Success Stories
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Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.
Search Results: 19 Stories
Hope Restored Through Hard Work and Perseverance
In Salem, Utah, the reality of homeownership is finally a dream come true for Francis Badibanga and his family of six. Francis achieved this dream by working with a local self-help program, putting in hundreds of hours of sweat equity to bring down the price of his new home, and… [Read More]
Keeping it local works best for Utah orchard farmer
Wall Brothers Orchards has been in the fruit growing business for more than 50 years, growing apples, peaches, and cherries in Payson, Utah. The highest quality fruit is selected to sell to distributors and consumers in Orchard Brothers Farmer’s Market.
Every growing season a… [Read More]
Commercial Kitchen Fires Texas Barbecue up to Next Level
When Ruben Lopez and his wife Katherine moved from Texas to Price, Utah a few years ago, they didn’t have plans to open a restaurant. The idea began with a question Ruben posted on Facebook. “How would y'all like some Texas barbecue out here?” His query received hundreds of… [Read More]
Artist Finds a Way to Continue Painting
A few years ago, artist John Welch was renting a small house in Helper, Utah. He describes it about the size of a cottage, although it met his needs. The best part was he had enough space in the basement to create art.
John incorporates colors and patterns in his art to… [Read More]
USDA Guaranteed Home Loan Brings Couple Independence
Haylee and Hayden Nix were in the market to purchase their first home after renting a house from a relative.
Haylee said, “We wanted a home to have our own space and build equity in a property that would benefit us in the future.”
The Nix found the house plans and property… [Read More]
Commercial Kitchen Opens Opportunities for Food Service in Southeastern Utah
Local leaders, board members, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate a grand opening of the Business Technical Assistance Center’s (BTAC) remote workspace and commercial kitchen on August 23, 2021, in Price, Utah. As Stephen Lisonbee, Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs, said at… [Read More]
Family Gains Independence with ADA Compliant Home
Elisa Chavez and her husband Martin Hernandez were living in a small basement apartment with their seven children. While living there, Martin sustained an injury from an accidental fall, requiring him to use a wheelchair. This injury made their family more aware of the need for… [Read More]
Family with No Previous Building Experience Builds Self-Help Home in 8 Months, Despite Family Health Crisis
In Salem, Utah, Joseph, and Alyssa Thornton are parents of a young growing family of five and have more than their fair share of daily challenges. Despite their challenges, the Thornton’s participated in the USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help program, building their home… [Read More]
I Built a Future With My Own Hands
Amelia Smith is building her first home through the USDA Rural Development's Mutual Self-Help program in collaboration with Six County Association of Governments (SEAULG), which improves local government coordination of mutually beneficial programs where she lives in Sevier,… [Read More]
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