what we do
A community's greatest asset is its people.
We elevate resident voices and empower people to become leaders and change agents in their own communities.
Inspired by the evidence-based Purpose Built Communities model for neighborhood revitalization, CReA equips residents and neighborhood leaders with the knowledge, tools, partnerships, and resources needed to identify community priorities, develop solutions, and help shape the future of the neighborhoods they call home.
Our resident-driven revitalization efforts currently focus on the following neighborhoods located in Census Tracts 649.02, 651.23, and 651.24 in Historic South Melbourne and Northeast Palm Bay. These areas are home to more than 11,000 residents across participating neighborhoods represented by their Neighborhood Presidents.
Our goal is not simply to create change for residents, but to build the capacity for residents to lead it.
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Driskell Heights & Powell Subdivision - Connie McClary & Natasha Willis
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Gramling Park - Dorothy Linson & Patricia Pearson
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Booker Heights - Pat Kelly
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Briarwood Park - Harold Cummings & Rosalind Riddick
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Colored Town (aka- Founders Town) - Seeking a President
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Sunset –
From Community Vision to Community Action
CReA's greatest success is transforming the Evans Center into a resident-driven hub where community needs are connected to real opportunities. What began as a vision for neighborhood revitalization is becoming a place where residents can improve their health, prepare for careers, develop businesses, engage in neighborhood planning, participate in youth and family programs, and connect directly with organizations and institutions that can help strengthen their community. Through the Evans Center, CReA brings residents, businesses, employers, healthcare providers, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners together under one collaborative strategy. The result is more than a community center. It is community infrastructure, a place where residents have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods and where partnerships and resources are converted into opportunities for people and families. CReA is turning community voice into community action, and community action into lasting neighborhood change.
CReA's earlier
history as SCCABO
our pillars
The Foundation of Our Work
Developing Leaders (DL) :
A STEAM-based youth entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and personal development program for teens ages 12–17. Through hands-on learning, leadership experiences, and real-world community engagement, participants build confidence, explore entrepreneurship, strengthen problem-solving, build personal financial management skills, and discover the power of their voice. The program prepares young people to become innovative thinkers, future entrepreneurs, and engaged community leaders.
Workforce Development:
Coming January 2027, CReA's Workforce Development Program will connect participants to career-focused training and employment pathways in high-demand industries, including Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Hospitality, Facilities Maintenance, Healthcare, and Crane & Rigging.
Through innovative training, career preparation, and employer partnerships, CReA is helping participants build job-ready skills and move toward meaningful employment, economic mobility, and long-term career success.
Community Development :
CReA empowers residents to lead the revitalization of their neighborhoods by identifying community priorities, shaping solutions, and connecting with the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to create healthy, vibrant, and economically thriving communities.
Community Wellness:
Building Healthier People. Building Healthier Communities.
CReA's community-based wellness program brings health education, preventive screenings, wellness activities, and connections to healthcare resources directly into the community. Through trusted partnerships and community engagement, we empower residents with the knowledge, tools, and support to reduce health risks, make healthier choices, and improve their overall well-being.
our programs & Services
Healthcare Preparatory Training
In partnership with METCA, CReA brings preparatory training for low-income students pursuing healthcare careers like HHA, CNA, LPN, and RN.
Developing Leaders Teen STEAM-Based Edu. Program
This year-round workforce development initiative equips 12 - 17 year olds with hands-on entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and workforce readiness experience that prepare them for employment, small business creation, and long-term economic self-sufficiency.
Affordable Event Spaces
A Space for Every Occasion
Host your next event at the Evans Center for Collaboration! Our welcoming, affordable rental spaces are ideal for meetings, workshops, celebrations, performances, trainings, and community gatherings. Choose from the Evans Community Room(holds 60 people banquet style set up and 75 with chairs only) or The Village Café (84 banquet style and 106 chairs only). We offer flexible setups to fit your event. Bring your vision, we’ll provide the space to make it happen.
AI Training (AIBDTS)
In CivicaWorks offers employer-led AI and digital literacy training based on Whole Brain Thinking to boost adaptability, leadership, and job placement.
Student Teacher Internship
Provides hands-on experience in planning, teaching, and classroom management with mentorship and academic credit to prepare students for education careers.
Workforce Training - Coming soon
Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Hospitality, Facilities Maintenance, Healthcare, and Crane & Rigging.
Rev. George & Mrs.Mary White Kitchen of Hope - Coming soon
A culinary arts program blending cooking skills with mental health and resilience training, leading to certifications and career readiness.
Community Health Workers
This initiative trains local residents as Community Health Workers and trusted community advocates who provide health education, wellness support, resource navigation, and outreach services to underserved neighborhoods facing healthcare, economic, and mental health challenges.