MDC's mission is to stabilize, develop, and enhance its community, while providing a comprehensive range of services, including employment opportunities for those who face barriers to employment, for all those who live, work, and shop in its neighborhoods. MDC also seeks to advocate for its community and work collaboratively with its diverse organizations, agencies, and individuals.

Description and/or History:
Since its establishment MDC has provided needed services to the Midwood /Flatbush community. To achieve its mission MDC has developed a variety of programs. Currently our programs include commercial revitalization, housing and entitlement counseling, ESL, and employment and recreational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Commercial Revitalization: MDC provides technical assistance to the area’s merchants associations. Each year we hold two events to promote the areas shopping strips, and Annual Street fair, the Mardi Gras, and a students’ art show, (with the students work being displayed in the Avenue J banks).
Housing: Since 1979 MDC has focused on the development and preservation of affordable housing. Since then, we have sponsored the rehabilitation of approximately 1,500 low and moderate income housing units. In 1983, we spearheaded the rehabilitation of 18 buildings containing 631 units at a total cost of 6.2 million dollars. Our current focus is on providing one on one counseling for low and moderate income homeowners, including co-op residents and tenants. We also provide foreclosure and home ownership counseling.

Entitlement Programs: Help is provided in accessing government programs such as SCIRE, DRIE and food stamps.

English As A Second Language: Free classes are offered for those with limited English fluency.

Supported Employment: MDC employs over 60 individuals who would most likely not be employed in Project Sweep. Project Sweep provides supplemental sanitation services to local merchants, merchant organizations, and BIDs.

Recreational Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
During the school year, MDC operates two Out of School Time Programs funded by the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development. Recreational opportunities are provided to Medicaid eligible individuals with developmental disabilities at the Brooklyn Occupational Training Center. MDC also operates, Project Connect, an evening respite program for people with disabilities and the Print Shop, a craft workshop in which people make their own wearable art, using computer and heat press technology.

In addition to the above, MDC is currently spearheading the development of a collaboration of Brooklyn social service providers, in order to maximize our collective efforts, and to support one another.

Contact people:

Linda Goodman, Executive Director, (718) 376-1098, (email) Sam Moskowitz, Director Of Operations, (718) 376-1098, (email)

Address:

1416 Ave M Brooklyn, NY 11230 (See a map)

Directions:

From the north take Ocean Avenue to Ave M, make a right, go to 14th St.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Avenue M,   Walk distance (in minutes): .5   Nearest Bus Stop: B 9, .5 minute walk