Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)’s Post

Self-described bookworm Dusya Lyubovskaya always wanted to work in a science lab, but she put that dream on hold when she dropped out of high school to help support her family after they came to the U.S. from Russia. Years later, when she was still working two jobs to make ends meet, she decided it was time for a change. Thanks to JVS Boston, a community organization supported by Citizens through LISC, Lyubovskaya got the support she needed to launch her dream career. With help from JVS, she got a high school diploma, new digital skills, and completed a biotechnology career pathway program while earning a college certificate. She then went on to complete an associate’s degree in biology. Today, Lyubovskaya has a job creating chemicals to help keep nuclear power stations safe around the world. “I want to keep going,” she said. “I just want to go to the laboratory, work with my team, and do something productive and beautiful.” LISC Massachusetts

Live today at 10AM ET: The Brookings Institution is hosting a panel highlighting community-driven strategies for improving economic opportunity and quality of life in #RuralAmerica. Panelists will share insights from their experience implementing these strategies in three #Indiana towns with support from Indiana Economic Development Corporation through LISC. Join here: https://lnkd.in/ekRANCZU

Jeanette Towles grew up witnessing the challenges her parents faced accessing adequate medical care, which, along with her own health struggles, inspired her life's work. As founder of Synterex, she helps life science companies deliver new therapies to patients more quickly.      In her pursuit of closing #HealthGaps, Jeanette overcame capital roadblocks with support from the Abbott-LISC Initiative to Support Diverse Businesses in Health, securing $1M to develop AgileWriter, an AI tool that streamlines clinical and regulatory documentation, fueling Synterex’s growth. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dxGrDKTm 

We're thrilled to share that our longtime partner, the U.S. Bank Foundation, is supporting LISC in expanding our efforts to protect homeowners in Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, from housing speculators and foreclosure with the launch of an heirs' property program. This initiative will help unlock millions of dollars in equity and contribute to closing the racial wealth gap in under-resourced communities in the region. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dFCp9NAB LISC Cleveland LISC Greater Cincinnati

A $350,000 acquisition loan from #LISCLending, with support from Truist, MacKenzie Scott, and the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, helped entrepreneur Shaka Woods transform and grow her embroidery business: She purchased an 11,000-square-foot warehouse in Anniston, Ala., providing enough space to scale her retail store, increase production capacity, and create dedicated offices and workspaces. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ev2wDSkW

📅 Tomorrow, October 2, LISC president & CEO Michael T. Pugh will join his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, for their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice speaker series. During his session from 5:30 to 7 PM, Michael will share his journey of rising through the ranks of some of the nation’s largest financial institutions and his experience leading community investment programs that have expanded opportunities for millions. If you're on or around campus, join the discussion! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eg2JSV55

What happens when local and regional leaders can work side by side? Innovation and collaboration! LISC staff were thrilled to meet with Detroit Regional Partnership, SER Metro-Detroit, and MiSide in #Detroit to begin the next phase of an U.S. Economic Development Administration sponsored technical assistance program focused on generating inclusive economic development. We will work together to develop a playbook that will help attract new employers to the region. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ehvS2pHN LISC Detroit

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene over the past few days is almost incomprehensible: the destruction that has claimed lives and ravaged communities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama—leaving over 600 miles of damage in its path—is unprecedented and threatens to have far-reaching impacts on supply chains, water and power access, and so much more. We are fortunate to be in touch with our many colleagues in the affected places who, at present, are safe. And we will maintain close contact with our partners and the communities we work with, especially those struggling to access basic necessities. As the climate crisis intensifies, we will see more and more weather-related catastrophes like this. It is critical that community development organizations like LISC be poised to help rebuild, but also to actively engage in efforts that build resilience. When the news cycle moves on, LISC will remain committed, helping communities recover and foster long-term resilience.