“A Gateway for Possibilities”: Resident Leadership and Community Ownership

LISC's Institute for Community Power has published a new Spotlight examining three leadership development programs designed and implemented by LISC and local partners for distinct communities in different parts of the country: Training the Trainers (T4T) in Houston; the Newark Resident Leadership Academy (NRLA); and Community Connectors in Philadelphia. Each group has leveraged the leadership program to inform and strengthen their work and, in turn, to serve their communities more effectively.

LISC’s Local Advisory Committees (LACs) serve as guides and champions for the organization’s many local offices and rural program. Women leaders from the finance, philanthropy, government and community development worlds bring a special—and especially important—set of skills and insights to this critical, behind-the-scenes part of our work to strengthen communities.

This holiday season, support LISC small business borrowers and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! All of the businesses featured here have received LISC capital to acquire their location, hire new staff, or increase inventory to help their business grow.

Three years ago LISC launched a program with Ally Financial to integrate financial coaching into existing services for aspiring homeowners and entrepreneurs in four cities. The program, which wrapped up the fall of 2022, achieved strong results despite the health and economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. In this piece, we look back at what our collaboration with Ally has accomplished and share stories about its impact on people and communities.

By Rose Gray, Senior Vice President, Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha Inc.

For over 30 years, Rose Gray, senior vice president of Community and Economic Development for Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha Inc. (APM), has partnered with families in Philadelphia to to help them become homeowners. In the following blog, she reflects on the housing market today, the systemic hurdles that block people from attaining the American Dream, and why homeownership remains a priority for APM.

When The Clay Studio began in 1974, five ceramicists hoped to begin an artist collective. Today, The Clay Studio’s mission is to inspire curiosity and discovery around the art and craft of clay, and draw together students, artists, and an engaged public into a welcoming community. With a LISC investment,  The clay Studio was able to fund a portion of the construction and design work alongside environmental and permitting needs for a larger location to operate at its full potential. With community direction and support, the studio broke ground on their new 34,000 square foot South Kensington location in January 2020.