Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Quad City Forum, a weekly community service program
produced by iHeartMedia to look at the issues and opportunities
that exist in our community. Now here's your hosts for
Quad City Forum, Pt Luke and Danny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
We have Amy Porter, executive director of Rejuvenate Housing, talking
to us this morning. And Amy, your organization seems to
be so new that I just found out about it
just like five minutes ago. But this Rejuvenate Housing was
that kind of an offshoot from Rejuvenate Davenport.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
It is, yes, So our origins began with Rejuvenate Davenport,
which was an organization that was operating back in the
nineties and focused on revitalizing downtown Davenport and removing blight.
So it was the same sort of founding organizers that
then became interested in looking at some of the blight
(00:56):
that was facing our neighborhoods as well.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
This idea is it seems to really be snowballing and
it's great, but you probably have to watch it. You
get excited when you see projects because there's an open
house that you're going to have here in just a
couple of days that we're going to talk about. But
is there a you get so excited you want to
start doing twenty nine of these projects at a time.
Do you feel like you're going to get overwhelmed or
(01:20):
it seems like it's also the mission statement to one
house at a time.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Well, we're making a difference one house at a time,
that's for sure and certain. We are very interested in
increasing our ability to do more than one or two
houses a year. So this year we've been working on too,
and our goal ultimately we believe could be five to
seven homes in any given twelve month span. It all,
(01:50):
of course depends on availability of acquisition of those homes
and then the ability to finance.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Those Well, that brings up an interest point. There are
other organizations that will find a perspective owner and then
maybe build the house or rehab the house for that owner,
and the owner goes through the whole process. Now with
at least rejuvenate housing, that's a little bit different. Maybe
(02:17):
not putting the cart before the horse, but the house
before the owner.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
That's a great way to put it. Ultimately, there's a
continuum and there are so many people in this community
that are working on all of the different aspects of housing.
But we face housing challenges everywhere from starting with the
unhoused all the way through emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent
(02:45):
support of housing, affordable rentals, and eventually the ability for
home ownership. And we really with the home ownership. That's
an opportunity to build wealth through home ownership. So we
are all of us that are doing this great work.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Some people they watch some of the reality shows where
they see somebody there's always seemingly this deadline they have
to get it done in two minutes before the first
commercial break. But there is a tendency for some people
that want to own properties, they want to slap some
paint on it and then sell it or at least
get a renter in there. And in your particular case,
(03:21):
you slow down this process because you're making sure it's
a house that can be worked on. But you're not
just slapping a code of paint on it. You're making
sure everything's up to code and looking like it once did.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
That's correct. So our mission at Rejuvenate is really we
have identified particular neighborhood where there is a lot of need.
In that need is vacant or abandoned homes that have
really a lot of code violations and homes in the
fact that are most times possibly facing demolition, and so
(03:54):
we want to reclaim those properties. Every home deserves a
second chance, So it's our opportunity to acquire those homes
and then go in and to whatever degree they need
the type of work that we offer to bring everything
back up to code and in some cases offer a
house that is going to be maintenance free for several years,
(04:14):
which is also wonderful for the homeowner.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
When you do bring a house up for sale, is
there like a waiting list or do people have to
go through certain steps to qualify you bet?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I would definitely refer people to our website. There are
income requirements associated with the purchase of these homes, and
there are a lot of great programs also that are offered,
one in particular by the City of Davenport, where people
can get down payment assistance to help with the purchase
of the home. And with Rejuvenate, we are asking for
a commitment from the homeowner for a five year commitment
(04:50):
to own and maintain the home, and that is an effort,
of course, to help restabilize and bring these neighborhoods back up.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Another point off of this, when you talk about the
houses that you're able to rejuvenate. There's a tendency too,
and again I hate to keep going back to the
reality shows, but you see all these beautiful things they
put on the houses, and they look fantastic, but then
in the end then the price puts it completely out
of reach of most people. So that's why the beauty
(05:21):
of what Rejuvenate Housing does. Make sure that this house
is better than it was, but it's also not out
of reach for most people.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
That's correct, and we're able to do that with financial
support from organizations, donors and programs that are available that
allow us to do that. The homes themselves are absolutely
beautifully appointed, but not financially out of reach.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
A great point to bring up there, and for those
of you just tuning in, we're talking to Amy Porter,
executive director Rejuvenate Housing. The big stuff. When we talk
about the funding, can people, as they're listening right now,
how can they donate or how can they also volunteer.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
I'm really glad that you mentioned that there's always room
for volunteerism, specifically with these homes. A lot of volunteerism
in improving curb appeal, So we appreciate anyone that's willing
to come out and help us with work in the
yard and landscaping and such like that. But that's not
the only volunteer opportunities that are available. We also are
(06:24):
a nonprofit with the governing board and committees, so there's
volunteer opportunity available there. Really sort of we love volunteers.
So anyone who's interested that would want to reach out,
they can reach out to me by phone or by email,
and I would be happy to share with them the
opportunities that we have available for that. And that would
be the same thing with anyone that would be interested
(06:45):
in supporting us by donation dollars as well.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
And you could go to and I saw something up
on Facebook but Rejuvenate Housing, and then just click on
it and you can see some of the work that
you're doing or some of the updates on things. And
then plus, I believe, depending on where you go, there's
even a donate button where you could give in that
way to financial dollars. But it all kind of leads
(07:09):
us to the reason why I called you and started
bugging you. There amy a few days ago, as I
saw the incredible press release on the fourth House that
you're just finishing up and you're going to have an
open house at that place.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
We are absolutely We've completed another great house that is
going to be a beautiful, joyful home for a family,
and that is so gratifying for us. And the open
house is coming up on the seventeenth from four until six,
and we will be here, our board members will be here,
our supporters, donor some of our volunteers, our friends in
(07:44):
the nonprofit world that are working towards housing, and so
please come by and see us, and we'd love to
have a chance to say hello and tell you a
little bit more about Rejuvenate.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
I would think that most of the people that have
had a hand in this house, and again, for those
of you listening, if you want to be a part
of it, five sixteen West fifteenth Street in Davenport, But
for anybody involved, it's almost like you're saying goodbye to
a member of the family.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
That's true that each of these each of these homes
are are very special to us. We like to be
able to hand them over and have those people who
move in take over the love as well. But we
care about every property that we Rejuvenate, and we are
so proud that we're being able to help make a
(08:31):
big change in these neighborhoods.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Amy Porter, It's exciting just to talk to somebody where
they're they're making the world a better place, making the
Quad Cities a better place. If people need to find
out more about the great work that you're doing with
this open house or just moving forward, how can they
find out more on Rejuvenate Housing.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Sure they can visit our website, which is rejuvenate housing
dot org. They can certainly give me a shout or
send me an email. I'm at director at rejuvenate Housing
dot org. My numbers five sixty three three four three
two four three six, or come on by, come on
by the open house and say hello, and we're happy
to actually visually show you on the results of a
(09:17):
rejuvenate project and share all of the wonderful things. It
truly takes oh so many people to make these things
these things happen, and the Quad Cities is full of generous,
kind and hardworking individuals and organizations who want to make
a difference. So I'm just proud to be a little
(09:38):
part of that.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
You sound like you're almost breaking up here, just getting
emotional with the great things that you're doing. Thursday, July seventeenth,
four to six five, sixteen West fifteenth Street in Davenport. Amy,
that job well done, but I really can't even say
that because the job still continues. But keep up the
(09:59):
great work.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Thank you very much. I sure appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City Forum, please visit the contact page on
our station website.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Now back to Pat Luke and Danny linnowe.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Getting a chance to talk to Alan Ross, the Jewish Federation,
executive director for the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities,
and Alan, thank you for taking some time today. You've
got a big event that's coming up near the end
of this month. That is, even though it's maybe catered
towards teachers, I would think it's also going to be
(10:34):
great for people that maybe aren't educators that still would
want to check this out. And it's a Holocaust education workshop.
This is great stuff that seemingly came out of really
from what happened at the Iowa House. Right they passed
a law to make sure that we're going to be
able to learn a little bit more about the Holocaust.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
Right, Well, the state of Iowa passed a law mandating
Holocaust education in the public schools in Iowa. Now, this
has been a mandate in Illinois for many years, but
it's never been mandated in Iowa, even though in some
places and the schools in Iowa do a good job
(11:19):
about Holocaust education. Because what's really important. Okay, it's very
important to learn the history of the Holocaust, what happened,
But the most important thing is what are the lessons learned,
The lessons learned that we really need today in our
schools and especially taught to our students who are going
(11:40):
to be our future leaders, because in our divisive world today,
we need those lessons for our students and our communities
to be able to deal with those lessons and what
we learned and the difficulties that we're facing today.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Well, that brings up a good point here, and not
to get this into you know, talk about divisive, because
there has to be after all, this time, this is historic.
People know that this happened, but there are people now
wanting to rewrite and retell history and this cannot happen
when we're talking about the Holocaust.
Speaker 5 (12:24):
Well, that's correct, and Holocaust denial has been rampant for many,
many decades, and this is an opportunity for educators and
those who really want to learn about what happened and
bringing it up to date today, you know, to really
(12:44):
learn about this and understand what happened, why it happened,
why it's so important today. And so there's going to
be a two day seminar in the first days July
twenty eighth Monday, July twenty eighth going to be held
at the Beateshelon Building in Davenport, and then the second day,
(13:05):
July twenty ninth, is going to be at the Danville
Station Museum in Danville, Iowa. And that's where they have
a number of Holocaust exhibits. There. They have the Ann
Frank postcard collection, and they have a new rail car
or World War two authentic World War two railcar, and
(13:26):
three new exhibits, and so it's a perfect place to
be able to tell the story of the Holocaust, and
you'll be able to see, you know, our articles and
exhibits and an actual World War II rail car, the
type of real car that you know sent millions of
(13:49):
Jews and priests and other undesirables to their debts in
concentration and death camps throughout Europe.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
It's just when you bring up ANNT Frank and you
I can watch. I think I stumbled upon a documentary
the other day just when I hear of ant Frank,
and I'm brought to tears to think of how close
this young lady could have been to get out of
World War two after how many how long was her
(14:23):
family with eight people were inside of basically a shoe box.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
Right, And what's incredible was before the war started there
was a ten pal connection with students from Danville, Iowa,
Little Danville, Iowa.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
So there's a little symmetry symmetry with this, this is great.
Speaker 5 (14:47):
Well, yes, it is a direct connection. There were postcards
sent between students in Danville and to and from Margot
and A Frank and those the original postcards are in
the Resenthal Museum in Los Angeles, but we have copies
(15:12):
of it at the museum there. And plus we have
an actual room that was set up very similar to
the room in Amsterdam, and so that and a number
of other exhibits in Danville are just it's an incredible
place to visit. And now especially with the new real
(15:34):
car and the new exhibits. It's an amazing place and
I encourage all your listeners to go visit sometime and
see see history the history of the Holocaust there. And
for those who want to attend this course, it's really
really important for educators especially that are going to be
(15:57):
teaching this to our students.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Well, even if the location, even if the locations in Davenport,
Iowa and Danville, Iowa, even Illinois educators or just people
listening today from Illinois there certainly welcome for this too.
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Yes, course of course they are, and we've been pushing
it in the Illinois schools Quad City Area Illinois schools
as well. And we encourage all educators, you know, whether
it's grade school, high school, in college, if you want
to know more about the Holocaust, that it's being taught
by the professionals at Echoes and Reflections who do programs
(16:40):
like this all over the country. And so we encourage
anybody interested to contact us register for the class, and
I guarantee you it will be something very beneficial for
whether you're an educator or not to learn this history.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Well, we are talking to Jewish Federation Executive Director Alan Ross,
and Alan, when you talk about registering is there a
cost to be a part of the class.
Speaker 5 (17:09):
Now it's free. It's a free program. Educators will get
steitans to attend, and you know, and also we'll pay
mileage to Danville as well. So we want to give
this opportunity to as many people as possible to be
(17:31):
able to participate in this outstanding workshop.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
It's July twenty eighth and twenty ninth. July twenty eighth,
it's in Davenport, but then on the twenty ninth Danville, Iowa.
And it's really you know, I was wondering initially why Danville,
but the symmetry and for those of you just tuning
in why the two different locations, Danville makes a perfect
(17:56):
place to wrap up the workshop for the Holocaust education
workshop that's going to be happening then.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
Right, and I agree, And please if anybody's interests in
contact me at three oh nine seven nine three thirteen
hundred or my email address which is a ross a
ross at JFQC standing for Jewish Federation Quadcity dot org.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City Forum, please visit the contact page on
our station website.
Speaker 4 (18:30):
Now back to Pat Luke and Danny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
We have Stephen Garrington, a young man that shows up
all the time. It's a most times. Stephen, you're talking
about the honor flight. You are always going, but you
just finished the honor flight.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
It was it was great and it was wet. It's
a poor rain. Luckily, we had a bank in Clinton
County had donated a bunch of nice ponchos, so we
took them along knowing that there might be rain. Is
one chance, and we had those guys in really nice,
(19:06):
real nice ponchos. Now the guardians went around pushing them.
We bought the cheap dollar and a quarter ones at
the at the dollar store and put them in there.
But they had a wonderful time, you know, in poured rain.
And here they are on the ponchos and they're watching
the changing to the guard at Arlington. Nobody said I
don't want to I want to go back on the bus.
(19:27):
They were all just having a wonderful, wonderful time walking
around and being pushing in the rain. It was a great,
great time each one of them. And the guys came
back and there was a crowd to welcome them. Some
of them were almost dry. By the time they got back,
there were guys who were coming down there and they
saw that crowd welcoming them home. You know, there's a
lot of the Vietnam Vets that they've never been welcomed
(19:49):
home before. There were tears. The day was great, but
being welcomed home, oh my gosh. That was such a fan.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
And you know, we are way behind on paying them back.
Speaker 6 (20:00):
They sometimes thank us for at the Honor Flight group,
our committees and they say, thank you for doing this.
Our answer is you deserve it for the people.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
Just tuning in right now, we're talking to Stephen Garrington,
director of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Another
successful but wet flight that headed out a few weeks ago.
You have two more in the fall. Now, are there
any openings on that or are they sold out right now?
Speaker 6 (20:25):
September is full October we're starting on that and that's
going to be close to fall pretty soon. But that
doesn't mean our Vestlan can't put their name in, you know,
and of course if it's a World War two VET,
you go to the head of the line.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yeah, you know, automatically as well they should.
Speaker 6 (20:41):
Career in the World VET. You're going to head the line.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
It also should be noted as we move forward, even
if it's not in the fall, if you want to
be a guardian or moving forward, if you're a vet
that maybe wants to get on a future flight, real ID.
Speaker 6 (20:55):
Yep, you need a real ID to fly. We do needs.
I mean people who say I want to go and
spend a whole day focusing on a veteran and helping
him unscrewing his water bottle for him and talking to
him and listening to his stories. I mean, that's fantastic.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
For people that want to be a part of that.
It's a great idea to kind of get ready for that.
It's not just going out on the flight and occasionally
be needed. You're going to be with that vat that
you're paired up with all day long.
Speaker 6 (21:30):
We actually have an orientation meeting for the guardians and
we go through a lot of stuff that they made
out of pod of but to take a long we
go through the whole thing so they're really prepared when
they're with the veteran. Oh gosh, you's great to have
a brand new friend, you know. I mean the veterans
saying a lot of veterans are losing their friends, you know.
I mean it's that time. But to meet somebody new
(21:51):
and say I'm making a new friend. That's great for
the veterans, and that's really great for the guardian. I mean,
it's a wonderful, wonderful experience. Some of the guardians cry
when they have to leave their reference. I mean, it's
a great, great time. It's the best day you'll ever have.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
This ends up being a win win. There is a
cost for the guardians, but it's a cost that also
helps to make sure that our veterans don't have to
pay a thing.
Speaker 6 (22:17):
It's four hundred dollars and of course that's if you
think about a flight to DC and back, that's that's cheap.
But some of the guardians have had it, loved it
so much they've come back for second, third, and even
fourth time to be on a flight. It's a it's
a wonderful day and well worthy experience. We hope they
have a lot of reference. And of course it is
(22:39):
some work. We've had someone with one of those risk
things tell us how far you travel and they said
it's about four miles during the whole day.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
If people want to make a donation or find out
how they can help in other ways. Website again or
social media that they can check.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
Out, just Google on a flight quad Cities. Let's say
you want to be a I'd like to be already
in but I have a good buddy. Let's let's have
two people. We've had husband and wife and each each
one of them takes a different veteran They're usually not
in the same bus, but they both get to go
to DC at the same day. As matter of fact,
we have I believe a husband and wife on the
(23:16):
next flight going out. So and if their second time
or a third time going on on a flight, which
just tells you how fun it is.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
I would I would think that's a great way a
secret to a successful marriage.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
And when they come back, they go, well, what'd you do?
Speaker 2 (23:31):
You know?
Speaker 6 (23:31):
I mean they and they can exchange their stories. It's
really a great, great.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Time informational stuff. Where did they go?
Speaker 6 (23:37):
Honor Fly qc dot org the web based Just look
up Honor Flight Quad Cities. We'll have on either one
you can you can find us and get an application there.
I'll just call Richcrest williads and say I want to
talk to the Honor Flight people, and Will range for
you to get an application as well.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on quad City for them, please visit the contact page
and our station website.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Now back to bat Luke and Danny Linnelle.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Getting a chance to talk to Lexi Bowl from the
Cancer Support Community of Iowa Northwest Illinois Guiltess Club. Lexi,
who is the communications and event manager at CSC Iowa
Northwest Illinois. Big event that's coming up here and just
well by the time this interview airs, it'll be within seconds.
It's showing up Monday. Tell us about this big workshop
(24:27):
because people do have to be there in person for this.
Speaker 7 (24:30):
Yeah, So our program director Kelsey Allen, she is leading
a workshop on how to reduce toxins in your home
and she'll she'll be covering simple swaps that you can make,
whether you know, switching from plastic to glass bowls. She'll
be covering a variety of topics and household swaps that
(24:50):
you can make so that you can live a healthier lifestyle.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
And bringing this up, I'm kind of putting on switching
things around here really for people well that still don't
know the great work that you do. Cancer Support Community
of Iowa Northwest Illinois Guilders Club. What's kind of your motto?
Say your motto, your mission statement, your mantra, what do
you guys all about.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
Our tagline is actually community stronger than Cancer. So we're
all about ensuring that not only people with a cancer diagnosis,
but their loved ones are able to receive support at
no cost. So we do everything from yoga, educational workshops.
We offer free support groups, kids programming, free wigs, we
(25:36):
have a free meal program. We really offer a variety
of things that support not only cancer patients but their
family members.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
And if people need to find out more, this won't
be the last time you give that website, but go
ahead and give it.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
CSSE Iowa Illinois dot org.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
Got it, CSC Iowa Illinois dot org. And when we
get back to the workshop, now, sorry for kind of
moving things around here, but when we talk about the workshop,
we did touch on it. But for people that I mean,
these are always informative. Some of the workshops, though, could
be a zoom option, this particular one is not. So people,
(26:16):
if you want to be a part of it, maybe
now's the time to register that spot before they close out.
Speaker 7 (26:22):
Correct, they'll be doing this workshop Monday, so I suggest
going and registering, but usually we have spots available. Just
give us a.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Call and that's twelve thirty to one thirty at Guilder's Club,
Demollin location off of John Deere Road. But again starts
by just going to the website or call. But csiwaillinoid
dot org to find out all the other things that
are going on at Cancer Support Community and one of
them is actually happening in September. And the last time
(26:53):
we talked, we knew you were excited about it. How
are things working out for the dragon boat racing.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Good.
Speaker 7 (27:00):
We're really excited about this event. So for people who
aren't familiar with dragon boat racing, it's pretty neat. There's
not a lot of festivals around here in our area.
We'd be bringing the first one to the Quad Cities.
So we'll be hiring a company that's going to be
bringing in these twenty foot long boats that have a
dragon head on them, and then each team will have
(27:22):
sixteen rowers and they beat to the They row to
the beat of a drum. It's a really neat thing.
So we'll not only have teams racing, but we'll have
vendors set up in selling items and food vendors. It's
going to be a great day for a great cause
to support our mission. And we do have our early
word registration ending on August third, so teams can either
(27:45):
purchase their team or they can go online and they
can set up a fundraiser and they can fundraise to get.
Speaker 2 (27:51):
On a boat. This is a neat way and you
touched on it the last time that we talked, but
the dragon boat racing kind of can bring people. When
you're watching everybody on the boat working together, it kind
of reminds of what happens when somebody in the family
has been dealing with cancer. How everybody has to come together,
(28:11):
including that person work is one to make it.
Speaker 7 (28:14):
Work, Yes, exactly, And you know what, dragon boat racing
is actually super beneficial for cancer survivors, which is part
of the reason we decided to bring the festival here
and do it as a fundraiser. There's a lot of
cancer survivor teams across the US and they kind of
just develop a camaraderie and a connection with one another,
(28:37):
and they experience a unique team building aspects that they
get to bond, but they also get to rebuild their
strength by doing dragon voating.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
So this isn't just viewing. I mean some people that
are like maybe initially thinking, oh this would be great
to look at and you will be able to But
if you want to get a team together this, you
could be a part of this. You can not only
talk to talk, you can row the boat.
Speaker 7 (29:03):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Okay, So again, if they want to be a part
of that, what did they do?
Speaker 7 (29:11):
Visit Csciowa, Illinois dot org slash dragon.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Okay, give it one more timegirl, because we just we
always as soon as you're saying that, people are reaching
for things or they're trying to type it in on
the computer. So give it one more time and then
they're ready to go.
Speaker 7 (29:28):
It's csc Iowa, Illinois dot org slash Dragon. And again
the early bird pricing ends on August third.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
You've been listening to Quad City Forum, a weekly community
service program produced by iHeartRadio.
Speaker 4 (29:43):
If you were your nonprofit organization would like to be.
Speaker 1 (29:45):
Featured, please visit the contact page and our station website,
or contact quad City Forum and Carob iHeartMedia. Quad Cities
three five three five East Kimberly Road, Davenports, Iowa five
Speaker 4 (29:58):
Two eight zero seven,
Welcome to Quad City Forum, a weekly community service program
produced by iHeartMedia to look at the issues and opportunities
that exist in our community. Now here's your hosts for
Quad City Forum, Pt Luke and Danny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
We have Amy Porter, executive director of Rejuvenate Housing, talking
to us this morning. And Amy, your organization seems to
be so new that I just found out about it
just like five minutes ago. But this Rejuvenate Housing was
that kind of an offshoot from Rejuvenate Davenport.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
It is, yes, So our origins began with Rejuvenate Davenport,
which was an organization that was operating back in the
nineties and focused on revitalizing downtown Davenport and removing blight.
So it was the same sort of founding organizers that
then became interested in looking at some of the blight
(00:56):
that was facing our neighborhoods as well.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
This idea is it seems to really be snowballing and
it's great, but you probably have to watch it. You
get excited when you see projects because there's an open
house that you're going to have here in just a
couple of days that we're going to talk about. But
is there a you get so excited you want to
start doing twenty nine of these projects at a time.
Do you feel like you're going to get overwhelmed or
(01:20):
it seems like it's also the mission statement to one
house at a time.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Well, we're making a difference one house at a time,
that's for sure and certain. We are very interested in
increasing our ability to do more than one or two
houses a year. So this year we've been working on too,
and our goal ultimately we believe could be five to
seven homes in any given twelve month span. It all,
(01:50):
of course depends on availability of acquisition of those homes
and then the ability to finance.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Those Well, that brings up an interest point. There are
other organizations that will find a perspective owner and then
maybe build the house or rehab the house for that owner,
and the owner goes through the whole process. Now with
at least rejuvenate housing, that's a little bit different. Maybe
(02:17):
not putting the cart before the horse, but the house
before the owner.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
That's a great way to put it. Ultimately, there's a
continuum and there are so many people in this community
that are working on all of the different aspects of housing.
But we face housing challenges everywhere from starting with the
unhoused all the way through emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent
(02:45):
support of housing, affordable rentals, and eventually the ability for
home ownership. And we really with the home ownership. That's
an opportunity to build wealth through home ownership. So we
are all of us that are doing this great work.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Some people they watch some of the reality shows where
they see somebody there's always seemingly this deadline they have
to get it done in two minutes before the first
commercial break. But there is a tendency for some people
that want to own properties, they want to slap some
paint on it and then sell it or at least
get a renter in there. And in your particular case,
(03:21):
you slow down this process because you're making sure it's
a house that can be worked on. But you're not
just slapping a code of paint on it. You're making
sure everything's up to code and looking like it once did.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
That's correct. So our mission at Rejuvenate is really we
have identified particular neighborhood where there is a lot of need.
In that need is vacant or abandoned homes that have
really a lot of code violations and homes in the
fact that are most times possibly facing demolition, and so
(03:54):
we want to reclaim those properties. Every home deserves a
second chance, So it's our opportunity to acquire those homes
and then go in and to whatever degree they need
the type of work that we offer to bring everything
back up to code and in some cases offer a
house that is going to be maintenance free for several years,
(04:14):
which is also wonderful for the homeowner.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
When you do bring a house up for sale, is
there like a waiting list or do people have to
go through certain steps to qualify you bet?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I would definitely refer people to our website. There are
income requirements associated with the purchase of these homes, and
there are a lot of great programs also that are offered,
one in particular by the City of Davenport, where people
can get down payment assistance to help with the purchase
of the home. And with Rejuvenate, we are asking for
a commitment from the homeowner for a five year commitment
(04:50):
to own and maintain the home, and that is an effort,
of course, to help restabilize and bring these neighborhoods back up.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Another point off of this, when you talk about the
houses that you're able to rejuvenate. There's a tendency too,
and again I hate to keep going back to the
reality shows, but you see all these beautiful things they
put on the houses, and they look fantastic, but then
in the end then the price puts it completely out
of reach of most people. So that's why the beauty
(05:21):
of what Rejuvenate Housing does. Make sure that this house
is better than it was, but it's also not out
of reach for most people.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
That's correct, and we're able to do that with financial
support from organizations, donors and programs that are available that
allow us to do that. The homes themselves are absolutely
beautifully appointed, but not financially out of reach.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
A great point to bring up there, and for those
of you just tuning in, we're talking to Amy Porter,
executive director Rejuvenate Housing. The big stuff. When we talk
about the funding, can people, as they're listening right now,
how can they donate or how can they also volunteer.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
I'm really glad that you mentioned that there's always room
for volunteerism, specifically with these homes. A lot of volunteerism
in improving curb appeal, So we appreciate anyone that's willing
to come out and help us with work in the
yard and landscaping and such like that. But that's not
the only volunteer opportunities that are available. We also are
(06:24):
a nonprofit with the governing board and committees, so there's
volunteer opportunity available there. Really sort of we love volunteers.
So anyone who's interested that would want to reach out,
they can reach out to me by phone or by email,
and I would be happy to share with them the
opportunities that we have available for that. And that would
be the same thing with anyone that would be interested
(06:45):
in supporting us by donation dollars as well.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
And you could go to and I saw something up
on Facebook but Rejuvenate Housing, and then just click on
it and you can see some of the work that
you're doing or some of the updates on things. And
then plus, I believe, depending on where you go, there's
even a donate button where you could give in that
way to financial dollars. But it all kind of leads
(07:09):
us to the reason why I called you and started
bugging you. There amy a few days ago, as I
saw the incredible press release on the fourth House that
you're just finishing up and you're going to have an
open house at that place.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
We are absolutely We've completed another great house that is
going to be a beautiful, joyful home for a family,
and that is so gratifying for us. And the open
house is coming up on the seventeenth from four until six,
and we will be here, our board members will be here,
our supporters, donor some of our volunteers, our friends in
(07:44):
the nonprofit world that are working towards housing, and so
please come by and see us, and we'd love to
have a chance to say hello and tell you a
little bit more about Rejuvenate.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
I would think that most of the people that have
had a hand in this house, and again, for those
of you listening, if you want to be a part
of it, five sixteen West fifteenth Street in Davenport, But
for anybody involved, it's almost like you're saying goodbye to
a member of the family.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
That's true that each of these each of these homes
are are very special to us. We like to be
able to hand them over and have those people who
move in take over the love as well. But we
care about every property that we Rejuvenate, and we are
so proud that we're being able to help make a
(08:31):
big change in these neighborhoods.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Amy Porter, It's exciting just to talk to somebody where
they're they're making the world a better place, making the
Quad Cities a better place. If people need to find
out more about the great work that you're doing with
this open house or just moving forward, how can they
find out more on Rejuvenate Housing.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Sure they can visit our website, which is rejuvenate housing
dot org. They can certainly give me a shout or
send me an email. I'm at director at rejuvenate Housing
dot org. My numbers five sixty three three four three
two four three six, or come on by, come on
by the open house and say hello, and we're happy
to actually visually show you on the results of a
(09:17):
rejuvenate project and share all of the wonderful things. It
truly takes oh so many people to make these things
these things happen, and the Quad Cities is full of generous,
kind and hardworking individuals and organizations who want to make
a difference. So I'm just proud to be a little
(09:38):
part of that.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
You sound like you're almost breaking up here, just getting
emotional with the great things that you're doing. Thursday, July seventeenth,
four to six five, sixteen West fifteenth Street in Davenport. Amy,
that job well done, but I really can't even say
that because the job still continues. But keep up the
(09:59):
great work.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Thank you very much. I sure appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City Forum, please visit the contact page on
our station website.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Now back to Pat Luke and Danny linnowe.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Getting a chance to talk to Alan Ross, the Jewish Federation,
executive director for the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities,
and Alan, thank you for taking some time today. You've
got a big event that's coming up near the end
of this month. That is, even though it's maybe catered
towards teachers, I would think it's also going to be
(10:34):
great for people that maybe aren't educators that still would
want to check this out. And it's a Holocaust education workshop.
This is great stuff that seemingly came out of really
from what happened at the Iowa House. Right they passed
a law to make sure that we're going to be
able to learn a little bit more about the Holocaust.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
Right, Well, the state of Iowa passed a law mandating
Holocaust education in the public schools in Iowa. Now, this
has been a mandate in Illinois for many years, but
it's never been mandated in Iowa, even though in some
places and the schools in Iowa do a good job
(11:19):
about Holocaust education. Because what's really important. Okay, it's very
important to learn the history of the Holocaust, what happened,
But the most important thing is what are the lessons learned,
The lessons learned that we really need today in our
schools and especially taught to our students who are going
(11:40):
to be our future leaders, because in our divisive world today,
we need those lessons for our students and our communities
to be able to deal with those lessons and what
we learned and the difficulties that we're facing today.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Well, that brings up a good point here, and not
to get this into you know, talk about divisive, because
there has to be after all, this time, this is historic.
People know that this happened, but there are people now
wanting to rewrite and retell history and this cannot happen
when we're talking about the Holocaust.
Speaker 5 (12:24):
Well, that's correct, and Holocaust denial has been rampant for many,
many decades, and this is an opportunity for educators and
those who really want to learn about what happened and
bringing it up to date today, you know, to really
(12:44):
learn about this and understand what happened, why it happened,
why it's so important today. And so there's going to
be a two day seminar in the first days July
twenty eighth Monday, July twenty eighth going to be held
at the Beateshelon Building in Davenport, and then the second day,
(13:05):
July twenty ninth, is going to be at the Danville
Station Museum in Danville, Iowa. And that's where they have
a number of Holocaust exhibits. There. They have the Ann
Frank postcard collection, and they have a new rail car
or World War two authentic World War two railcar, and
(13:26):
three new exhibits, and so it's a perfect place to
be able to tell the story of the Holocaust, and
you'll be able to see, you know, our articles and
exhibits and an actual World War II rail car, the
type of real car that you know sent millions of
(13:49):
Jews and priests and other undesirables to their debts in
concentration and death camps throughout Europe.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
It's just when you bring up ANNT Frank and you
I can watch. I think I stumbled upon a documentary
the other day just when I hear of ant Frank,
and I'm brought to tears to think of how close
this young lady could have been to get out of
World War two after how many how long was her
(14:23):
family with eight people were inside of basically a shoe box.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
Right, And what's incredible was before the war started there
was a ten pal connection with students from Danville, Iowa,
Little Danville, Iowa.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
So there's a little symmetry symmetry with this, this is great.
Speaker 5 (14:47):
Well, yes, it is a direct connection. There were postcards
sent between students in Danville and to and from Margot
and A Frank and those the original postcards are in
the Resenthal Museum in Los Angeles, but we have copies
(15:12):
of it at the museum there. And plus we have
an actual room that was set up very similar to
the room in Amsterdam, and so that and a number
of other exhibits in Danville are just it's an incredible
place to visit. And now especially with the new real
(15:34):
car and the new exhibits. It's an amazing place and
I encourage all your listeners to go visit sometime and
see see history the history of the Holocaust there. And
for those who want to attend this course, it's really
really important for educators especially that are going to be
(15:57):
teaching this to our students.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Well, even if the location, even if the locations in Davenport,
Iowa and Danville, Iowa, even Illinois educators or just people
listening today from Illinois there certainly welcome for this too.
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Yes, course of course they are, and we've been pushing
it in the Illinois schools Quad City Area Illinois schools
as well. And we encourage all educators, you know, whether
it's grade school, high school, in college, if you want
to know more about the Holocaust, that it's being taught
by the professionals at Echoes and Reflections who do programs
(16:40):
like this all over the country. And so we encourage
anybody interested to contact us register for the class, and
I guarantee you it will be something very beneficial for
whether you're an educator or not to learn this history.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Well, we are talking to Jewish Federation Executive Director Alan Ross,
and Alan, when you talk about registering is there a
cost to be a part of the class.
Speaker 5 (17:09):
Now it's free. It's a free program. Educators will get
steitans to attend, and you know, and also we'll pay
mileage to Danville as well. So we want to give
this opportunity to as many people as possible to be
(17:31):
able to participate in this outstanding workshop.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
It's July twenty eighth and twenty ninth. July twenty eighth,
it's in Davenport, but then on the twenty ninth Danville, Iowa.
And it's really you know, I was wondering initially why Danville,
but the symmetry and for those of you just tuning
in why the two different locations, Danville makes a perfect
(17:56):
place to wrap up the workshop for the Holocaust education
workshop that's going to be happening then.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
Right, and I agree, And please if anybody's interests in
contact me at three oh nine seven nine three thirteen
hundred or my email address which is a ross a
ross at JFQC standing for Jewish Federation Quadcity dot org.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on Quad City Forum, please visit the contact page on
our station website.
Speaker 4 (18:30):
Now back to Pat Luke and Danny Linnhowe.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
We have Stephen Garrington, a young man that shows up
all the time. It's a most times. Stephen, you're talking
about the honor flight. You are always going, but you
just finished the honor flight.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
It was it was great and it was wet. It's
a poor rain. Luckily, we had a bank in Clinton
County had donated a bunch of nice ponchos, so we
took them along knowing that there might be rain. Is
one chance, and we had those guys in really nice,
(19:06):
real nice ponchos. Now the guardians went around pushing them.
We bought the cheap dollar and a quarter ones at
the at the dollar store and put them in there.
But they had a wonderful time, you know, in poured rain.
And here they are on the ponchos and they're watching
the changing to the guard at Arlington. Nobody said I
don't want to I want to go back on the bus.
(19:27):
They were all just having a wonderful, wonderful time walking
around and being pushing in the rain. It was a great,
great time each one of them. And the guys came
back and there was a crowd to welcome them. Some
of them were almost dry. By the time they got back,
there were guys who were coming down there and they
saw that crowd welcoming them home. You know, there's a
lot of the Vietnam Vets that they've never been welcomed
(19:49):
home before. There were tears. The day was great, but
being welcomed home, oh my gosh. That was such a fan.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
And you know, we are way behind on paying them back.
Speaker 6 (20:00):
They sometimes thank us for at the Honor Flight group,
our committees and they say, thank you for doing this.
Our answer is you deserve it for the people.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
Just tuning in right now, we're talking to Stephen Garrington,
director of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Another
successful but wet flight that headed out a few weeks ago.
You have two more in the fall. Now, are there
any openings on that or are they sold out right now?
Speaker 6 (20:25):
September is full October we're starting on that and that's
going to be close to fall pretty soon. But that
doesn't mean our Vestlan can't put their name in, you know,
and of course if it's a World War two VET,
you go to the head of the line.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Yeah, you know, automatically as well they should.
Speaker 6 (20:41):
Career in the World VET. You're going to head the line.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
It also should be noted as we move forward, even
if it's not in the fall, if you want to
be a guardian or moving forward, if you're a vet
that maybe wants to get on a future flight, real ID.
Speaker 6 (20:55):
Yep, you need a real ID to fly. We do needs.
I mean people who say I want to go and
spend a whole day focusing on a veteran and helping
him unscrewing his water bottle for him and talking to
him and listening to his stories. I mean, that's fantastic.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
For people that want to be a part of that.
It's a great idea to kind of get ready for that.
It's not just going out on the flight and occasionally
be needed. You're going to be with that vat that
you're paired up with all day long.
Speaker 6 (21:30):
We actually have an orientation meeting for the guardians and
we go through a lot of stuff that they made
out of pod of but to take a long we
go through the whole thing so they're really prepared when
they're with the veteran. Oh gosh, you's great to have
a brand new friend, you know. I mean the veterans
saying a lot of veterans are losing their friends, you know.
I mean it's that time. But to meet somebody new
(21:51):
and say I'm making a new friend. That's great for
the veterans, and that's really great for the guardian. I mean,
it's a wonderful, wonderful experience. Some of the guardians cry
when they have to leave their reference. I mean, it's
a great, great time. It's the best day you'll ever have.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
This ends up being a win win. There is a
cost for the guardians, but it's a cost that also
helps to make sure that our veterans don't have to
pay a thing.
Speaker 6 (22:17):
It's four hundred dollars and of course that's if you
think about a flight to DC and back, that's that's cheap.
But some of the guardians have had it, loved it
so much they've come back for second, third, and even
fourth time to be on a flight. It's a it's
a wonderful day and well worthy experience. We hope they
have a lot of reference. And of course it is
(22:39):
some work. We've had someone with one of those risk
things tell us how far you travel and they said
it's about four miles during the whole day.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
If people want to make a donation or find out
how they can help in other ways. Website again or
social media that they can check.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
Out, just Google on a flight quad Cities. Let's say
you want to be a I'd like to be already
in but I have a good buddy. Let's let's have
two people. We've had husband and wife and each each
one of them takes a different veteran They're usually not
in the same bus, but they both get to go
to DC at the same day. As matter of fact,
we have I believe a husband and wife on the
(23:16):
next flight going out. So and if their second time
or a third time going on on a flight, which
just tells you how fun it is.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
I would I would think that's a great way a
secret to a successful marriage.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
And when they come back, they go, well, what'd you do?
Speaker 2 (23:31):
You know?
Speaker 6 (23:31):
I mean they and they can exchange their stories. It's
really a great, great.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Time informational stuff. Where did they go?
Speaker 6 (23:37):
Honor Fly qc dot org the web based Just look
up Honor Flight Quad Cities. We'll have on either one
you can you can find us and get an application there.
I'll just call Richcrest williads and say I want to
talk to the Honor Flight people, and Will range for
you to get an application as well.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
If you or your organization would like to be featured
on quad City for them, please visit the contact page
and our station website.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Now back to bat Luke and Danny Linnelle.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Getting a chance to talk to Lexi Bowl from the
Cancer Support Community of Iowa Northwest Illinois Guiltess Club. Lexi,
who is the communications and event manager at CSC Iowa
Northwest Illinois. Big event that's coming up here and just
well by the time this interview airs, it'll be within seconds.
It's showing up Monday. Tell us about this big workshop
(24:27):
because people do have to be there in person for this.
Speaker 7 (24:30):
Yeah, So our program director Kelsey Allen, she is leading
a workshop on how to reduce toxins in your home
and she'll she'll be covering simple swaps that you can make,
whether you know, switching from plastic to glass bowls. She'll
be covering a variety of topics and household swaps that
(24:50):
you can make so that you can live a healthier lifestyle.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
And bringing this up, I'm kind of putting on switching
things around here really for people well that still don't
know the great work that you do. Cancer Support Community
of Iowa Northwest Illinois Guilders Club. What's kind of your motto?
Say your motto, your mission statement, your mantra, what do
you guys all about.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
Our tagline is actually community stronger than Cancer. So we're
all about ensuring that not only people with a cancer diagnosis,
but their loved ones are able to receive support at
no cost. So we do everything from yoga, educational workshops.
We offer free support groups, kids programming, free wigs, we
(25:36):
have a free meal program. We really offer a variety
of things that support not only cancer patients but their
family members.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
And if people need to find out more, this won't
be the last time you give that website, but go
ahead and give it.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
CSSE Iowa Illinois dot org.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
Got it, CSC Iowa Illinois dot org. And when we
get back to the workshop, now, sorry for kind of
moving things around here, but when we talk about the workshop,
we did touch on it. But for people that I mean,
these are always informative. Some of the workshops, though, could
be a zoom option, this particular one is not. So people,
(26:16):
if you want to be a part of it, maybe
now's the time to register that spot before they close out.
Speaker 7 (26:22):
Correct, they'll be doing this workshop Monday, so I suggest
going and registering, but usually we have spots available. Just
give us a.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Call and that's twelve thirty to one thirty at Guilder's Club,
Demollin location off of John Deere Road. But again starts
by just going to the website or call. But csiwaillinoid
dot org to find out all the other things that
are going on at Cancer Support Community and one of
them is actually happening in September. And the last time
(26:53):
we talked, we knew you were excited about it. How
are things working out for the dragon boat racing.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Good.
Speaker 7 (27:00):
We're really excited about this event. So for people who
aren't familiar with dragon boat racing, it's pretty neat. There's
not a lot of festivals around here in our area.
We'd be bringing the first one to the Quad Cities.
So we'll be hiring a company that's going to be
bringing in these twenty foot long boats that have a
dragon head on them, and then each team will have
(27:22):
sixteen rowers and they beat to the They row to
the beat of a drum. It's a really neat thing.
So we'll not only have teams racing, but we'll have
vendors set up in selling items and food vendors. It's
going to be a great day for a great cause
to support our mission. And we do have our early
word registration ending on August third, so teams can either
(27:45):
purchase their team or they can go online and they
can set up a fundraiser and they can fundraise to get.
Speaker 2 (27:51):
On a boat. This is a neat way and you
touched on it the last time that we talked, but
the dragon boat racing kind of can bring people. When
you're watching everybody on the boat working together, it kind
of reminds of what happens when somebody in the family
has been dealing with cancer. How everybody has to come together,
(28:11):
including that person work is one to make it.
Speaker 7 (28:14):
Work, Yes, exactly, And you know what, dragon boat racing
is actually super beneficial for cancer survivors, which is part
of the reason we decided to bring the festival here
and do it as a fundraiser. There's a lot of
cancer survivor teams across the US and they kind of
just develop a camaraderie and a connection with one another,
(28:37):
and they experience a unique team building aspects that they
get to bond, but they also get to rebuild their
strength by doing dragon voating.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
So this isn't just viewing. I mean some people that
are like maybe initially thinking, oh this would be great
to look at and you will be able to But
if you want to get a team together this, you
could be a part of this. You can not only
talk to talk, you can row the boat.
Speaker 7 (29:03):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Okay, So again, if they want to be a part
of that, what did they do?
Speaker 7 (29:11):
Visit Csciowa, Illinois dot org slash dragon.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Okay, give it one more timegirl, because we just we
always as soon as you're saying that, people are reaching
for things or they're trying to type it in on
the computer. So give it one more time and then
they're ready to go.
Speaker 7 (29:28):
It's csc Iowa, Illinois dot org slash Dragon. And again
the early bird pricing ends on August third.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
You've been listening to Quad City Forum, a weekly community
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Speaker 4 (29:43):
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