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About Continental African Services LIGHT

Continental African Services LIGHT, CAS LIGHT Continental African Services LIGHT Continental African Services LIGHT (CAS LIGHT) is a capacity building organization. In our mission we conduct action research; public education; policy advocacy for inclusion and social justice; provide trainer-trainee services; develop resources for socioeconomic empowerment; design and establish model programs. We work with organizations and businesses in the private sector and government entities in the public sector to leverage resources for strategic developments. The underlining goal is to foster the readiness and resilience of the community to address daily life challenges. The impact objective is to reduce health, social and economic barriers in the Continental African community and improve the effectiveness of the community to implement solutions. The Constituency: The Continental African population constitutes a growing transnational community of US residents and citizens who trace their presence in America to migration from specific African countries. Based on reports from the US Census Bureau, our community is the most educated demographic group in the US. Evolving from a predominantly student population in the mid-eighties, the Continental African population is multi-generational and part of the American story. February 13, 2008 Picture In the annals of development in the emerging Africa Diaspora, history was established as a prototype for engagement to solutions. Over 200 community leaders from a cross-section of the African community interfaced with directors of agencies, community-based organizations, federal government representatives, and Montgomery the County Executive Leggett to articulate the objectives of the Needs Assessments. Picture Where are you for the ABCD? Since February 2008, Continental African Services LIGHT (formerly Continental African Community) has been conducting Assent Based Community Development (ABCD). Picture How do we measure success? ABCD is measured and tracked over time to understand how the goals and objectives are met. The evidence of performance include: Outreach to constituents, including hard-to reach groups Documented research for action and public education Developed resource and opportunity that are assigned with needs assessment Outcome-based services to constituents Programs and events that promote the cultural and civic empowerment Programs and outreach that strengthen the capacity of other community organizations to meet stated objectives. Picture In Maryland, the Administration of Montgomery County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett solicited Needs Assessment and Recommendation Report from major minority demographic groups based on these priorities: Accountable Government & Responsive Service Delivery. Safe Streets & Secure Neighborhoods. Healthy and Sustainable Communities A Strong and Vibrant Economy Efficient Transportation System Preparing Children to Learn & Live Vital Living for All of Our Residents Affordable Housing for an Inclusive Community. The African immigrant community was classified under the generic Black or African American demographic groups group. category and led by the then African American liaison. October 21, 2007: Ms Evelyn Joe convened a community leaders' meeting in partnership with APAC led by Chucks Eleonu. The purpose was to address the needs of the community and its distinctive classification in order to attain the benefits of inclusion by public and private institutions. The meeting was attended by Professor McDougall as an observer from the County's Office of Community Partnership. The outcomes of the interactive dialogue were part of the Needs Assessment and Recommendation Report with the participation of over 700 people in various meetings, surveys and community-based research on identified priorities in the Report. December 11, 2007. The first in the nation government-community partnership, you may download the official Needs Assessment and Recommendation Report submitted to the county at the Black Summit . Download The County prepared a summarized Report of all Needs Assessments and Recommendation Report of all demographic groups. Download The incremental and long term goals of the Need Assessment and Recommendation Report are to serve as guides in developing capacity, implementing solutions, evaluating outcomes, and replicate best practices.
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