In a weak-market city like Toledo, economic turmoil is especially devastating. But LISC remains committed to lasting revitalization that is built on innovative plans, strategies and programs to help the city recover and position it for growth in the future. Building Sustainable Communities is proving to be a potent strategy in that effort. Our lead community groups are developing forward-looking plans for broad community improvement in the North and East Toledo neighborhoods. Our capacity-building grants and AmeriCorps members in target neighborhoods are bolstering those vigorous planning efforts. We are securing new funding for new programs that include Financial Opportunity Centers, which will help families stabilize their financial outlooks and build assets; reassessment of the New Schools New Neighborhoods initiative to offer improved educational opportunities in our target neighborhoods; and stronger partnerships with institutions like Owens Community College, the University of Toledo, the Chamber of Commerce, and local government to bring new expertise and resources to communities in need. 2009 was a challenging year, to be sure, but LISC is helping Toledo neighborhoods emerge from foreclosures, disinvestment and job loss to capitalize on new opportunities and promote a more robust economic future.