Living in a rural community has its advantages; peace and quiet, a more reasonable cost of living, and friendly neighbors who pull for each other in times of need. Rural America seems to have community values that sometimes can feel lost in other places, and no one embodies those values like a volunteer firefighter. They are the brave men and women who go above and beyond to protect others at great personal risk, and they do their best with what limited resources a rural volunteer force can muster.  

Once Upon a Time, a student had to graduate high school before attending college.

Homeownership, for many, it’s the ultimate American dream. However, it can be difficult to achieve in a challenging economy, especially for those of limited means, but it is not impossible. In 2020, Jaimee Souksan made the dream come true for her family of three when she purchased a single-family home in Gordon, Nebraska with the help of USDA Rural Development.