Annual Meeting Recap

Posted May 15, 2019

INHS’ Annual Meeting was full of inspiring speakers, toe-tapping music, impassioned performances, belly-aching laughter, and hearty applause!

The theme of the event, Deepening Our Roots, Growing Our Reach, highlighted the growth of INHS’ services in 2018 throughout its service area, and its dedication to Ithaca, where the organization began its mission in 1976.

Click here to view the 2018 INHS Annual Report.

Below is a recap of the amazing efforts of INHS’ four lines of business in 2018, INHS award recipients, and Annual Meeting keynote speaker, Dr. Nia Nunn.

Real Estate Development

  • Opened Pine View Circle in Seneca County, a new development with 48 units spread across 12 buildings in Tyre, NY
  • Completed the renovation of Ithaca City Apartments that included 98 apartments scattered throughout the City of Ithaca

Property Management

  • Welcomed Director of Property Management in 2018, Melody Susco
  • 19 full-time staff, managing 63 buildings in 28 locations that are home to 454 residential units and 10 commercial units

Construction Services

  • Managed more than 40 rehabilitation projects for families in our community including new roofs, septic systems, energy upgrades, and lead remediation
  • Conducted Health and Safety Checks at the homes of more than 85 families
  • Served 31 unique households in the City of Ithaca and served 56 unique households throughout Tompkins County

Homeownership Preservation

  • Provided 11 loans to first-time homebuyers in the CIty Ithaca
  • 33 loans to first-time homebuyers in Tompkins County
  • 33 loans to first-time homebuyers in the six other counties INHS serves

Florence Hoard Community Beautification Award

Named in honor of a revered member of the Ithaca Garden Club who was a symbol of, and voice for, beautification in the City of Ithaca. Noted for her efforts during the City’s centennial celebration, Florence Hoard organized “plant crusades” to get shoots from area gardens into the yards of downtown residents and was a founder of the popular Mother’s Day Plant Exchange, which is held each year at Ithaca High School.

Today we recognize another devoted gardener who has brought the beauty of the natural world into the lives of many.

2018 Awardee: Lisa Miller of Hospicare

Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award

Named for Lucy Brown who has made significant and lasting contributions to both INHS and the greater Ithaca community through her leadership and service. As one of the founders of INHS, Lucy was instrumental in its long-term growth and its commitment to mission.

Each year INHS awards the Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award to a member or members of our community who, like Lucy, exemplify a similar commitment to community and neighborhood, as a voice and advocate for those who have been typically under-represented, and whose efforts have made a difference in the lives of many.

2018 Awardee: Mike LaDue, Ithaca Housing Authority

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Nia Nunn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education at Ithaca College and Board of Directors President of Southside Community Center, Inc. Prior to receiving a B.A. in Early Childhood Education at Clark Atlanta University and a Ph.D. in School Psychology at Michigan State University, “Dr. Nia” (as she is often called), was born and raised in Ithaca, N.Y.  Today, she wears various head-wraps living back in her community as an educator-performer-scholar-artist-mother. As part of her passion and responsibility, Dr. Nia is committed to learning and engaging audiences creatively, intensely, and gracefully.

Her research, teaching, and service focuses on a Black feminist approach to anti-racist curricula. With an article in the Journal of Gender and Education titled “Super-Girl: Strength and sadness in Black Girlhood” and a forthcoming article titled “Sister-Circles: Creating spaces and a curricula of liberation with Black college women,” Dr. Nia’s work centers Black Girl liberation & emancipatory learning, as well as performing arts and human rights curriculum development.  Offering brief exposure to a Black Consciousness Curriculum from the Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP) at Southside Community Center, her participatory methods of teaching can be expected to creatively engage audience members in critical reflection and a desire to learn more.

Special thank you to Board Member Rachel Lampert who produced a wonderful show full of song, laughter, and passion that showcased INHS’ commitment to the community, and to the flawless performers!

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