History

Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation  is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1978 by a group of dedicated community residents and business owners. Their interest was to develop a comprehensive community development strategy to address the social, economic and physical decay of the Rockaway Peninsula. The present corporation was created in 1987 as a result of the consolidation of two smaller agencies that previously served the eastern and western ends of the Peninsula.  The consolidation lead to the creation of the Rockaway’s only peninsula-wide development organization representing all major ethnic groups, civic and community organizations, and business groups located throughout  peninsula.

Since its inception  RDRC has taken pride in assisting our community partners bridge the gap that exists between where they are now and the goals they intend to reach. Over one-hundred thousand clients and/or participants have walked through our doors and left with new resources, new skills, new attitudes, and new opportunities.  For many, we provide a supportive environment as they navigate the road to success; for others, we provide a safe haven from which they can explore their potential.