The Center for Community Development, Inc.

History & Mission

CCDI Home Pre-Renovation The Center for Community Development, Inc. (CCDI), formerly Portsmouth CommunityDevelopment Group, was incorporated in January 1990 as a nonprofit Virginia corporation with the following mission: "to be a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization through Affordable Housing and community involvement" such as Microenterprise, and Arts & Culture.

In 2003, due to the ongoing vision of Maury Cooke, another subdivision of CCDI evolved, the Earthsong Division, which provides a platform for initiatives that promote opportunities for young people to learn skills of mindful awareness, positive social engagement and sustainable living. Three programs are currently operating within this division including Earthsong Organic Farm and Retreat Center, Mindful Awareness for Young Adults (MAYA) and Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme). Earthsong Division is supported from the Gregory Lin Cooke Memorial Fund, established by Maury and Audrey Cooke in honor of their son who died at age 19. Another project under development within the Earthsong Division is called Bright Idea Farmers. For more information click here www.brightideafarmers.com or email: ccdi@brightideafarmers.com

CCDI Home Post-Renovation CCDI consists of a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, homeowners, bankers and other business people, as well as volunteers and eight full-time staff persons, all committed to bringing people and opportunities together.

CCDI receives funding through a variety of public and private sources. CCDI�s objective is to give the neighborhoods back to their residents through rehabilitation, economic development, education, and exposure to art and culture.