About
Empowering Communities:
Restore SGF's Mission and Initiatives.
Our MISSION
We aim to help families achieve their dreams of home ownership while improving housing conditions and raising residential property values in Springfield’s historic neighborhoods.
Building a Better Springfield
Restore SGF aims to assist families in achieving homeownership dreams while enhancing housing conditions and boosting property values in Springfield's historic neighborhoods. Launched in 2021, Restore SGF is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Springfield's housing stock and fostering community pride and reinvestment. We empower residents in selected neighborhoods to upgrade their properties, foster neighbor connections, and strengthen community bonds.
about restore sgf
Through a combination of public and private funding, we offer grants to homeowners for exterior home improvements. Our Restore My Block Challenge Grant program encourages neighbors to form teams, triggering a chain reaction of improvements with more significant grant awards for larger teams.
Additionally, Restore SGF introduced a Down Payment Assistance program for first-time homebuyers in five selected neighborhoods. Eligible homebuyers will receive a $9,000 grant towards down payment and closing costs, with a minimum $2,000 contribution required from the borrower. Application details are available on the program page.
As these programs demonstrate success, Restore SGF aims to expand its reach to more neighborhoods, fostering diverse, mixed-income communities with appreciating home values and a range of housing options.
reinvest in our home
Springfield City Councilman Richard Ollis grew up within blocks of his family’s 130-year-old business on Commercial Street and witnessed the city's growth and development toward the south.
“Unfortunately during this same timeframe, many of our heritage neighborhoods deteriorated. Much of our older housing stock has fallen into disrepair... gaining much-needed attention with new enforcement actions,” Ollis said. “If we want to continue to grow and prosper as a community, we must do more than enforce codes. We must reinvest.”
Woodland Heights resident Steve Miller puts a fresh coat of paint on his Victorian"painted" lady.
Meet our Team
Meet our experienced team driving community revitalization and restoration efforts.
Operations & Program Coordinator
Michael Brittain
Born and raised in Springfield, Michael is committed to improving neighborhoods and supporting the community. As the former Neighborhood Revitalization Manager at Habitat for Humanity, he focused on enhancing neighborhoods through community-driven projects.
Board Members
-
Brian Fogle | Board President
Executive in Residence; Drury University -
Joselyn Baldner | Board Vice President:
President & CEO; Central Bank -
Andrew Doolittle | Board Treasurer: Partner, Everett Homes
-
Rusty Worley | Board Secretary:
Director of Community Engagement; Toth & Associates -
Richard Ollis | Past Board President:
President & CEO; Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors -
Amy Blansit | Board Member:
Founder & CEO; Drew Lewis Foundation -
Adrianna Bruening | Board Member:
Real Estate powered by KW (Keller Williams) -
Dana Elwell | Board Member:
Retired; Banking -
John Everett | Board Member:
CEO; Legacy Bank & Trust -
Heather Hardinger | Board Member:
Director of Consumer Experience; CoxHealth
General Seat A; City Council Mayor Pro Tem -
Levi Paterson | Board Member:
Market Manager Commercial Lending; Great Southern Bank -
Becky Volz | Board Member:
Neighborhood Advisory Council Past Chair; Woodland Heights Neighborhood
Community Partners
These banks have committed to supporting Restore SGF with annual contributions for three years, providing reliable, long-term support for our work to strengthen homes, neighborhoods, and homeownership.
$10,000 per year
-
Arvest Bank
-
Commerce Bank
-
Great Southern Bank
-
Legacy Bank
-
OakStar Bank
-
OMB Bank
-
Regent Bank
$15,000 per year
-
Central Bank
Building a Revolving Loan Fund for Homeownership
Our partners are also helping Restore SGF build Revolving Loan Fund dedicated to building and revitalizing homes for homeownership. This fund will provide financing to help bring homes back to life and create more opportunities for people to become homeowners in Springfield.
Revolving Loan Fund Partners
-
Community Foundation of the Ozarks: $500,000
-
Arvest Bank: $500,000
-
Regent Bank: $500,000
-
Central Bank: $250,000
-
Commerce Bank: $250,000
-
Great Southern Bank: $250,000
-
Legacy Bank: $250,000
We are grateful for their commitment to Restore SGF and to the future of our community.
“I got a wonderful opportunity to fix a few things that could improve my home’s look and [I] got to know more neighbors in the bargain!”
– Rita Silic, Woodland Heights Neighborhood ResidentRestore SGF in the News