NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region

08/07/2026

🏠 This one is extra special and a great example of what can happen when our community works together.

Melanie’s journey to homeownership started several years ago, when our own Tania Sanchez, first began working with her as a Realtor...who's now our Program Operations Manager.

Her path didn’t go exactly as planned, but a connection to Community Action eventually led Melanie to a rental home with an opportunity to purchase it.

Since then, Melanie has been working hard behind the scenes — saving, preparing, and staying focused on her goal of becoming a homeowner. And on July 30th, all that hard work paid off…the home she had been renting officially became HER home! 🎉🔑

We’re especially excited that NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region was able to be part of the final step in her journey, providing our last available $7,500 forgivable down payment assistance grant to help make her purchase possible.

From Acts Housing Rock County and Community Action, Inc. to Johnson Financial Group and NWBR, Melanie’s story is such a great reminder that the road to homeownership doesn’t always look the same... and sometimes it takes a community working together to get there. 💙

Congratulations, Melanie! We’re so happy to see your journey come full circle. 🏡

Melanie closed on her home on July 30th, and it's a story worth sharing.

She started with Acts Housing back in January 2023. After searching for a while, she found her way into a Community Action rental — one that came with the option to buy after living there 12 months. Yesterday, she made that happen, with support from Johnson Financial Group, NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region, and Acts Housing along the way.

Congrats, Melanie! And a big thank you to Mark Perry, who runs Community Action, Inc. and sits on our board, for being there to celebrate with her.

This is what community partnership looks like.

08/07/2026

Our Executive Director, Liz Casey, had a great time at Business Before Hours this morning! ☕️💙

We love opportunities like this to catch up with familiar faces, make new connections, and stay connected to the people and organizations doing great things in our community.

Thanks to the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and Irontek for bringing everyone together!

08/04/2026

Neighbor to Neighbor Series: Home at Last🏡✨

Every homeownership journey begins with a first step, and for this family, that step was reaching out to NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region early in the process.

They began working one-on-one with one of our AMAZING HUD-certified housing counselor to create a plan, navigate obstacles, and learn about the down payment assistance programs available to them.

By preparing early, they were able to move forward with confidence when the right opportunity came along.

Along the way, they attended one of our Homebuyer Education classes, where they connected with the REALTOR® who would ultimately help them find their home and guide them through the closing process along with a wonderful local lender at Guild Mortgage.

Angela Vazquez Sanchez: HCA Real Estate, KW Realty Signature 🩷

Recently, they received the keys to their new home…a milestone made possible through hard work, preparation, and a great team supporting them along the way.

Congratulations to this wonderful family! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your homeownership journey. We wish you many happy memories in your new home.

Thinking about buying a home?

You don't have to navigate the process alone. Our counselors are here to help you prepare, understand your options, and build a plan that's right for you.

And if down payment or closing costs are standing in the way, our down payment assistance programs may be available to help bridge the gap!! 💸

07/29/2026

⚾ Thank you for hitting a home run with us last Friday!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region at the Sky Carp’s Christmas in July Game.

We had such a great time connecting with families and our community!

Our temporary tattoos were definitely the hit of the night with the kids! 🫶

One dad even joked that his daughter "wasn't allowed to have tattoos"...don't worry, we assured him they wash right off! or after a few scrubs… 😅

It was also wonderful to see several of our Board Members come out to support us…having them there made the evening even more special.

A special thank you to the Beloit Sky Carp for partnering with local nonprofits and creating such a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

We appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a great community event!

🏠Missed us at the game?We'd love to see you at our next Homebuyer Education Class on Saturday, August 22!

Whether you're just starting to think about buying a home or you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help….simply message us to register!

💙 Want to support our mission? Donations are always welcome and help us continue providing homebuyer education, counseling, and programs that make homeownership more accessible for families in our community.

Thank you again to everyone who stopped by, cheered us on, and made the evening so much fun.

We can't wait to see you at our next event!

07/23/2026

🏡⚾ Tomorrow’s the day!!!

Tomorrow's Sky Carp game is more than just baseball...come have fun, make memories, and help a local family hit a home run for homeownership. ⚾🏡

🎄 Christmas in July

🎅 Meet Poopsie Claus

🎨 Kids craft tent

🎆 The BIGGEST postgame fireworks show of the season!

When you purchase your tickets through NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region's link, every ticket helps us continue creating pathways to homeownership for local families.

Our team will be available to answer any questions & giving out goodie bags for the kids!

🎟️ Get your tickets today using the link in the comments!

07/20/2026

🏡 Today's the day!

Thinking about buying a home someday? Need help finding housing resources? Or just want to learn what's available in our community?

Stop by the Housing Resource Fair today! NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region will be there along with other local organizations ready to answer your questions and connect you with helpful resources.

📅 Today (Monday, July 20)
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Beloit Public Library

Come chat with us about:
🏠 Homebuyer education
💙 Down payment assistance
📋 One-on-one housing counseling
🤝 Resources for renters, homeowners, and anyone planning for the future

Whether you're ready to buy now or just starting to explore your options, we'd love to meet you!

🍪 Free refreshments
✅ Free admission
📝 No registration needed
🚏Free bus routes to & from the event!

Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member…we'll see you there! 👋

🏠 Looking for housing support or planning for your future?

Join us at the Housing Resource Fair and connect with trusted local organizations ready to help!

📅 Monday, July 20
⏰ 4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍Beloit Public Library

Hosted by several housing agencies, this free event brings together resources to support housing stability and self-sufficiency in our community.

✨ At this event, you can:
✔ Learn about rental assistance programs
✔ Explore homeownership opportunities
✔ Access housing stability resources
✔ Connect directly with local service providers
✔ Ask questions and learn about programs available in the Beloit are

Whether you're seeking housing support now or planning ahead, this fair offers valuable information all in one place.

🍪 Refreshments provided
✅ Free & open to the public
📝 No registration required

We hope to see you there—and please help us spread the word to neighbors, friends, and anyone who may benefit!

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region Acts Housing Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, inc. City of Beloit, Wisconsin - Government Family Promise of Greater Beloit Rock County Human Services Legal Action of Wisconsin Sauk Valley Bank Johnson Financial Group

07/11/2026

Our team is at ❤️LOVE Rockford today!

Stop by and say hello! 👋 We'll be here sharing information about our free homebuyer education, one-on-one housing counseling, financial wellness resources, and down payment assistance programs.

If you're thinking about buying a home, improving your finances, down payment assistance or just want to learn more about the resources available in our community, we'd love to meet you!

LOVE Rockford "Walk This Way" Event
📅 Saturday, July 11
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 803 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103

The event will feature free food, gifts, and community resources for everyone.

Come visit our table, we'd love to connect with you! 🏡💙

07/03/2026

🇺🇸 This Fourth of July, we're celebrating more than the holiday…we're celebrating the places that bring us together.

There's something special about having a place to invite family over, fire up the grill, watch the kids play, and create traditions that last for generations.

A home isn't just where you live, it's where life happens.

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day.

We wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday, and we look forward to helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership when we return.

Happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

07/01/2026

⚾️Every ticket helps build stronger communities!!

Join us on Friday, July 24 for a fun night with the Sky Carp while supporting NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region's mission of helping families achieve homeownership and financial stability.

🎟️ Grab your tickets today by scanning the QR code or using the link in our bio. We can't wait to see you at the ballpark!

🧢 Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us knock this fundraiser out of the park!

🏡⚾ Ready to hit a home run for your community?

Scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase your tickets and help NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region continue creating pathways to homeownership.

Every ticket makes a difference!

Link in the comments👇

06/29/2026

Neighbor to Neighbor Series: Meet Lizz Casey, Executive Director ✨

This year marks an exciting milestone for Lizz Casey…15 years with NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region and her first year serving as Executive Director after nearly 14 years in other roles across the organization.

Since stepping into the role in February 2025, Lizz has helped lead NWBR through a period of growth, expanding services into northern Illinois, strengthening community partnerships, and growing our team, all while staying focused on our mission of helping more families achieve homeownership.

When asked what she's most proud of, her answer wasn't about programs or numbers…it was about people.

I'm proud to work alongside an amazing team that's passionate about making a difference every day.

For Lizz, the most rewarding moments are watching families receive the keys to their first home after months or even years of planning and hard work.

Looking ahead, she hopes NWBR continues expanding access to affordable homeownership, building stronger partnerships throughout our communities, and creating even more opportunities for the families we serve.

She's equally passionate about investing in our staff, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to grow alongside the organization.

Her advice for future homeowners?

"Don't wait until you think you're 'ready.' Start the conversation early. Meeting with a housing counselor can help you create a plan, improve your financial readiness, and introduce you to resources you may not even know exist."

Outside the office, Lizz enjoys spending time at home with her family and their cats…whether that's cooking, gardening, tackling home projects, or relaxing with a good action movie.

Thank you, Lizz, for your leadership, dedication, and 15 years of serving our communities. We're grateful to have you leading the way!

In the weeks ahead, we'll be highlighting more of our dedicated staff, inspiring homeowners, and passionate board members…the people who work every day to strengthen our communities, one neighbor at a time.