South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

OUR MISSION IS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE SOUTH BRONX BY STRENGTHENING BUSINESSES AND CREATING INNOVATIVE ECONOMIC, HOUSING, EDUCATIONAL, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS. SOBRO WAS FOUNDED IN 1972 BY A GROUP OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. OUR TASK WAS URGENT: REVERSE THE FLIGHT OF BUSINESSES AND JOBS FROM THE SOUTH BRONX. IT WAS THE FIRST AND MOST FUNDAMENTAL STEP TOWARD REBUILDING A COMMUNITY WHOSE NAME EVOKED IMAGES OF BURNED BUILDINGS, CRIME, POVERTY AND DRUGS. BUT AS SOBRO BEGAN TO EVOLVE, IT BECAME CLEARER THAT COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION REQUIRED A MULTI-FACETED EFFORT. TODAY, WE ADDRESS ALL ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: ASSISTING BUSINESSES TO GET STARTED AND GROW, TRAINING RESIDENTS ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF EMPLOYERS, OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO LEARN AND DEVELOP, AND CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL SPACES THAT REVERSE BLIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY.