The Heart of the Heartland: A Revival in Garden Valley
The air in Omaha, Nebraska, in late July felt electric with possibility. We arrived on July 18th to the vibrant mobile home community of Garden Valley, a place we hadn't visited in six years. The transformation since our last trip was remarkable. What was once a "scary part" of the park is now a beautifully revitalized neighborhood, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the residents and the Community Manager, who keeps all of her communities looking clean and welcoming.
Our first order of business was to connect with the residents, so we set out delivering flyers for our upcoming community dinner. While the turnout of 20-25 people may have seemed small, the spirit was immense. Those who came had a fantastic time, and the conversations we had confirmed what we suspected: this is a community with a big heart. The simple act of sharing a meal—fried chicken and all the fixings—created a space for connection, a truly impactful moment for everyone involved.
As we canvassed the community, we were met with a powerful sense of resilience. We met one resident who had recently undergone hip replacement surgery and was so open about her journey. She quickly became a priority for us. We were able to pressure wash her home and begin painting it on Wednesday. Her gratitude was immediate and profound; the transformation of her home not only boosted her spirits but also contributed to the renewed look of the entire community. It was a beautiful reminder that our work isn't just about paint and siding; it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives.
During our time in Garden Valley, we were fortunate to meet a truly unique duo: two residents with the exact same name, living back-to-back in the community. Both have deep roots in Garden Valley. One has been here for over 40 years, having lived through "the move" and speaking only positively about the changes. When asked what he needed most, his answer was simple: "My home hasn’t been painted in 40 years." We were honored to not only paint his home but also replace the skirting and stain his deck. He was truly blown away by our team's efforts, joking that he might not be able to find his house afterward!
The other "same-name" resident lives in his parents' home and has recently suffered a stroke, limiting his ability to do what he once could. He humbly requested we paint his dad's colossal, aging deck. Our team went above and beyond, building him a new, more manageable deck, painting his shed, re-skirting his home, and touching up his paint. The look of gratitude on his face was a special moment, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
The entire project was a testament to the dedication of our incredible team. Despite the scorching Nebraska heat, with several days feeling like a sweltering 110 degrees, our volunteers worked non-stop for two days. Their productivity was astounding, accomplishing more projects than I have ever seen in such a short time. We had 22 people supporting us, and the results speak for themselves: six homes painted, eight skirting jobs completed, four decks built, and countless other small jobs that added up to a monumental effort.
Our success would not have been possible without the amazing work of our Executive Assistant, who keeps us on track and is a constant source of support. We were also joined by a retired resident, an energetic man who embodies the community spirit, mowing eight yards around his home because, as he put it, "this is our hood, man, and we gots to keep it nice!" He was eager to jump in and help with any project. Another family new to the community, with three respectful and helpful kids, worked alongside us, painting their house and staying late to finish up.
Omaha is a city with a history of innovation and progress. Did you know that the TV dinner was invented right here in Omaha in 1953? It's a city that has always looked to the future. In a similar vein, Garden Valley is a community that is embracing its own progress. It’s a place where the shared effort of residents and volunteers is creating a brighter future for everyone. It’s also the city that hosted the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, an event that showcased the progress of the Western states to over two million visitors. The work we saw in Garden Valley—the spirit of community, the willingness to help one another, and the palpable sense of pride—is a modern-day exposition of progress, showcasing the best of humanity.
Despite the intense heat, the project flowed beautifully. Everyone stayed busy and productive, working together with a shared sense of purpose. The transformation of Garden Valley is a testament to what can be accomplished when a great community meets a passionate team. It's a reminder that a little bit of care and hard work can truly change a place for the better. We left Garden Valley feeling inspired, knowing we were part of a community that is truly on the rise.