Matthew 25

Programs: Neighborhood building revitalizes communities by: -encouraging neighbors to dream of possibilities -organizing sustainable reinvestment and sound public policy in targeted neighborhoods -providing a shared network of tools and resourcesduring 2017, matthew 25 accomplished the following neighborhood revitalization goals: -more than 35 one-on-one visits and four block parties connecting neighbors -owner-occupied, rental and commercial real estate investments in targeted neighborhoods -more than one-thousand tools loaned out through the tool library and held 5 classes to teach tool use -energy audits performed by green iowa americorps throughout linn county -energy efficient, affordable rehabilitation of homes -performed 12 owner occupied home transformation projects with the help of over 150 volunteers

cultivate hope exists to help build sustainable, healthy communities. The program focuses on teaching kids and families how to grow, eat, and preserve fresh, high quality food right in their own neighborhoods. Cultivate hope shifts the attitudes of youth in cedar rapids towards healthy and productive behaviors using hands on experiences by: -growing healthy food -sharing food and fellowship -learning about local foods and healthy behaviorsduring 2017, matthew 25 accomplished the following: -sold 16 community supported agriculture shares -sold $10,627. 98 of produce -refined and expanded our school garden curriculum by: -developing and administering knowledge based assessment and behavior based assessment for each m25 program. -helping teachers see the gardens as a science lab at harrison, grant, madison, van buren and roosevelt schools -increasing productive use of garden spaces -hosting 3 day camps -holding week long farm camps for third-fifth graders with 10 participants -developing and holding a middle school outdoor cooking camp -developing and implementing a 20 hr/week high school work program during the summer, focusing on professional skill development, education and food, justice, and social equity and service learning

youth empowerment mentors youth by: -encouraging self-expression through the arts -reading with students -collaborating with youth and adults on educational opportunities during 2017, matthew 25 accomplished the following: -mentored 11 first graders in reading with volunteers -held 65 youth arts events with more than 800 attendees