A Native strategy. An aspirational training plan. Listening to the network and finding the programs that will help the most. With the start of a new year, NeighborWorks leaders look at some of the plans and goals in store. 

NeighborWorks' commitment to Native communities 

Mel Willie, NeighborWorks America's director of Native American Partnerships & Strategy, says that in 2023, the national nonprofit focused on developing a five-year Native strategy. "Now we're focused on launching it."  

Across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic forced small business owners to make some difficult if not impossible choices. For Michael, owner of a trade show contracting business in Philadelphia, the choice was either to lay off workers and keep his business profitable or keep his employees on payroll and figure out where else to cut corners. With the uncertainty of "unprecedented times" as his backdrop, Michael chose to keep his employees on payroll. 

Across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic forced small business owners to make some difficult if not impossible choices. For Michael, owner of a trade show contracting business in Philadelphia, the choice was either to lay off workers and keep his business profitable or keep his employees on payroll and figure out where else to cut corners. With the uncertainty of "unprecedented times" as his backdrop, Michael chose to keep his employees on payroll. 

There were cheers when the graduates walked up to the podium this week, as NeighborWorks America recognized the inaugural class of Advancing Leaders in Real Estate.  The graduates represented nine states and Washington, D.C., part of a pilot program to develop real estate leaders, particularly those of color, by offering technical assistance and project management training.  

There were cheers when the graduates walked up to the podium this week, as NeighborWorks America recognized the inaugural class of Advancing Leaders in Real Estate.  The graduates represented nine states and Washington, D.C., part of a pilot program to develop real estate leaders, particularly those of color, by offering technical assistance and project management training.  

Vidya Ramakrishnan has worked in real estate asset management for 11 years — the last five of those years in nonprofit work at New Jersey's HANDS, Inc. As her organization considered transitioning from multifamily projects to single-family homes and other projects, she sought peer and technical support.

Vidya Ramakrishnan has worked in real estate asset management for 11 years — the last five of those years in nonprofit work at New Jersey's HANDS, Inc. As her organization considered transitioning from multifamily projects to single-family homes and other projects, she sought peer and technical support.