Message From the Executive Director

Pam Kramer, Executive Director

This issue is all about partnerships. It takes many people to make neighborhood revitalization successful. We are eager to share news of national recognition for citizen-driven planning in West Duluth; the long-awaited opening of a new American Indian housing facility and cultural center; an online, social media campaign that won funds to improve food access in Lincoln Park; and recipients of our 2012 Building Healthy Communities Awards. There are many more stories than we have space to fill.  Looking around our neighborhoods, you can see the gaining momentum. On a personal note, I would like to recognize Rob West, who recently retired as head of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX). He has been a passionate and effective partner in attracting businesses and creating jobs. Thank you to the APEX board and staff for making a gift in his honor to Duluth at Work! Each of us has the power to make a difference in our neighborhood and community. Put yours to work!

Sincerely,
Pam Kramer
Executive Director, Duluth LISC

P.S. Just released - National LISC's 2011 Annual Report  which includes Duluth highlights and features our Financial Opportunity Center  in the 2011 Highlights section on Family Incomes and Assets!

Help Community Action Win a NEW VAN!

On Sunday, July 1, Community Action Duluth can win a new minivan in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good contest, but they need your help. Right now, go to http://on.fb.me/CADFacebook to like Community Action Duluth's Facebook page. Then on Sunday, July 1, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., follow this link http://bit.ly/VoteCAD or go to 100carsforgood.com to vote for Community Action.

West Duluth Is a National Model for Citizen-Driven Community Planning

West Duluth residents and business owners love their community and work tirelessly to make it a brighter, more sustainable neighborhood. In fact, more than 40 major initiatives have been identified and carried out in the last four years alone—and West Duluth shows no sign of losing momentum. The neighborhood’s impressive and effective collaborative approach recently was profiled in a nationwide study, commissioned by the Orton Family Foundation. READ MORE

READ THE FULL STUDY

American Indian Housing and Cultural Center Opens

Gimaajii Mino Bimaadizyann

“Together we are beginning a good life.” That is the English translation of Gimaajii Mino Bimaadizyaan, the name of a new 29-unit affordable housing development at the former YWCA site in downtown Duluth. The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) hosted a grand opening for the $8.5 million project in April and hopes to have it filled this summer. The facility features permanent supportive housing, an American Indian learning and cultural center, and a healing space. More than 20 organizations helped fund the project, including Duluth LISC, which provided significant predevelopment, development, and operating support to AICHO over several years. The LISC Green Development Center also awarded AICHO a grant from The Home Depot Foundation for energy efficiency and green design elements. READ MORE

Duluth LISC Celebrates 15 Years of Strong Partnerships

Kate Wolford, President, The McKnight Foundation

Duluth LISC held its Annual Luncheon April 19, marking its 15th Anniversary by celebrating accomplishments and honoring key partners in neighborhood revitalization and community development. More than 275 people attended the awards luncheon at Clyde Iron Works Event Center, which featured the 2012 Building Healthy Communities Awards (see below), recognition of two longtime supporters, the announcement of 2012 Local Advisory Board Officers, and a special keynote address by Kate Wolford, president of The McKnight Foundation, one of Duluth LISC's original and current funders..

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Building Healthy Communities Award Winners

Duluth HRA

Community Action Duluth

Two outstanding partner organizations were honored at the Duluth LISC Annual Luncheon as the 2012 Building Health Communities Awards. The Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Duluth HRA) was chosen for its leadership in helping Duluth residents access quality, affordable housing, build assets and improve their quality of life. Community Action Duluth earned this award for its tremendous work helping people to build income and assets, access and sustain employment, and participate in building a stronger community. READ MORE

State Farm Grants $25,000 for Fair Food Access in Lincoln Park

A $25,000 grant from State Farm’s Cause An Effect initiative will help improve access to fresh, healthful, affordable food in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Fair Food Access in Lincoln Park was one of 40 causes selected for State Farm funding through an online voting process that engaged Facebook users in advancing their communities. As partners in the Fair Food Access campaign, Duluth LISC joined the Healthy Duluth Area Coalition, Churches United in Ministry, and Community Action Duluth in galvanizing Facebook friends and local networks to vote and win the funding. Thanks to all who helped make this effort a success!   READ MORE

State Farm—A Remarkable Community Partner

“Remarkable” is a word often associated with State Farm, from the way it delivers services to its passionate investment in communities where its agents and customers live and work. The company has a long history of teaming with organizations, such as LISC, that share its vision and commitment to building safer, stronger, and better-educated communities. Over the years, State Farm has supported the work of Duluth LISC in remarkable ways. READ MORE

2012 Local Advisory Board Officers Selected

Duluth LISC Local Advisory Board announces its 2012 officers. Jennifer Ryan of U.S. Bank has been reelected chair and John Scott of DSGW Architects will serve as vice chair. Congratulations and thank you for your service and support!