Director’sNote
CarrieWoerdeman,ExecutiveDirector
As2024comestoaclose,itisexcitingtolookbackandseetheimpact we’vemadeasateam.Sincethestartoftheyear,we’vebroughtonfournew team members, each of whom has made a significant and contribution to theworkwedotofulfillourmission.Wehadtheopportunitytoparticipatein the Service Enterprise Project supported by Volunteer Iowa, through which we’ve begun to steadily grow our volunteer program to expand our reach and further engage the broader community through service to our clients. Our counselors have helped thousands of tenants, landlords, and prospective homebuyers achieve, maintain and/or provide safe, stable, affordable housing. We’ve created pathways to homeownership for families through turnkey and lease-purchase homeownership opportunities and we continue to work to build more homes than ever before. We’ve had the opportunitytoparticipateincriticalhomerepairsthathaveenabledfamilies toremainintheirhomesandcontinuetobuildgenerationalwealththrough themaintenanceoftheirhomeasanasset.
We are excited about what is in store for 2025, including an updated servicemodelforourhousingcounselingprogramandtheadditionofanew program to support homeowners in their journey through homeownership, construction of many more homes that will be made affordable to low-tomoderate homebuyers, initiatives to bring different types and styles of homeownership opportunities to the community, and additional administrativeupdatesthatwillmakeusmoreefficientandthereforeableto servemoreclients.Iamgratefulfortheopportunitytoservealongsidesuch a dedicated team of professionals who work every day to meet our mission toitsfullestpotential.
WELCOME OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Whenitcomestoserving othersandyourcommunity–whatareyoumostpassionate about?Why?
Creatinggreathousing-when designedthoughtfully,residents feelreceived,caredfor, consideredandempowered.
Dan Drendel Principal SlingshotArchitecture
Bio:I love creating the spaces in our city that are vibrant, safe and welcoming.Thecityisaspacewhere people can come together to live a shared life to the benefit of the community. We design from the insideoutandtheoutsidein.
Whatdoyouhopetoaccomplishbeing onHOME,Inc’sBoardofDirectors?
Support the work of Home Inc in creating housing opportunities in our community I hope to champion further development opportunities and creating repeatable models that generate great attainable housing in ourcommunity.
WELCOME OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Michele H. Stevens
Whenitcomestoserving othersandyourcommunity–whatareyoumostpassionate about?Why?
Beingalifelonglearnerand continuallybeingcuriouswhich hasledmetobealong-time volunteerandsupporterat ScienceCenterofIowa.Iam alsopassionateaboutfinancial literacy,especiallyforwomen andforleavingyouraffairsin orderforyourlovedones.
Retired:ConsultingandBoardwork
Bio:+35yearretiredbankerwhoworked in big banks and small community banksmostlyfocusedonfinancinglarge and small commercial real estate loans for large and small companies around the USA. I also worked in special assets, managed bank owned assets and workedininternalauditandloanreview.
Whatdoyouhopetoaccomplishbeing onHOME,Inc’sBoardofDirectors?
I just hope to help and to leave the organization, when the time comes, a littlebitbetterthanIfoundit
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
WELCOME OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS
Cory McAnelly
Legal Counsel and Corporate Strategy andDevelopmentSeniorDirector
PrincipalFinancialGroup
Bio: At Principal Cory works with a team that facilitates access to innovation capabilitiesforproblemsolversandexpertsacrossPrincipal’sbusinesslinestodrive innovation that aligns with Principal’s purpose of fostering a world where financial securityisaccessibletoall.
Before working at Principal Cory worked in legal private practice advising clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies on their intellectual property portfolio, including their brand and marketing practices. Cory serves as a Board Member of theGlobalInsuranceAccelerator,theDrakeLawSchoolBoardofCounselors,andas DeputytoDanHoustonontheIowaBusinessCouncil.
He lives with his wife, Lauren, his toddler, Odin, and their two dogs in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood. Their family is expecting their second human addition in April 2025. Cory is active in his community, including recently completing his 6 years of service on the Board of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and is currently finishinguphislastyearofserviceontheYMCASupportiveHousingCampusBoard. CoryisaproudUniversityofIowaandDrakeLawSchoolAlumand,whileheworksin the financial service world, he never left behind his passion for science and biochemistry which he indulges through his extensive in-home plant collection and greenhouse.
Whenitcomestoservingothersandyourcommunity–whatareyoumost passionateabout?Why?
When it comes to serving others in my community, I am most passionate about meeting people where they are in their journey and providing a hand up.Somanypeopleandorganizationswerethereformeandmyfamilyinmy life as we navigated the complexities of financial distress, housing insecurity, and food insecurity. Without the kindness and generosity of others, I wouldn't have the opportunities I have today and there are so many others out there whohaveasimilar(orharder)story.Strongcommunityservicescangiveour struggling neighbors the opportunities they need to break free of the cycles that stand between them and achieving their dream for their families. I want to be a part of organizations that provide such services, which is why I am excitedaboutbeingonHomeInc'sBoardofDirectors.
WhatdoyouhopetoaccomplishbeingonHOME,Inc’sBoardofDirectors?
Housing inaccessibility and insecurity continue to be major issues in our community. Home Inc. has committed to tackling these issues through creative and innovative ways of engaging families, community leaders, and housing providers. I believe strongly that tackling systemic issues of housing insecurity requires a mutli-faceted approach that goes beyond the brick and mortar DuringmytimewithHomeInc,Ihopetohighlightthetotalservicesof Home Inc - including education, housing counseling, and neighborhood revitalization - and use this awareness to increase Home Inc's ability to have animpactonourcommunitythroughtheseservices.
WELCOME OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Roshni Ryan
Realtor&Coach
TeamIRG&KellerWilliamsRealty
Bio: I’m a proud Highland Park resident, wife and mother to my almost 1 year old son. As a realtor and coach on Team IRG, I’m passionate about helping others achieve their goals and making a positiveimpactinmycommunity.
Whenitcomestoservingothersandyourcommunity–whatareyoumost passionateabout?Why?
I’m passionate about empowering families, particularly in minority and multilingualcommunities,toachievehomeownership.It’sfulfillingtohelpothers buildstabilityandgenerationalwealth,andI’mdrivenbytheopportunitytomake housingmoreaccessibleandimpactfulforthoseIserve
WhatdoyouhopetoaccomplishbeingonHOME,Inc’sBoardofDirectors?
BeingonHOME,Inc.’sBoardofDirectorsisanopportunityformetoexpandtheimpact I’vebeenstrivingforoverthepastfouryearsasarealtorandcommunityadvocate.I hope to bring my firsthand experience of working with families navigating the challenges of affordable housing and homeownership My goal is to contribute to strategies that strengthen education around financial literacy and homeownership, ensuring more individuals in our community have access to resources and opportunitiesthatempowerthemtoachievestabilityandequitythroughhousing. Throughcollaborationwiththeboardandleveragingmyrealestateexpertise,Iaimto support initiatives that increase housing accessibility, advocate for sustainable solutions,andbuildstrongerconnectionsbetweenHOME,Inc.andthecommunitieswe serve.
EXCITING NEWS: NEW HIRE
WELCOME
JAQUELINE!
This quarter we were generously awarded a grantfromtheWellsFargoFoundationtohelp us launch a new education and counseling program designed to help homeowners find successintheirhomeownership!
Withthisfunding,wearethrilledtointroducea new addition to our team! Jaqueline Chico joined us in October as a Housing Counselor. Her leadership in our Homeowner Success ProgramwillenableustobetterservetheDes Moines community at every stage of their housingjourney!
I am originally from Denver, Colorado, and have called Iowa home for the past 10 years.
During this time, I’ve spent a decade at Principal, where I gained valuable experience and insight into financial literacy. I am deeply committed to community involvement, currently serving as the EVP of Operations for the ALPFA Des Moines Chapter, a Latino professional organization dedicated to empowering Latinos in their professional growth. I am excited to join HOME Inc as a Housing Counselor, where I can educate and guide the community on housing rights and goalsbothinEnglishandSpanish.Thisworkis incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to empower others while helping them achieve stability and success. Outside of work, I am marriedwiththreechildren.Icherishspending quality time with them, engaging in creative projectsandtraveling.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT Volunteer Spotlight
Sjhon Shields
Bio: I’ve been in Des Moines for 18-20 years, I have worked in a lot of fields includinglawenforcement,medical,and non-profits. Now I am turning the page down a new path and going back to school to sharpen my skills and learn moreabouthealthcare.Mygoalisto
become a sterile technician by next year. I enjoy getting outdoors on walks or exploringparks.Ilovespendingtimewithmyfamilyandmeetingnewpeople.Iam very involved with my local church. When I have time I love to check out local museumsandartgalleries.
When it comes to serving others and your community – what are you most passionateabout?Why?
I am passionate about connecting people to a new beginning I like being that resource person, that bridge to help engage people so they feel seen and heard. I want to advocate for them so they can start a new journey towards a better life. I am deeply passionate about the community as a whole I know there are many disparities in the community, and I know that sometimes policies don’t help the peoplewhoneedit.ItrytokeepontopofcurrentissuesintheDesMoines,soIcan help leave my community better than I found it by advocating and educating to helpbridgethosegaps
WhydoyouvolunteerwithHOME,Inc.?
Becauseofthe“smileoverthephone”,fromthemomentIspokeonthephonewith them I knew this was the place. I felt welcomed immediately. I got here and was introducedtoeveryone,gotatour,atshirt,andgotstartedondifferentprojects I’ve enjoyed being educated about how each program works at HOME Inc.’s office and beyond their walls. They invited me to ask questions, engage in various projects, festivities,&mentalfun ThesupportatHOME,Inc andhowtheirheartsgoouttothe diversity of the community and surrounding areas does not get overlooked. They have even extended that support to me in & out of work. So, with that being said,
THANKYOUHOMEINCforeducating,supporting,&assistingpeoplealloverallwalks oflifewithyourrichlyspiritandsmilethatgoeswaybeyondyourdesksordoors
PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
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