Neighborhoods

Thursday, May 28, 2015

On Saturday, May 23rd, residents, volunteers, and YNDC staff participated in a clean up of Crandall Park on the city's north side.

Participants pulled 217 tires from the ravine, filled a 30-yard dumpster with debris, reclaimed 30 feet of sidewalk, and planted flowers at the Tod Pavilion. Representatives were in attendance from the Crandall Park North and Crandall Park South Neighborhood Associations, as well as the Fifth Avenue Boulevard Neighbors and the Upper North Heights Block Watch. Volunteers came from Victory Christian Center and 614 Church. Support for the workday was provided by Giant Eagle, Jimmy John's, Walgreen's, St. Edward's Church, Walmart, Target, Dunkin Donuts, the Parks Department, and Councilman Nate Pinkard. The RUBY Trailer and a dumpster was provided by Green Youngstown.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Clif Bar Family Foundation has pledged $5,500 in support of Iron Roots Urban Farm for the 2015 growing season.

The funds will be used to support the agricultural operation and the apprentice program, and will include the purchase of irrigation, blueberry bushes, a basic heating system for one of the hoophouses, and good agricultural practices classes for the 2015 apprentice program participants.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The William Swanston Charitable Fund recently awarded a $32,000 grant to YNDC to support 4 Better Block events in neighborhoods across the city.

Better Block events are street parties that show what a community would look like with improved traffic patterns, new retail, and outdoor community space. Two of the events will be held this fall, and two will be held in the spring. The events will feature health fairs, local businesses, and community groups, and will celebrate the revitalization activities going on across the city.

Friday, May 29, 2015

On May 28th, YNDC held a grand opening for a new "Little Free Library" located in front of the Mercy Health Demonstration Kitchen at Iron Roots Urban Farm.

All community residents are invited to use the library and to leave a book or take a book. The library was constructed and donated by Mr. Frank Kishel in honor of his late mother. Little Free Libraries have become a community movement across the United States and throughout the world, offering free books housed in small containers to members of the local community. As of February 2013, all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide have been involved in the literary program, and there are over 15,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide. Thank you to Mr. Frank Kishel, the Youngstown Rotary, and the Mahoning County Library system for making this project possible!

Friday, May 29, 2015

YNDC has hired seven new employees to make up the summer farm crew at Iron Roots.

Megan LaMarca joins the crew as program assistant, and will coordinate the Idora Neighborhood Farmers Market as well as marketing and farm duties. Farm apprentices will be involved in all aspects of the farm, from bed preparation to harvesting and market sales.

• Megan LaMarca - Program Assistant
• Sean Jordan, Farm Apprentice
• Jonah Breetz, Farm Apprentice
• Joshua Breetz, Farm Apprentice
• Donald Little, Farm Apprentice
• Frank Little-Horton, Farm Apprentice
• Wilma DePiore, Farm Apprentice (not pictured)

Friday, May 27, 2015

On Tuesday, May 26th, Stephanie Zapka joined the YNDC team as Housing Program Assistant.

Under the general direction of the Housing Director, Stephanie collaborates with a team of professional staff to assist in the implementation of all housing, financial literacy, and community lending programming.

Prior to joining the YNDC, Stephanie was a Case Manager at Beatitude House Permanent Supportive Housing, working with disadvantage woman and children. She also spent seven years teaching GED and Release Prep classes for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education from Youngstown State University and a MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Stephanie resides in the city with her two dogs.

Please join us in welcoming Stephanie to our team!

Sunday, May 31, 2015

YNDC has begun the creation of a second workshop facility to meet the demand of our growing construction and property maintenance operation and to serve as a training facility.

The structure on the two plus acre property has been demolished and the large garage structure is being rehabilitated for use. The property will allow YNDC to continue to complete more vacant home board up and neighborhood improvement projects and further work with neighborhood and community groups. YNDC will also use the property for training of volunteers and individuals from across the region that are interested in learning more about YNDC's blight fighting methods. REVITALIZE.

Sunday, May 31st, 2015

On Saturday, May 30th, YNDC and the Powerstown Block Watch held a community work day to clean up and secure 9 vacant properties in the Powerstown neighborhood.

In total, volunteers removed 31 cubic yards of debris, reclaimed 400 feet of sidewalk, removed 15 tires, and boarded 7 homes. Support for the workday was provided by Green Youngstown, Pizza Hut, and Chick-fil-A.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

On Thursday, June 4th, staff from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency conducted an informational visit to Youngstown.

The tour and community partner visit included a presentation at YNDC; discussion with the City of Youngstown's Director of Community Development, Bill D'Avignon; tour of the Garden District with YNDC board member and the director of the Mahoning County Land Bank, Deb Flora; and a great lunch at Friends Cafe at Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Talmer Bank and Trust recently awarded a $5,000 grant to YNDC to support YNDC's Community Financial Literacy Initiative.

The funds will support YNDC's comprehesive homeownership development services, including HUD-Certified Housing Counseling and Education, as well as the organization's small business development programming.