The 7th Annual Give-A-Jam to End Homelessness will be held on Thursday, December 21st from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street. The evening will feature performances by local musicians and artists, soups from Louisville’s best chefs, a silent auction and a cash bar. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and includes $10 worth of food/drink tickets. Proceeds will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless’s efforts to end youth, veteran and chronic homelessness. For more information and to purchase tickets click here. Tickets may be available at the door, but the event has sold out in years’ past so advanced tickets are encouraged.

The all-star lineup of local musicians who are donating their time and talents to participate in the event include Ben Sollee, John and Geoff Gage, Daniel Martin Moore, The Tyrone Cotton Band, Johnny Berry and The Outliers, Aaron Bibelhauser and Grammy-nominated Michael Cleveland, Steve Cooley and Brigid Kaelin, Hound of the Buskervilles, Britton Patrick Morgan, Hot Brown Smackdown, Small Time Napoleon, The Eleventh Hour, and Appalatin.

Local restaurants including Fork & Barrel, The Exchange Pub & Kitchen, Crave Cafe and Catering, Against the Grain, The Irish Rover, Harvest, Chili’s, Jack Fry's, Shady Lane Café, Uptown Café, and Volare will provide an array of soups and stews.

Each of the musicians and restaurant chefs are donating their time and talents, and the event will be staffed entirely by volunteers to ensure that all proceeds go to support the Coalition for the Homeless’ efforts to end homelessness in our community.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.louhomeless.org. 

Make your voice heard as Russell transforms, and be entered into a drawing for one of 75, $100 prizes!

Be on the lookout for a survey that is being mailed to property owners and individuals/businesses that own/operate businesses within the Russell neighborhood. The survey is designed to gather feedback and help prioritize the work of the Vision Russell team.

 
The Vision Russell team will use the results to focus their transformation efforts, working to make the neighborhood more attractive for existing investors and more enticing to future investors.  

 For more information about the survey please visit www.visionrussell.org

The Center for Neighborhoods is pleased to announce the Spring 2018 Neighborhood Institute. It is a leadership education program designed to equip neighborhood leaders with skills and resources needed to initiate positive change in the community through their neighborhood, homeowner, and condo associations. Classes meet every Thursday, 6:00 - 8:30PM at the Center for Neighborhoods Offices, 507 South Third Street, for 12 consecutive weeks (January 25th, 2017 – April 12th, 2018), including a Graduation Celebration. Dinner is provided each week. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Applications will be accepted through January 12th, 2018.

The Neighborhood Institute Spring 2018 is open to all neighborhoods, Metro Council Districts, and the whole community.

To apply for the 12-week program, visit www.centerforneighborhoods.org, or contact John Hawkins at 502-589-0343 or johnh@centerforneighborhoods.org.

The Russell Homeownership Incentive  Program is an excellent way to move into a neighborhood rich with history and a wonderful housing stock. Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is placing a priority on  incentivizing homeownership in an effort to further  stabilize the Russell neighborhood. 

 Criteria: 

• Committed to keeping the home as your primary residence for five years. 
• Excited about making up to $24,999 in qualified improvements to your home. 
• Willing to complete homeownership counseling, if a first-time homebuyer.  
• Willing to conduct a lead inspection on the property if it was built prior to 1978.  

For more information, please contact Donnie Adkins at (502) 574-8020.

Safety & Security Supervisor

Develops, implements and supervises district-wide security operations at MSD.  Oversees security staff in the daily administration of security procedures, policies, and protocols.  Provides daily supervision of the security administrator, investigators, receptionist security officer, and supervises contract security guard staff and operations.  Oversees activities related to investigations of theft, misconduct, equipment, and accidents.  Plans and supervises security operations for MSD staff and assets.  Coordinates security staff's response to emergencies and alarms.  Attends meetings with management to determine operational needs.  Develops relationships with law enforcement officials, local industries, regulatory agencies, emergency response agencies and safety & security related professional organizations.  Assists the director as required.

For a more detailed position description, pay information, and to apply please visit our website:  http://www.louisvillemsd.org/Careers

Programs ramp up efforts to move properties from vacancy into productive use 

The Louisville Metro Vacant & Public Property Administration (VPPA) today announced three new programs  designed to more rapidly move vacant properties back into productive use. All eligible properties are owned by the Landbank Authority, a cooperative effort by the city of Louisville, Commonwealth of Kentucky and Jefferson County Public Schools (main taxing authorities) that acquires, manages and sells distressed and unimproved  properties to responsible property owners who can increase property values and stimulate the tax base. 

The three new programs are: 

Last Look

Because VPPA uses demolition as a last resort, the Last Look program strives to provide an opportunity for  buyers to rehab demolition candidates. All future demolition candidates will be a part of this 60-day program, which involves two phases — Save the Structure and Demo for Deed. · Throughout the first 30 days, a buyer may Save the Structure and acquire it by demonstrating proof of funds and committing to making exterior and structural renovations within 6 months and interior renovations within 18 months. ·During the second 30 days, if no one has committed to rehabbing the structure, a buyer may Demo for Deed -- purchasing the property if they can show proof of funds to demolish the structure within 45 days. 

 Cut It, Keep It 

This program allows a property owner to acquire a vacant lot for $500 if they agree to maintain it and pay property taxes for at least three years prior to selling it. The buyer may develop the lot themselves within three years, with approval. To be eligible to acquire a vacant Landbank lot through Cut It Keep It, the buyer must own an occupied structure on the same block as the vacant lot. Cut It, Keep It is designed to encourage neighborhood  redevelopment by incentivizing neighbors to play an active role in the revitalization of their block. 

New Flex Rate Policy

 This initiative is for buyers interested in purchasing a Landbank Authority-owned lot who have detailed plans to develop the lot but don’t yet have the money to complete the work. The goal of the program is to increase the pool of potential buyers by easing the prerequisites for eligibility. Previously, vacant lots were available for purchase only by buyers with proof of funds to complete the project and a construction timeline. Under the new program, properties will now be available for purchase by buyers with detailed development plans and an itemized budget for the project, even without proof of funds or a construction timeline. Purchase prices vary depending on lot size and proof of funds, ranging from $500 to the assessed value of the property. 

 Buyers without proof of funds to complete the project will pay a slightly higher up-front cost for the property. The Landbank Authority has about 400 properties in its inventory, about 80 of which are structures.  

For more information on all the new programs and to view lists of lots and structures for sale,  please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant.  

If you would like to purchase a Landbank Authority-owned vacant structure or lot, please call VPPA’s Real Estate Coordinators at 502-574-4200.

The mission of the Department for Community Based Services is to build an effective and efficient system of care with Kentucky's citizens and communities to:

• Reduce poverty, adult and child maltreatment, and their effects 
• Advance person and family self-sufficiency, recovery, and resiliency 
• Assure all children have safe and nurturing homes and communities 
• Recruit and retain a workforce and partners that operate with integrity and transparency.

Apply online at https://careers.ky.gov.  Salary and job requirements can also be viewed on the website. You must set-up an account, complete the online application, and apply for each position of interest.  Jobs are posted for seven days and can be removed at any time.  The website is updated daily.

Neighborhood Place partners join in holiday celebrations, to learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.

Mondays and Wednesdays, Free Professional Financial Coaching 

Call Rosie Wright at 612-0819 to schedule an appointment.  Free, one-on-one financial coaching will be offered to provide individuals with support, accountability and tools to help make informed decisions.  Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Mondays, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesdays, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.

Dec. 14, Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower

RSVP is required to Mendy Mason at 341-5400 or mmason@sevencounties.org. Join us at to explore the do’s and don’ts of a healthy pregnancy in a free, fun setting.  Seven Counties and KIDSNow Plus will host an educational baby shower to share information on how to care for yourself and your baby while being pregnant. Pregnant attendees receive a baby tote filled with baby items and a gas/gift card, with more chances to win prizes like gift/layette set(s), bottle sets and more.  Fathers are welcome but must be registered..

• Dec. 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.

Dec. 12, Fall Youth Conversation with Students at the Academy at Shawnee, 5 – 7 p.m. 

Located at the Academy at Shawnee, 4001 Herman St.  Call 313-4892 for more information.  All youth are invited to join in a candid and engaging conversation entitled, A View from Shawnee Students: Violence Impact In Our Schools, Community and Family.  This event will be moderated by Derrick Mitchell with the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.  A community family dinner will be served and an opportunity for family photos will be available.  Collaboratively sponsored by the Academy at Shawnee Youth Service Center, JCPS Student Support Services and the NorthWest Neighborhood Place.

Dec. 12, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m. 
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.

Dec. 12, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.

Dec. 12, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.

Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 3631483 for more information.  Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live and better and more fulfilling life.  Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight.  This month, a representative from Family Health Center will discuss “Getting Through the Holidays in One Peace.”  Come and join the fun and fellowship. 

Dec. 14, Grandparents Group: Kitchen Table Conversations at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Located at 4018 W. Market St.  Call 313-4909 for more information.  This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month.  A monthly guest speaker helps this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children.  Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend.  Lunch is provided free of charge.

Dec. 19, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.

Dec. 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions 
Call 366-4442 for more information.  Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs. 

• South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Dec. 28, Celebrating Ujima - a Kwanzaa Reception at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. In honor of Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa meaning collective work and responsibility, community members are invited to gather for networking opportunities and to explore ideas for community collaborations.

Jan. 4, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  
Located at 200 Juneau Drive, Suite 200.  Please register online at Access your online scheduling account or contact Jessica Strader at Jessica.Strader@redcross.org.  Walk-ins are also welcome the day of the drive.