By Austin Prickett, Staff Writer
Enid News and Eagle
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Community Development Support Association celebrated a year of success and growth during its annual meeting Tuesday evening.
The meeting, held at the CDSA branch office, highlighted the work of the board of directors and staff as they strive to improve the Enid community.
Cheri Ezzell, executive director, said in her report CDSA had hoped to have the annual meeting in the organization’s new downtown building but were unable to because of ongoing preparation.
The group is working to turn the former downtown Newman’s Department Store building into a nonprofit resource center and early childhood resource center. CDSA is nearing completion of a $2.5 million capital campaign to create the centers. The Inasmuch Foundation is matching local gifts up to $250,000, and the campaign will be complete when this match is achieved.
“We are nearing the end of the capital campaign and we are looking forward to moving into our new building,” Ezzell said.
Several graduates of CDSA’s YouthBuild program were recognized during the meeting for their outstanding work.
YouthBuild is a national community service program wherein participants complete their high school education and learn construction skills.
Kristin Marsh, Megan Jacobs, Donald Fox, Chanda Taylor and Cheryl Dill met several requirements in order to be honored at the meeting. They each had to actively participate in the entire YouthBuild program, had to have an overall attendance of 80 percent, complete several civic projects and write a report detailing how they have overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives.
Wade Patterson, president of CDSA board of directors, congratulated the YouthBuild honorees.
“It takes a strong person to make a change in their lives,” Patterson said.
During the business portion of the meeting, Enid Mayor Bill Shewey and Anita Lukemeyer were elected to the board of directors to replace two outgoing members.
