MAKING THE TURN

2024 Annual Report

Making The Turn

2024 Impact

We are a rural development hub working holistically with community members, philanthropy and government entities to create lasting, positive economic change. Our technical assistance and lending impact rural communities throughout our seven-state footprint. Here are the numbers to prove it.

1073

Rural Communities Served

1,435,479

People Served

161,454,943

$ Leveraged

7,953,491

$ Lent

1564

Jobs Created & Sustained

225

Businesses Served

250

Loans

145

Trainings

1878

Training Participants

28

GIS Projects

2024 Impact Map

Community Sustainability

Environmental Services

Entrepreneurship

Lending

Broadband

Healthy Foods

GIS Mapping

Housing

Impact Map 2024

FUNDING THE BACKBONE OF AMERICA

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Custom Lending Creates Economic Impact

Small farmers are the backbone of a community and access to necessary funding to operate their business is challenging. For one small-scale, family-farm in rural Arkansas access to funding has created an opportunity to expand their farming operation and access more markets in new ways.  Capital access for small farmers increases their capacity, growing economic impact and, at Mator Farms, greens and okra.

on the road to success

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Growing Local Economics One Entrepreneur At A Time

Located in Nash, TX Scott Anthony’s mobile auto repair business was born out of his desire to become an entrepreneur and identifying an underserved market for larger vehicles including diesels, buses, and RVs that smaller shops and larger truck shops often decline. Mr. Anthony and his wife, work with CU’s Entrepreneurship and Lending teams to create the opportunity to succeed and provide for their family by building capacity through bookkeeping, marketing, and business structure, as well as accessing crucial funding for their small business.

SELF-RELIANCE FOR RURAL WATER DISTRICT

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Technical Assistance & Lending Empower Water District

Access to clean, safe water is foundational to sustaining rural ways of life and growing economic opportunities. A rural water system is only as good as it’s people, it’s access to funding, and, when needed, it’s technical assistance.  For Leflore Rural Water District #17, getting to the point it is today took all 3 factors. With technical assistance from the Oklahoma Environmental Services staff and funding support from the Lending team at Communities Unlimited, the people running Leflore RWD #17 have worked passionately to overcome many obstacles over the years. Now, if you talk to our Oklahoma staff, you’re likely to hear them say that, “Everyone needs a Leflore 17”.

Collaboration Builds Capacity

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Laying foundations for rural economic growth

Building on the foundations of a comprehensive growth plan, focusing on infrastructure and economic development built by Community Sustainability and grant writing and infrastructure improvements working with Environmental Services, Mulberry, AR is preparing for sustainable economic impact. With a population of 1,590 and known for its scenic beauty and strong community spirit, Mulberry is transforming into a hub for commerce, industry, and sustainable growth, thanks to visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, including its work with Communities Unlimited.

New Roofs For Homeowners

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Partnering With Bank Benefits Rural Homeowners

A partnership between Simmons Bank and Communities Unlimited has led to a new Fortified Roofing Program in the Arkansas Delta city of Dumas.  Dumas has been ravaged by storms in recent years including tornadoes and flooding, leaving many homeowners in need of repairs which they couldn’t obtain financially.  Simmons Bank and Communities Unlimited partnership allows low-income residents to obtain stronger, more resilient roofing with no out-of-pocket expense and future-proofing the investments made into homes.

Community Driven Development

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Humphreys County Mississippi Begins A Path To Prosperity

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta lies Humphreys County.  A county that has struggled with job losses, businesses shut down, and families moved away, leaving the communities to grapple with their futures. Through a partnership with private philanthropy and the Belzoni Humphreys County Development Foundation, CU has entered a long-term engagement with the county and has a five-year plan for transformative change. This bold, strategic move involves multiple departments from CU and private philanthropy to tackle deep-rooted challenges.

Building A Thriving East Texas

How Communities Unlimited, T.L.L. Temple Foundation Are Forging A Path To Prosperity

After Hurricane Harvey hit Southeast Texas in August 2017, rural communities were devastated and needed help. This crisis led to the first connection between the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and Communities Unlimited (CU), starting a transformative partnership that now strengthens East Texas.

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation and CU first collaborated unknowingly in 2017 after the hurricane. T.L.L. Temple provided funding through Rural LISC, which connected with CU to deliver services. Rural LISC supports rural U.S. communities by offering funding, resources, and technical assistance to enhance housing, economic opportunities, and community development. This initial collaboration marked the beginning of a partnership that would ultimately create lasting benefits beyond crisis response.

The relationship between the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and CU grew stronger over time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The foundation saw the need for a comprehensive approach to rural development and sought partners to help realize this vision. Wynn Rosser, who was then the President and CEO of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, introduced himself to CU CEO Ines Polonius during a Texas funders meeting.

The foundation saw the urgent need to support small businesses, especially in rural areas, during the pandemic. Knowing small businesses are crucial for economic development, the foundation looked for ways to help underserved entrepreneurs.

To address this need, the foundation requested proposals to establish a CDFI in East Texas. CU responded and was chosen, forming a partnership. CU then set up an office in Nacogdoches, offering support to local small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing small business loans and technical assistance.

More About Our Partnership

Impacting East Texas

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Creating A Stronger East Texas

The partnership between Communities Unlimited and the T.L.L Temple Foundation grew in 2024 closing the gap for many communities in East Texas through the Environmental Services, Community Sustainability, Entrepreneuship, and Lending program areas. Mapping an archeological dig, facilitating the preservation of history, funding and assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses, ensuring that children had a library after flooding, and helping a community understand what it’s like to reenter society after being incarcerated all took place in East Texas as part of this invaluable partnership.

A few more for the road

New Team Members

15 new team members joined Communities Unlimited in 2024.  We expanded our Environmental Services, Broadband, Community Sustainability, and Program Support Teams to better support our mission of service for rural communities.

Derek Shore
Content Coordinator

Derek Shore
IT Generalist

Keith Smith
Community Facilitator

Amanda McBride
Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Jacqueline Carter Houston
Amy Ballard
Community Environmental Management Specialist

Amy Ballard
Community Environmental Management Specialist

Rebecca Manriquez-Fuentes
Yolanda Martin
Community Resource Manager

Yolanda Martin
Community Environmental Management Advisor

Charlie Bishop
Community Resource Manager

Yadira Hernandez
Andres Villareal
Community Environmental Management Technician

Andres Villarreal
Britton Howe
Community Environmental Management Advisor

Britton Howe
Community Environmental Management Specialist

Madeline Phillips
Community Environmental Management Advisor

John Hudgins
Community Environmental Management Technician

Alexis Nank
Community Environmental Management Advisor

Andy Callaway
Rachel Sartin
Administrative Assistant

Rachel Sartin
Derek Shore

Content Coordinator

Derek Shore

Derek Shore joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2024. As the Content Coordinator, Derek writes and edits content for CU’s print and digital publications, interviews key community members and clients, and translates information into engaging written content. He also secures photographs and creates videos of clients and communities, using drone technology to capture unique perspectives that enhance CU’s multimedia efforts.

Before joining CU, Derek was a Marketing Content Coordinator for Element 79 Media Group in Cassville, Missouri. He also spent two years as a Sports Reporter at The Joplin Globe in Joplin. Derek has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Missouri State University. He lives in Springdale, Arkansas, and works out of the Fayetteville office.

Phone:(479) 790-1129

IT Generalist

Keith Smith

Keith Smith, an IT Generalist based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2024. In this role, he provides technical support, troubleshooting software and hardware issues for both Fayetteville office users and remote staff. He oversees system installations, assists users, conducts training, and ensures security compliance. Additionally, Keith tracks IT issues, maintains databases, performs backups, and collaborates with leadership on IT solutions. His responsibilities also include data entry, SharePoint management, and inventory tracking.

Before joining CU, Keith worked as an IT Specialist for Garrett X in the Northwest Arkansas office. He currently lives in Siloam Springs.

Phone:(479) 387-4062

Community Facilitator

Amanda McBride

Amanda McBride, Community Facilitator, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024. In her role, Amanda coordinates and facilitates projects and funding opportunities with community members to help their communities. She collaborates with CU and other strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance, aiming to achieve community goals and outcomes. She also partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to meet community needs.

Before joining CU, Amanda worked for the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce in Ackerman, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University. Amanda lives in Mathiston, Mississippi.

Phone:(479) 396-8147

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Jacqueline Carter Houston

Jacqueline Carter Houston joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024 as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider (BTAP). She helps communities with broadband planning, education, and literacy across CU’s seven-state footprint. Jacqueline’s work includes identifying broadband needs, addressing challenges, and facilitating solutions to improve high-speed internet access, adoption, and use.

Before joining CU, Jacqueline was a Project Program Coordinator at the American Diabetes Association in Jackson, Mississippi. She also runs her own business, A Gift of Organizing, providing top-tier organizing and project management workshops. Jacqueline holds an MBA from Mississippi College and a Bachelor’s in Computer & Information Science from the University of Mississippi. She lives in Jackson, MS.

Phone:(662) 617-2405

Amy Ballard

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2024 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital.  

Before starting at CU, Amy was a Correctional Officer for Alcorn County Regional Correctional Facility in Corinth, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University. Amy lives in Corinth, MS.

Phone:(479) 380-3233

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Rebecca Manriquez-Fuentes

Rebecca Manriquez-Fuentes, Community Environmental Management Specialist, started with Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2024. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital.  

Before coming to CU, Rebecca worked in education for 18 years, most recently as a Language Arts Teacher for the Lewisville, Texas School District. She has a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Others Languages (TESOL) from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s in English from Sul Ross State University. Rebecca lives in El Paso, Texas.

Phone:(479) 966-5659

Yolanda Martin

Community Resource Manager

Yolanda Martin

Yolanda Martin is a Community Resource Manager for Communities Unlimited (CU). She is located in Southeast Texas and joined CU in February 2024. Yolanda works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Before joining CU, she worked as a Community Success Manager for Communities for Better Health. Yolanda attended Texas Woman’s University and earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration.

Phone:(479) 313-0760

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Charlie Bishop

Charlie Bishop, Community Environmental Management Advisor, came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2024. She assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community systems. 

Before joining CU, Charlie was a Pretreatment Program Specialist for the City of Denton, Texas. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Charlie lives in Fort Worth. 

Phone:(479) 387-1995

Community Resource Manager

Yadira Hernandez

Yadira Hernandez started with Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Resource Manager in March 2024. Yadira works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Before joining CU, Yadira was a Workforce Development Counselor and Grant Case Manager for Lamar State College – Port Arthur. She attends Lamar University working towards her Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science. Yadira lives in Port Arthur, TX. 

Phone:(479) 380-3229

Andres Villareal

Community Environmental Management Technician

Andres Villarreal

Andres Villarreal joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2024 as a Community Environmental Management Technician in West Texas. He provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. He ensures that systems meet federal and state regulations.

Before joining CU, Andres worked as a Field Tech for the High Plains Water District in Lubbock, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Texas Tech University in 2012. Andres lives in Lubbock.

Phone:(956) 479-1811

Britton Howe

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Britton Howe

Britton Howe, Community Environmental Management Advisor, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community management systems.

Britton has eight years of experience working with water and wastewater systems. He holds certifications as a Class A Water Operator, Class II Collections, and Class C Wastewater Treatment. Britton lives in Abilene, Texas.

Phone:(479) 871-7835

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Madeline Phillips

Madeline Phillips came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in July 2024. She is a Community Environmental Management Technician in Southeast Tennessee. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. She makes sure that systems are meeting federal and state regulations.

Madeline has performed environmental sampling and monitoring, and before coming to CU, she was a legal compliance manager and employee relations consultant. Madeline has a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. She lives in Chattanooga.

Phone:(479) 595-2905

Community Environmental Management Advisor

John Hudgins

John Hudgins joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Environmental Management Advisor in July 2024. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community management systems.

Previously, he was a water operator for the largest rural water district in Adair County for RWD #3 in Westville, Oklahoma. John has a degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management from Northeastern State University. He will work with CU’s Infrastructure Team in Arkansas. John lives in Stilwell, Oklahoma, and his mom is CU’s Oklahoma State Coordinator, Julie Hudgins.

Phone:(479) 445-3727

Community Environmental Management Technician

Alexis Nank

Alexis Nank joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2024. She is a Community Environmental Management Technician in Alabama. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, utility management, and administration. She ensures that systems meet federal and state regulations.

Alexis has a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. She lives outside Montgomery, Alabama

Phone:(479) 799-7767

Email:alexis.nank@communitiesu.org

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Andy Callaway

Andy Callaway joined the Infrastructure Team in Oklahoma as a Community Environmental Management Advisor in October 2024. Before joining CU, she worked as a wastewater operator at Inframark. Andy spent over 20 years with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), including 12 years in the Operator Certification Program, where she served as the Complaints Coordinator for the Water Quality Division. She also spent nine years in ODEQ’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), primarily conducting environmental reviews.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Northeastern State University. She lives in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Phone:(956) 559-8486

Rachel Sartin

Administrative Assistant

Rachel Sartin

Rachel Sartin, Administrative Assistant, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2024. She initially started as the Front Desk Coordinator and was promoted to Administrative Assistant in September of that year. In her current role, Rachel is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and reporting data, as well as assisting the Community Infrastructure Director.

Before joining CU, Rachel worked as an Automotive Claims Representative for American National in Springfield, Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Drury University and currently resides in Rogers, Arkansas.

Phone:(601) 497-0110

Thank you for a great year!

Your support has allowed us to experience a year that we’ll never forget!

1,435,479 people served
1,073 communities served
250 loans made
145 trainings facilitated
225 small businesses served
28 GIS mapping projects

We’d love for you to follow along with us as we continue our work building rural capacity and economic throughout 2025, please sign up for our quarterly newsletter.

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Thanks again for an incredible year in 2024 and we’re eagerly awaiting an even better 2025!

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