Community development work is not for the faint of heart. Strengthening communities and creating opportunities in our cities and rural areas requires tremendous commitment and dedication. In our new book, “NeighborWorks Works: Practical Solutions from America’s Community Development Network,” we have compiled nearly 140 stories highlighting solutions to some of the country’s community development challenges. In this issue we give you a sneak preview of three essays submitted by groups from America’s heartland, with lessons to be learned by everyone.

When a large Wisconsin paper mill shut down, the community rallied to save it. It re-opened and rehired many of its former workers.

By working with government and private partners, network member Impact Seven worked to diversify the economy, build local capacity, create jobs and grow small businesses.

Teaching students a building trade and then putting them to work is creating revenue for an Iowa town and removing blight from the community. NeighborWorks Home Solutions’ partnership with a community college is adding more construction jobs to the local workforce and increasing the number of college graduates.

In South Dakota, many rural communities are getting an economic development and housing boost thanks to the services offered by network member GROW South Dakota. Learn more about how its rural work can become a model for other groups throughout the country.