partnership_opportunities

While some of DASH's current redevelopment partners are in the developmental stage, others have been vital to the organization since its inception. Key in bringing DASH to life was the local Callaway Foundation, Inc., which donated an initial $5 million that made the community revitalization program possible.

"For them to put that kind of confidence in what we are doing brings an awesome responsibility," says DASH Founder and Board Chairman Ricky Wolfe. "We are so grateful for the opportunity they've given us to serve this community."

The same can be said for the City of LaGrange, the local municipal government that contributes monetarily as well as by providing knowledgeable staff members as resources for DASH. "Few not-for-profit neighborhood revitalization groups have the same municipal support we enjoy," says Wolfe.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has demonstrated great confidence in DASH by providing $8 million in tax credits to develop 70 single family uints in the Laurel Ridge development and by providing $500,000 toward purchase of a 12-unit apartment building, Wilburn Apartments, that was renovated into housing for low-to-moderate income families. The Georgia DCA also has provided $600,000 in downpayment assistance funds to help moderate income families purchase homes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is another partner, having provided DASH a $3.2 million grant to renovate the historic Dunson School into low-income apartments for seniors. The Richard W. Wolfe Apartments at Dunson School (named for DASH founder Ricky Wolfe's father, who was plant manager at Dunson Mill and raised his family in that community) opened in late 2007.

HUD grants are not easily obtained, according to DASH Assistant Director Cathy Smith. "The fact that DASH received a HUD grant, and that it was for a significant sum, speaks to the capacity of this organization," she says.

DASH also partners with NeighborWorks America, a national not-for-profit created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance and training for community-based revitalization efforts.

The list of DASH partners continues to grow with a diverse variety of groups and organizations contributing financial and human resources.

DASH Partners

Major Contributors

Callaway Foundation, Inc.
City of LaGrange
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
NeighborWorks America
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Local Partners

LaGrange College
Troup County Government
SunTrust
Interface, Inc.
Milliken & Company
Willis, McKenzie and Long, Attorneys at Law

Other Partners

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency