VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Jim Paulson has volunteered with NeighborWorks® Boise for 20 years

JIM PAULSON has been volunteering for NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB) since 1995. As the broker/owner of Progressive Realty, Jim says his motivation to volunteer comes from his love of giving back to the community and his joy in helping people achieve their dream of homeownership. Recently, Jim assisted a community member in purchasing a home in a NWB Pocket Neighborhood, Cole Bluff Cottages.

“This young lady was so deserving. She’s very involved in our community and worked especially hard this year to sell raffle tickets for the Special Olympics,” said Jim. “She sent me photos of all of her Christmas décor that she put up in her brand-new home, and it just made me realize—that’s my ‘why.’ That’s why I do what I do.”

Jim is just one of many incredible volunteers who generously give their time to NWB.  At our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon, the NWB team took the opportunity to thank our amazing group of volunteers for being so “turtle-y awesome," as the luncheon theme suggested. (Photo below)

In 2025, our team has a goal to expand our Spanish offerings of the Finally Home!™ homebuyer education course! 

The amazing volunteers who attended the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon are: 

• Heather Bowman from Idaho Housing and Finance
• Jeff Enrico from Banner Bank
• Annie Fuller from Guild Mortgage
• Terri Harvey & Beth Wilson from Stewart Title
• Lela Hankins from RE/MAX
• Vance Lichtenberger from Mid-Century Homes by Anthology
• David Lupien from Farmers Insurance
• Amber Oquendo from Synergy One Lending
• Darren Simonson from Pro Guide Inspections
• Jim Paulson from Progressive Realty
• Eddy Udry from Keller Williams Realty

Thank You to ALL Finally Home™ Homebuyer Education Course Volunteers! 

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

Are you an expert in one of the industries listed below and looking to give back to your community? Join our volunteer team and empower first-time homebuyers by teaching a 45-minute session in the Finally Home™ Homebuyer Education Course (materials provided).

Your expertise can make a real difference, giving hopeful homeowners the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly challenging market. It’s a relatively small commitment with a big impact!

• Home Inspector (volunteers needed!)
• Home Insurance Agent (volunteers needed!)
• Mortgage Lender
• Title & Escrow Officer
• Budget & Credit Expert
• Realtor

AVENUES FOR HOPE

Gratitude for community contributions

The 2024 Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge was a record-breaking year for NeighborWorks Boise! Thanks to our incredible neighbors, we raised the most funds and engaged the highest number of donors in our campaign’s history. This overwhelming generosity strengthens our mission to create housing opportunities and build stronger communities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this year’s campaign a success. Together, we’re transforming lives and expanding access to safe, affordable housing in our community.

Thank you, neighbors, for your generous support. 

WELCOMING LEAH LARSON

Strengthening our Commitment to Affordable Housing

We are thrilled to announce Leah Larson as the Secretary of the NeighborWorks Boise® Board of Directors.
Leah joined the board in late 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in housing, community development, and strategic planning. As Senior Account Director at Neighborly Software, Leah has successfully partnered with organizations across 21 states to drive impactful housing and economic development initiatives, securing millions in funding for critical projects.

With a career rooted in community-minded leadership, Leah has worked with organizations like the City of Boise and Interfaith Sanctuary. Her expertise in public-private partnerships, policy advocacy, economic development, and program management aligns perfectly with our mission to create opportunities for affordable housing.

Recently, Leah penned an exceptional article highlighting the need to balance addressing immediate homelessness through shelters and temporary housing with long-term solutions like homeownership, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to tackle the complexities of homelessness and wealth equity, particularly through advocacy for affordable housing, education, and supportive policies. You can read it here.

Leah’s commitment to community development and her strategic leadership will play a vital role in guiding NeighborWorks Boise into an exciting future. Welcome aboard, Leah!

February 18 & 19: Homebuyer Education Class (Nampa) | 6:00-9:00 p.m. each day | Register here

February 10:  Paint The Town™ registration and applications open

March 22:  Homebuyer Education Class (Boise) | 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Register here

April 15 & 16:  Homebuyer Education Class (Nampa) | 6:00-9:00 p.m. each day | Register here

June 14: Paint the Town™ 2025!

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Our Mission: To lead in creating innovative housing solutions for underserved populations through strategic partnerships that contribute to building stronger communities.