NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources Hires Edgemont Community Outreach Coordinator

For Immediate Release

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Hires Edgemont Community Outreach Coordinator

July 30, 2012- NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources is proud to announce and welcome Tammy Biller as its new Local Community Outreach Coordinator in Edgemont, SD.

Tammy joins our staff with a wide variety of experience in community outreach and programs.   Tammy stated that she is excited to be working with Neighbor Works and is looking forward to helping the community of Edgemont grow.  “My goal is to keep our community and neighborhood a safe place to live”.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private nonprofit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership..  For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources contact Stephany at 578-1401 or you can contact Tammy at 662-7193 Tues- Thurs after 4:30 pm or at Edgemont@nwdhr.org.   

Boxelder Job Corp Students Build Wheel Chair Ramp For Box Elder Resident

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Revive 5 event overflowed into Box Elder, positively impacting disabled veteran and long time Box Elder resident Jerry Felts. Boxelder Job Corp carpentry students partnered with NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources to build Jerry and his wife a wheel chair ramp.

Felts has struggled with his health since 1995.  With daily medical visits it makes it very difficult to get up and down the outside stairs.  “Sometimes it would take me twenty minutes to get up those stairs” Felts stated. With a new wheel chair ramp Felts will have easier access in out of his home, making his daily medical trips a little less stressful.  Felts stated that the students are making a big difference in his life, "I'll remember this for the rest of my life, and they'll never know how much I appreciate it."

“Projects like this not only provide our students with hands on experience but it gives them an opportunity to give back to the community” stated lead carpentry instructor, Lance Steinberg.  

Boxelder student Richard Comeron explained how the Job Corp Program is a great way to gain experience in a professional trade and have a good start on life. “I have been in the program for about 6 months and I have already learned a lot,” explained Comeron..     

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources would like to thank all of the Boxelder Job Corp volunteers and Rapid City Knechts. Knechts provided a discount to purchase supplies and delivered the materials at no cost.   It is our many strong partnerships and volunteers that continue to support and enrich our communities.

Boxelder Job Corp lead carpentry instructor, Lance Steinberg; Brandon Olson, David Caravetta, Richard Cameron, Dan Sheffer, and Boxelder Job Corp Business and Community Liaison Jeff Hayward

About Box Elder Job Corp: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service operates the Boxelder Job Corps. It is part of the nationally funded department of labor scholarship for underprivileged youth ages 16 – 24.  The Center’s goal is to teach eligible young people job skills and help place them in related jobs and/or help further their education. Career training offered at the center includes business technology, carpentry, culinary arts, certified nurse assistant, electrician, facility maintenance, painting, networking and computer technology, union bricklaying, and welding. The center relies on scholarships making it so there is no cost for students or families who are interested. To enroll at Boxelder Job Corps, contact an admissions counselor at (800) 733-5627.

About Revive Five: Revive Five was the result of five Western South Dakota residents attending the NeighborWorks® America Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The Community Leadership Institute is an invitation-only, three-day training event that aims to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident and volunteer leaders. The CLI is a vehicle for learning, and a forum for discussing, community issues and sharing best practices and solutions to the problems faced by low- to moderate-income residents. Each CLI has a general theme determined by a team of resident coordinators. At the end of every CLI, each participating team creates an action plan so they can effectively bring the knowledge they gained at the CLI back to their communities and use it to affect positive change.  Revive Five was the challenge that the attendees created to implement in their communities. The Challenge of Revive Five is to impact five homes within visible sight of each another, utilizing intergenerational partnerships, to make a positive visible impact on the neighborhood and community.   The end result will improve the appearance of five homes, increase neighborhood pride and bring the community together. 

For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or Revive Five, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org

Sturgis Paint the Town

The 18th annual Paint the Town took place this week throughout the Black Hills communities, bringing in more than 300 volunteers to help paint residents’ houses. For Sturgis, more than 30 volunteers from businesses throughout the community came together to paint the home of Jose and Jesse Arguello.

Homeowner Katie Arguello said she heard about the opportunity over the radio and decided to apply for it.

“I think it’s marvelous that so many people are willing to help,” she said. “It’s a wonderful organization. They’re such wonderful people I can’t hardly believe it. It’s going to be very nice when it’s done. These are very hardworking people.”

According to Community Outreach and Education Coordinator Sharon Martinisko, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, who hosts the Paint the Town event, also has paintbrush sponsors who simply donate money for supplies. Deadwood Gulch, First National Bank, First Interstate Bank in Lead-Deadwood, and Wells Fargo in Spearfish were some of this year’s paintbrush sponsors. NeighborWorks America and South Dakota Housing Development Authority were also sponsors.

“It’s really cool that so many people come to help,” Martinisko said.

According to Cindy Griffin with Northern Hills Federal Credit Union, the bank, as well as Wells Fargo, has been helping with Paint the Town since day one and the many projects has resulted in many memories, and even some near accidents.

“It’s really rewarding,” Griffin said, adding that they are often able to maintain the relationships with the homeowners even after the house is painted.

“It’s a good community project and it really makes a small community nice,” Wells Fargo President Paul Bisson said. “You don’t see this in big communities.”

Larry Griffin has been helping for five years and now, thanks to his dedication, sits on the board of directors for NeighborWorks and was nominated for the Dorothy Richardson Award as recognition for his volunteerism and community involvement. This is his second year on the board of directors.

“This is what I enjoy doing,” Larry said. “Getting out and doing the work. It’s a lot of fun and you make a lot of friends. We’re helping people who don’t have the means to do the work.”

Larry said he often sees past homeowners who they have helped in the store and they will stop and talk to him, carrying on those relationships past the completion of the project.

REVIVE FIVE IS REVIVING RAPID CITY COMMUNITY

The first week of June kicked off NeighborWorks® Week.   Volunteers throughout the Northern Hills communities scraped and painted homes, cleaned up neighborhoods, swapped plants, and engaged in multiple community activities.  This year also included Revive Five. 

Revive Five was the result of five Western South Dakota residents attending the NeighborWorks® America Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The Community Leadership Institute is an invitation-only, three-day training event that aims to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident and volunteer leaders. The CLI is a vehicle for learning and a forum for discussing community issues and sharing best practices and solutions to the problems faced by low- to moderate-income residents. Each CLI has a general theme determined by a team of resident coordinators. At the end of every CLI, each participating team creates an action plan so they can effectively bring the knowledge they gained at the CLI back to their communities and use it to affect positive change.  Revive Five was the challenge that the attendees created to implement in their communities. 

The Challenge of Revive Five is to impact five homes within visible sight of each another, utilizing intergenerational partnerships, to make a positive visible impact on the neighborhood and community.   The end result will improve the appearance of five homes, increase neighborhood pride and bring the community together. 

NeighborWorks® long-term goal is to implement Revive Five in five communities within in the next five years, but for now the project has begun with five homes in Rapid City. Volunteers from the Rapid City Police Department assisted in the selection process of determining what homes could utilize this service.  Five homes throughout the College Park neighborhood were selected. 

Wedsenday, June 20^th, Sargent Chris DeGroote, Senior Officer Ron Terviel, Lemmon Avenue Block Club President John Hagg, and 16-year-old Fernando Suliveres gathered at Rose Suliveres home on Lemmon Avenue.  The team of volunteers began replacing and building new steps for her home.  Rose stated that she was very thankful for Revive Five and NeighborWorks®. “ Without this program I would not have been able to do these repairs.” Rose stated.   Rose’s home is greatly in need of new stucco, a fresh coat of paint, and new steps. “ I have fallen down those steps multiple times, one time I had to crawl inside before I could pull myself back up. Having new steps will make my home much more safe.” Rose stated.

Volunteers from Bank West, Rapid City Police Department, Ketel Thorstensen, Ellsworth Pol Kats  & College Park Block  finished one Revive Five home on Blain Avenue, by painting the home and removing a fence.  Professional contractors will complete rehab on the three of the five homes throughout the College Park Neighborhood, and a professional tree trimmer will improve the landscaped one of the five homes.  NeighborWorks America, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, and South Dakota Housing Development Authority provide funding for Revive Five.

Although Revive Five was designed to improve five homes in one neighborhood, NeighborWorks® offers home rehab assistance for homeowners throughout Western South Dakota. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private, non-profit organization that works to assist families with their dream of homeownership and revitalize communities to improve the quality of life. Through partnerships with NeighborWorks America, South Dakota Housing Development Authority and USDA Rural Development, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources receives funding to provide rehab assistance to low to moderate-income families. The rehab program offers assistance and a variety of programs for homeowners.

For more information on the Home Rehab Assistance, Revive Five or any other programs that NeighborWorks Dakota Resources, offers please contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.neighborworksdhr.org

Homeownership Provides Continuity for Family

Chris Hermensen and Tiffany Winkelman have had a lot to celebrate during the month of May.  The couple purchased their first home together and gave birth to their daughter, Amillia. 

Affordable housing seems to be nearly impossible to find in Rapid City, but thanks to local organization, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, homeownership was made possible for the young couple.  Chris and Tiffany finished moving into their home and two days later gave birth to their baby girl

The couple began looking for a home last September.  One of Chris’s co-workers suggested that they look into NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources. 

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a non-profit organization that helps families with low to moderate incomes purchase homes.  NeighborWorks® offers free homebuyer education and down-payment and closing cost assistance.  NeighborWorks® also has a home rehab and construction department.  The home that Chris and Tiffany purchased was a complete rehab constructed by NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources.

NeighborWorks® purchased 713 Lemmon the spring of 2011 by utilizing Neighborhood Stabilization funds (NSP).  NSP was established through congress’s Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) to help stabilize communities and neighborhoods in the wake of the foreclosure crisis.  Thanks to these funds, NeighborWorks® was able to purchase a foreclosed abandoned lot, and rebuild a new single family home in order to create an affordable home for a family. 

 “The main reason we decided on this house, was because of the neighborhood. When Doris showed us the home, Officer Ron Terviel was patrolling the street.  We knew that our family would be safe here,” Chris explained. 

In 2009, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources partnered with the Rapid City Police Department and created the Lemmon Avenue Block Club. Since then, Lemmon Avenue has been transformed into a Community of Choice.  The couple’s new neighborhood has a community garden, a nearby park, and great neighbors.  “The neighbors have already introduced themselves to us,” Chris stated.  

Chris looked at multiple apartments throughout Rapid City, but in the end owning a home was very comparable if not more affordable than renting. “…we don’t have worry about a land lord eventually telling us we have to move out, this home is 100% ours,” Chris affirmed.

 For now the couple is busy with their 5 week year old baby, but Chris stated that he has a list projects to accomplish on his home before the summer is over. 

If you would like more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or affordable housing options you can contact NeighborWorks® at 605-578-1401 or visit their website at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org

Residents Experience Xerscaping

Residents throughout the Black Hills had the opportunity to gain knowledge from Rapid City Master Gardener Cheri Schmidt on the subject of Xeriscaping. Thursday, May 30^th, 36 attendees learned about different types of Xeriscaping plants, water efficient grasses, and techniques to create your own personalized lawn and garden.

Master Gardener, Cheri Schmidt, explained that Xeriscaping can reduce water consumption and landscaping time. Xerscaping is water-efficient landscaping.   On average, grass yards use 1 ½ inches of water a week. Xerscaping can reduce water consumption and residents bills from 20% to 80%.

The first step in beginning you gardening journey is to imagine what you want.  Cheri suggested that you map out your yard.  By determining sections of the yard that are most utilized and for what purpose. This will help you determine what to plant and where to plant it.  “Your yard is a natural place to express your artistic side, create and environment that you will enjoy. Gardens serve no other purpose but to feed one’s soul”, Cheri stated.   

      

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources organizes monthly post purchases workshops to educate homeowners on small and large home repairs and other necessary skills needed when maintaining your home. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources would like to thank all of the attendees that attended the workshop, Cheri for preceding her knowledge and West River Electric for allowing us to utilize their office space. If you would like more information on future NeighborWorks® post purchase workshops or classes you can contact Stephany or Sharon at 605-578-1401 or visit the web at www.neighborworksdhr.org

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Announces Events Planned for NeighborWorks® Week

June 3^rd-9^th, 2012- NeighborWorks® Week is sponsored by NeighborWorks® America and its network of local organizations who mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors, friends, and local and national elected and civic leaders in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. They rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours, recognize successful partnerships, and host events that educate, train and inform.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has organized a two weeks full of community events for NeighborWorks® Week 2012.  This year NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will celebrate their 17th Annual Paint the Town. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and volunteers will be painting seven homes throughout Western South Dakota.  Homes are located in Deadwood, Lead, Central City, Sturgis, Spearfish, Rapid City, Box Elder, and Edgemont.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has organized volunteers from local organizations throughout Western South Dakota to provide a fresh coat of paint for homes that were in need.  Painting will take place throughout the week of June 

3^rd and run through June 16^th.  Paint the Town is sponsored by South Dakota Housing Development Authority “Paint South Dakota”, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, and NeighborWorks® America

In addition, to Paint the Town, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will embark on their first annual Revive Five: five homes in a neighborhood radius will be receiving a home rehab makeover.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and volunteers have selected five homes throughout the College Park Neighborhood in Rapid City that are in need of repairs. These five homes will be painted, yards cleaned and other exterior work accomplished by volunteers through local partnerships. Volunteers will begin repairing homes during Revive Five on Saturday June 1^st, 2012.

Tuesday, June 5^th ,  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will celebrate their 10^th Annual Trolley on The Trail Event. The combined effort consists of the use of the trail from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, use of a Trolley from the City of Deadwood and reservations taken by NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources.  The Trolley on the Trail is a combined endeavor to give disabled or handicapped people access to the Mickelson Trail. Additional Trolley on the Trail dates take place on July 3^rd, and September 4^th.  Thanks to sponsorships with local businesses, this ride is provided free of charge.

Thursday, June 7^th ,  NeighborWorks® America Management Consultant, Steve Hermes, will present the Bill Kitchen Award to the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources’ staff and board members at 12pm in the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources office located in Deadwood at 795 Main Street. The Bill Kitchen Award is presented annually to the organization in the 13-state Midwest Region that presents the best NeighborWorks® Week plan.

Saturday, June 9^th, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and the Central City Neighborhood Council will host the 

5^th annual “Community Plant Exchange” at the Pumphouse Café and Lattes Shop. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange extra plant items with their neighbors.   New and experienced gardeners are welcomed and encouraged to join in on this great community event.  Attendees are not required to bring exchange items to participate. The Plant Exchange will also be hosting a Food Drive for the Lord’s Cupboard in Lead.  

Volunteers paint a community shed during
NeighborWorks Week in 2009. 

NeighborWorks® Week activities will continue throughout the month of June. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, along with many other local organizations are sponsoring the 2^nd Annual Open Summer Market “Lead Live”.  Lead Live will take place the 2^nd Tuesday’s of the Summer Months from 5:30pm-8:30pm.  June 12^th will be the kick off of this great community event.

On Saturday, June 16^th, the annual Treasures, Trash & Cash tri-city rummage sale will be held the morning.  Locations will be published in the Black Hills Pioneer the week prior to the event.  Box Elder will also be hosting a Treasures, Trash, and Cash throughout the Cardinal Heights Neighborhood

Each NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources event engages residents to be participating in community events and provides residents the chance to volunteer and beautify our community.

About NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources: NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private nonprofit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources provides decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods throughout the Western South Dakota communities.  For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or NeighborWorks® Week, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org