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DASH for LaGrange names Smith assistant director

The DASH for LaGrange Inc. Board of Directors has named Cathy Smith assistant director of the local neighborhood revitalization agency.

Smith has worked with DASH for LaGrange since 2004 as director of planning and resource development.  She has 24 years of experience in housing and community development in Georgia and in Minnesota, her home state.

“Cathy is extremely competent at her work and deeply passionate about the DASH mission to eliminate substandard housing by creating new housing opportunities,” said Ricky Wolfe, DASH chairman.  “She’ll continue to do an excellent job.”

Wolfe, who founded DASH in 2002, has served as executive director for the past 18 months while the nonprofit experienced restructuring due to economic challenges caused by a downturn in the housing market. Smith has been instrumental in leading DASH through the reorganization process.

Since joining DASH five years ago, Smith has generated more than $6 million in grants and contributions to support DASH initiatives. She served as project manager for the Richard W. Wolfe Apartments at Dunson School and renovation of Wilburn Apartments and was closely involved in the development of Laurel Ridge, a rent-to-own community on Grady Street.

“There are many challenges but equally as many opportunities for DASH,” Smith said in reference to the current housing and economic climate. “I look forward to developing and strengthening a core of essential housing and neighborhood revitalization programs while retaining the flexibility to take advantage of new opportunities which further our mission.” 

DASH is currently at work on a variety of initiatives.  Construction will begin this summer on a 70-unit rental development, Mallard Lake, on Old Airport Road.  Homeownership education and financial management workshops are ongoing and a housing rehabilitation loan program to assist low-income homeowners with code related improvements will be launched this summer.

The mission of DASH is to revitalize and make sustainable LaGrange's once vibrant neighborhoods by eliminating substandard housing, creating socio-economic diversity, encouraging home ownership, inviting economic development and engaging residents in active community leadership. For additional information about DASH or its initiatives, contact us at (706) 298-0221 or visit online at http://www.dashlagrange.com.

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