After a stint in the Orlando and DC Metro area, Rachelle Eloizin returned to her native hometown of Delray Beach and jumped at the opportunity to help make a difference in the community.
“I was looking for a new opportunity and saw that the Delray CRA was looking for a Community Liaison. After hearing about community redevelopment agencies several years ago, my own curiosity led me to research the kinds of work they do,” said Eloizin, 26. “So, when I came across the Community Liaison position, it piqued my interest. I had heard of a few of ongoing CRA projects around Delray and meeting my now colleagues, I was able to get more insight on the CRA’s initiatives and plans. I knew this would be a unique opportunity to be a part of the work happening in the city I was raised in.”
Her role as the community liaison includes maintaining regular communication with the grantees of the CRA’s funding assistance programs, processing invoices for reimbursement and gathering details for reports to our Board on their project status. She assists business owners interested in these programs to determine their eligibility and identify the funding assistance program that best suits them based on their plans in the CRA District.
She also attends community events and provides support for CRA events and initiatives, such as the launch of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) programs at the Delray Beach GreenMarket; Crafted on the Ave, the open-air market at Libby Wesley Plaza; and Authors Speak, a theme-specific series where authors are invited to discuss their books and engage with readers.
She’s most excited about the SNAP and FAB program, saying that being part of the launch process has been a great experience.
“Everyone should have easy access to affordable and healthy foods,” said Eloizin, who joined the CRA four months ago. “The SNAP program makes that possible, and it’s such an amazing thing that the FAB program at our GreenMarket matches those expenses up to $40. I hope the information about this continues to reach the people who need it.”
And it’s just this communication goal that she finds to be the best part about their job. There are so many amazing initiatives that the CRA provides to the community and Eloizin loves being able to provide people with the information and the resources they need to accomplish their goals.
“Through the funding assistance programs, many people are getting a bit of a boost to pursue lifelong dreams. I can’t wait to be there when they get to the finish line with us and the beginning of their business ventures in the CRA District,” Eloizin said. “Overall, I’ve been able to meet some great people who truly love and want the best for this community and I’m happy to be a part of a team that contributes to it daily.”
Overall, she’s encouraged about the future of Delray with the CRA’s help. She believes there are a lot of beneficial ideas and projects in motion, and that the CRA’s mission is pressed forward by people who have the best interest of the City at heart, and who will continue to work toward those positive efforts for the benefit of the community as a whole.
“This city is full of interesting history. Over time, the city has grown tremendously, and we have diverse communities of people who come here to find and make a home in all the city has to offer,” Eloizin said. “I hope to continue to learn from my colleagues and continue to be a part of exciting initiatives that benefit the diverse groups in our community.”
