On May 25th, 2006, The Center for Community Development Initiatives (CCDI), was formed due to the violence and lack of appropiate response and resources to the neighborhood. After a Needs and Assests Based Assestments that was researched and  and completed. Which led to several community meetings  which were moderated by CCDI, in order to identify what the community residents really wanted and needed; CCDI was formed to provide high quality, innovative, resident led solutions and programs to the problems facing youth, families living in the Gage Park and the adjacent neighborhoods of Chicago's south side. Governed by an five-member Board of Directors and led by professional staff and volunteers who are all area residents, the organization seeks to fulfill its mission by conducting professional, community services that empower residents as leaders who are able to exhert positive, sustained influence over their community environment, with the aim of making the community a healthy and prosperous place for youth and families.