Where will Project Courage Begin?

Various communities in the Central Florida area were researched in an attempt to find a community that would fit our picture of an ideal location for a pilot project of this magnitude. From our perspective, the community did not have to be one where there were very high incidences of domestic abuse, including child and animal abuse. We were more interested in finding a community that had an actual sense of community. We wanted an area where we knew that there was already a visible history of working together, longevity and strength.

The community had to be a place where, even though there were challenges that they face, the people understood that it was about making a better community for themselves and their children.

We were also looking for an area that had a rich diversity of people and a cluster of important institutions within a general area. In regard to diversity, we were looking for a location with different ethnic and religious populations, a range of ages, and a balance of men and women. The institutions we were hoping would be within range of each other included schools (elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools), diverse faith institutions, community and governmental agencies, businesses, and young and old neighborhoods.

Above all, however, the community had to want to be involved in the project. They had to be able to take ownership of it and sustain it through their collaborations and web of networks. We knew that the project would not work if the community did not feel an inherent want and need for such a project.

Pine Castle encompassed all of the ideal characteristics which we hoped to find in one community. After talking to individuals, organizations and groups, there was a real sense of community that emerged. Although everyone did not know everyone else, it would only take a couple of intermediate relationships to connect individuals within the community. People there knew that there were issues that had to be dealt with, but they were also very willing to come to the table and talk about working together. They were eager to hear about new opportunities to improve their community and ensure that people within it could grow emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally in a safe, healthy environment.