provide proof of funds, submit plans, and demonstrate capacity to renovate the property within a 30 day timeframe. If the family cannot meet the specified requirements, the property will be made available to residents living within the precinct for 15 days and extended to the ward an additional 15 days. The goal is to increase neighborhood involvement in improving the community and creating positive change
The organization has a successful track record in turning the properties over for either sale or rental. With access to the city’s demolition list, troubled buildings, and forfeiture lists, Real Freedom will select viable properties to add to its portfolio. All the construction work for these properties will be performed by Real Freedom and our network of general contractors and subcontractors who have work hire agreements to employ our program trainees.
Together We All Can Find Real Freedom
Our Mission
Real Freedom’s mission is to build dynamic communities that enable hardest to serve communities. and groups to gain effective access to the resources they need to design and build sustainable platforms in areas of real estate, business, financial literacy, and Re-Entry for a more equitable planet.
Our Values
Promote Trust
We listen and learn from each others experiences while practice mutual respective for our differences as we embrace them as our strengths.
Show Courage
We step ahead of issues that are controversial and continuously find pathways forward.
Be Resourceful
We constantly aim to find creative solutions to problems that require an improved approach.
Forge Ahead For An Equitable Planet
We are fiercely devoted to fostering respect, inclusion, and humility.
Be Relevant
As global citizens, we embrace community, and relationships with our colleagues, stakeholders and the world at large.
Inspire
We innovate and find new ways to harness the empowerment, inspiration, and engagement of others!