2024 Annual Report

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.