The Center of Community Growth (CCG) recently celebrated 5 successful years of serving the community. Over that time they have implemented many community development projects and assisted in the positive transformation of their community. CCG has implemented over 16 different projects funded by the International Renaissance Foundation (IRF), the USAID, and the U.S. State Department. There is no doubt; they are a group of professionals who make a positive impact on their community on a daily basis.

Since November 2011, IRF played a key role in the sustainable development and growth of CCG. In the beginning they provided initial funding which ensured free legal consultation for underprivileged citizens. Since then, CCG has provided free legal consultations to over 10,000 citizens.

However, some grants from IRF were more specific. For instance, in February 2012 CCG began the process of integrating mediation in Volyn’s court system. Since then, CCG was awarded two separate grants which have increased citizens’ accessibility to alternative dispute resolution. And, last week CCG partnered with local organizations and launched a program installing mediation in local school.

In 2012 and 2014 CCG further diversified their project portfolio by implementing two projects focused on the legal empowerment of women suffering from incidences of domestic violence. Nevertheless, further expansion was achieved in 2016 with projects focused on budget transparency, and Leadership Development, and creating a constructive dialog between police and citizens.

As part of CCG’s 2017 strategic plan, they will transform their brand (from the once know Center of Legal Aid) in order to enhance community impact and organizational sustainability. In the first quarter of the year of 2017 CCG will develop a new logo and website with fund acquired by the US State Department. Change is always a challenge, but the team at CCG is enthusiastic about these transformations. They will never stop making a positive impact on their community.

*These are the thoughts of Richard J. Roman and are not affiliated with the Peace Corps or its affiliates.