November 29, 2005 — The Elkhorn Valley Community Development Corporation (EVCDC) in Norfolk, Nebraska, celebrated its new membership in the national NeighborWorks® network on November 29. This significant achievement, which involved EVCDC meeting high organizational health and performance standards, will enable the organization to gain access to a powerful battery of training, research, technical assistance and funding opportunities.
Special guests at the chartering ceremony included U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Congressman Lee Terry, and State Senator Mike Flood. John Santner, NeighborWorks America North Central district director, presented the official charter. NeighborWorks America representatives, local officials, and the many partners of the EVCDC joined in the celebration.
“We are proud to be the second organization in Nebraska officially chartered by the NeighborWorks network,” said Roger Nadrchal, executive director of the EVCDC. “Their standards are high, and our selection was based on our history of success and our strong relationships with many local partners. Without this local support, we could not make such a significant impact in our communities.”
To date, EVCDC has provided $2,370,000 in down-payment and closing cost assistance, helping 275 qualified families purchase a home of their own. Affordable housing has been developed in 14 different communities in Northeast Nebraska: Battle Creek, Clarkson, Hoskins, Madison, Meadow Grove, Neligh, Norfolk, Osmond, Pierce, Pilger, Stanton, Tilden, West Point and Winside.
The EVCDC also provides homebuyer education workshops in English and Spanish. These workshops are open to the public and anyone interested in purchasing a home can participate.
NeighborWorks America Chief Executive Officer Ken Wade congratulated EVCDC for its high productivity and dedication to affordable housing. “We are proud to have such a hardworking and effective organization in our network,” Wade said.
About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks network – a nationwide network of more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 2,700 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $8.5 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 500,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.
