Print pageNeighborWorks America presented two longtime leaders with the 2025 Founders Award this month. Robert “Bobby” Calvillo, president and CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., and Ann Houston, former executive director of The Neighborhood Developers and founder of Opportunity Communities, received the award for their contributions in the community development field and for their legacy in innovation and dedication.
NeighborWorks America Announces New Class for its Organizational Development Program in Partnership with Harvard University
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2025
Contact: Douglas Robinson | [email protected]
Susan M. Ifill
Susan M. Ifill is executive vice president and chief operating officer for NeighborWorks America, leading programs and staff who support network and field operations. She previously served as chief executive officer of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHSNYC), a NeighborWorks network organization, working to address affordable housing and fight displacement across New York City. Prior to joining NHSNYC, Ifill was the senior vice president and chief retail officer for Carver Federal Savings Bank in New York.
Marietta Rodriguez
Marietta Rodriguez knows what it’s like to be a new homebuyer because she was one. "I was 25 and living in a high-cost area," she says. “There was absolutely no way I could buy a home without someone holding my hand and walking me through it.” The folks holding her hand were from a NeighborWorks network organization that provided counseling and financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. Soon, Rodriguez went to work for the organization that assisted her so that she could help more people in her hometown.
At the café in the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory, young people, ages 16 to 24, spend the summer cooking, baking and welcoming customers. Down the street and around the corner, they're helping out in a recording studio or at the shoe repair shop.
Small business program helps vet take care of more than pets
The Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital's mission is to provide outstanding after-hours care for people's pets. But the organization's role as caregiver extends beyond the dogs and cats it treats. With the support of a local business development partner, the vet is helping her employees and area residents achieve financial stability as well.
NeighborWorks member helps farmworker become college graduate
It took only one hour to change Francisco "Tony" Moran's life. Since he was about 6 years old, Moran grew up in New Mexico's Hatch Valley, working on farms alongside his parents and siblings. However, Moran's parents wanted more for their children and emphasized getting a good education.
Program creates high-paying career opportunities for low-income families
A child's success is tied to his or her family's stability and well-being, which is why CAP Tulsa uses a two-generation approach to address intergenerational poverty. The two-generation approach integrates both educational opportunities for young children with evidence-based educational, workforce readiness and parenting programs for their parents.
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