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A Restoration of Relief

In the neighborhood of Mount Holly, New Jersey, amidst leafy streets and usually friendly faces, resides Antonia Santos, a spirited retiree with a knack for do-it-yourself projects. Her story intertwines perseverance, a few helping hands, and a work ethic that can’t be disrupted.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Ms. Santos has traversed the globe, calling places like Florida and Costa Rica home before settling in New Jersey for a second time.

Making connections: bringing California’s rural central Sierra Nevada communities closer with high-speed internet

Mary West-Hutchinson, a real estate broker in West Point, California, was tired of commuting. She’d leave the tall rural pines of her home community and drive 80 minutes to the more densely populated Lodi for work. In addition, she was taking college courses, working toward her real estate license, and wishing for the day she’d call her own shots. That day came after she visited the post office in nearby West Point and learned a local real estate broker was looking for agents. Freshly licensed, Mary knew this was the place for her and she left the long commute behind.

USDA Grant Helps Single Mother Rebuild Home and Family's Future

In February 2022, Jessi and her 11-year-old daughter were struggling to maintain their 2006 doublewide manufactured home on an income of less than $20,000 a year.  The home, plagued by years of deferred maintenance and a leaking roof, had severe ceiling damage and compromised flooring. Jessi had removed the damaged flooring, leaving only sub-flooring for her and her daughter to walk on.

Maine Farm Uses REAP to Help Diversify Farm and Serve a Heritage Industry

Elizabeth Goundie and Josh Emerman are the co-founders of Moorit Hill Farm and Fiber in Troy, Maine. They came to Central Maine by a circuitous route, purchasing the property in 2017. Just seven years later, the young farmers are not only tending more than 70 sheep but also providing a vital service to small- and mid-scale fiber producers by operating a custom fiber mill. They found many partners to help them learn, plan, and expand in Maine’s supportive resource network.

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