Our Team

Sister Barbara Busch
S. Barbara Busch Executive Director

S. Barbara Busch,
Executive Director


S. Barbara Busch, SC, co-founded Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) in 1978 and continues as its Executive Director today. WIN provides financial education and homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income residents throughout greater Cincinnati. Originally started with a $14,000 budget, the organization now has an annual budget of $1.4 million and employs 21 staff members. A Cincinnati native, S. Barbara has worked for over 40 years to help low and moderate income residents shape their communities.

She is a member of the Sisters of Charity. S. Barbara has a Master of Social Work from University of Michigan and is a Licensed Independent Social Work Supervisor.

Under her direction, WIN has built or rehabilitated and sold 167 homes to first-time homeowners. WIN has developed relationships with local and national lenders, which has resulted in over 7,000 low-income families owning their homes. WIN developed the WIN Economic Learning Campus in the heart of S. Cumminsville. The Campus offers financial training and counseling for homebuyers, leadership training, enrichment programs for youth, and 18 apartments for senior citizens. In 2014 WIN began its effort to move 40% of S. Cumminsville out of Poverty in a generation through six targeted efforts and includes 50 near net zero energy homes.
Alison Auciello
Alison Auciello Community Organizer

Alison Auciello,
Community Organizer

Alison Auciello is a community organizer. With 14 years’ experience working on environmental hazards, Alison works with individuals to build teams, analyze power and get action on their issues. Alison has experience on industrial pollution campaigns, educating government regulators on enforcement and stopping water privatization. She works on the project to make Hamilton County sewers affordable and sustainable.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 104 or email Alison
Rigel Behrens
Rigel Behrens Community Development Planner

Rigel Behrens,
Community Development Planner

Before joining WIN’s staff, Rigel worked as a self-employed artist for 19 years. Rigel earned a BA in Political Science from Northern Kentucky University and a Masters of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. In 2011, Rigel joined WIN’s staff to manage data collection and analysis of Hamilton County foreclosure trends, and produced WIN’s foreclosure reports for several years. She has also provided outreach and technical support for resident-led community building and neighborhood revitalization. In addition to working with the community directly, her work also includes grant writing, action planning, mapping, developing and maintaining relationships with partner organizations and universities.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 103 or email Rigel
Myra Boggs
Myra Boggs Financial Literacy Coordinator

Myra Boggs,
Financial Literacy Coordinator

For over 21 years as a HUD approved Housing Counselor, I worked with families preparing them for home ownership opportunities which included extensive budgeting and credit counseling. I also provided Financial Literacy workshops on a variety of topics that was of interest to families. In my current role as the Senior Financial Literacy counselor, I work with senior citizen homeowners to develop ways for them to be more comfortable in their homes.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 125 or email Myra
Cozette Evans
Cozette Evans Administrative Assistant – Youth Programs Coordinator

Cozette Evans,
Administrative Assistant – Youth Programs Coordinator

Cozette Evans, Administration Assistant &Youth Coordinator, has been employed By Working In Neighborhoods for 19 yrs. Myself and my siblings have been volunteering at Working In Neighborhoods for over 30 years. I have been working with the youth program for over 20 years. Before joining the WIN Staff, I bought my first home from Working In Neighborhoods. I am a resident of the South Cumminsville Community for 23 years. I have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 100 or email Cozette
Andrew Feltner
Andrew Feltner Energy Relations Coordinator

Andrew Feltner,
Energy Relations Coordinator

Inspect homes that have been recently weatherized, perform energy audits, and educate families on the ways to conserve energy and how to save money. I also do all of the billing for the energy department and coordinate its activities. Work with various organizations to find help for low income families. Working to bring current homeowner’s in South Cumminsville in line with the Net Zero Urban Village initiative.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 111 or email Andrew
Dennis Kinne
Dennis Kinne Housing Counselor

Dennis Kinne,
Housing Counselor

In December 2010 Dennis Kinne began his WIN career as a housing counselor, coach, educator. Prior to WIN, He worked in accounting, auditing, information technology, and network operations at Cincinnati Bell, Cincinnati Gas & Electric, and Arthur Andersen. He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree from the University of Cincinnati, an MBA from Xavier University. He holds a Certified Public Accounting permit.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 129 or email Dennis
Mary Metzmeier
Mary Metzmeier Community Organizer

Mary Metzmeier,
Community Organizer

Mary Metzmeier is our lead organizer. She helps low and moderate-income people build power by coming together and working strategically to change public policy and business practices. Mary has worked on housing, quality of life issues, environmental issues, and building neighborhood involvement. After 21 years in the field, Mary’s favorite part of organizing remains helping people who feel powerless begin to see that by working together, we can make real, sustainable change.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 105 or email Mary
Kofi Nevis
Kofi Nevis Energy Educator

Kofi Nevis,
Energy Educator

James C. Nevis (Kofi). I migrated to the United States of America some decades ago from Ghana West Africa. I attended Youngstown State University, where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economic. Then I went to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where I got a Master of Science degree in transportation planning. After that I relocated to Cincinnati to attend University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Ohio to pursue a Master’s degree in Community Planning. I currently work for Working in Neighborhoods as an Energy Auditor. I am a past President of the Ghanaian Association of Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky. Also, I’m a co-founder of a non-governmental agency called Alliance for Progressive Africa (APA).

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 110 or email Kofi
Dana Salter
Dana Salter Housing Counselor

Dana Salter,
Housing Counselor

I coach clients on how to build wealth and financial stability. My goal is to take a customer's dream and make it tangible. Once a dream becomes tangible, then it is time to start living. I begin coordinating a process of achievement customized by the client's circumstance. From penny savings plans, to "dream boards", I do what works best within HUD guidelines, to assist my client. We work on creating spending plans, increasing credit scores, finding a good lender, and ways to tackle any other barriers or hurdles that may prevent financial stability. I go out into the community and teach Financial Literacy and one-on-one Financial Coaching. Many of my clients become the first person in their families to own a home, car, or to maintain on-going and regular emergency savings.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 124 or email Dana
Whitney Schieltz
Whitney Schieltz Housing Development

Whitney Schieltz,
Housing Development

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, I attended the University of Cincinnati for my bachelor’s in architecture. I then continued my education at the University of Kentucky, where I received my master’s in historic preservation. After college I entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and moved to El Paso, Texas, for my first two years of formation with the congregation. While living on the border, I volunteered at a clinic for special needs children in the outskirts of Juarez, Mexico, and at a women’s transitional shelter in downtown El Paso. Now back in Cincinnati to continue my formation with the Sisters of Charity, I am volunteering at Working in Neighborhoods to learn more about housing and community development.

Contact Whitney: (513) 541-4109 x. 109 or email Whitney
Hope E. Wilson
Hope E. Wilson Operations Director/Housing Program Manager

Hope E. Wilson,
Operations Director/Housing Program Manager

Hope Wilson is the Director of Operations/Housing Program Manager for Working In Neighborhoods (WIN). Prior to her current role she worked as the Community & Housing Development Manager and was involved in the development process for 45 single family homeownership units and 18 senior rental units. Hope was involved in the acquisition, rehab, new construction, and sale of WIN’s homes that are sold to low-moderate income first time homebuyer’s. In addition she has been a Housing Counselor & Homebuyer Educator helping families attain and maintain homeownership in the Greater Cincinnati region. Hope joined WIN in 2000 as a Community Organizer focused on housing & lending issues. Hope has a Masters in Urban and Regional Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 132 or email Hope
Barb Woelfel
Barb Woelfel Accounting Director

Barb Woelfel,
Accounting Director

I began working at WIN in 1992 a few years after graduating from Mount St. Joseph with a BA in Accounting. I have watched WIN grow and change in many ways during my time here. But the foundation of WIN’s mission and work has always remained focused on our neighbors. I also have grown with WIN, from a staff accountant to a senior staff member, Accounting Director and part of the management team. In my early days I was focused on maintaining WIN’s financial records and learning about WIN. Now I am involved in some manner in almost everything WIN does. One of my main focuses these days is on grants, from budgets to reporting and compliance.

Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 123 or email Barb

Our Board of Directors

  • Robert Alexander

  • Matt Buddenberg

  • Marilyn Evans

  • Ena Fletcher

  • Ellen Frankenberg

  • Glen Glenn

  • Steve Grieser

  • Blake Johnson

  • David Dirr

  • Randy S. Kuvin

  • Kathy Lutz

  • Greg Ossege

  • Steve Schaefer

  • Thelma J. Walker

  • Michael Yeazell

Our History

In 1978, as the nation faced high unemployment, spiraling interest rates, inflation and an energy crisis, Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) was born to help Cincinnati’s low and moderate-income residents.

WIN joined with local residents to create an organization that would help them gain a voice in issues affecting them. By working side-by-side with residents and training them to become leaders, WIN helped residents impact issues including utility reform, quality, affordable housing, and quality-of-life issues, such as decreasing crime.

Led by resident’s desire to live in decent homes and to physically improve their neighborhoods, WIN began developing homes in 1981. In order to educate residents about purchasing a home, WIN began offering home ownership classes and counseling. WIN also developed partnerships with local banks which have yielded over $300 million in investments for WIN’s neighborhoods.

In 1986, WIN collaborated with Cincinnati Gas & Electric to ensure that low and moderate-income residents could afford their utility bills. Through this partnership, WIN developed a program so that low-income residents pay no more that 30% of their income for utilities. By working with CG&E, WIN’s energy program has become an effective resource for helping people manage their energy usage in an efficient and cost-effective way. WIN currently serves low-income utility customers in an 11-county radius.

Over the years, WIN has offered leadership training to organizations in 16 low and moderate-income neighborhoods from West McMicken to Mt. Healthy. We have sold over 160 homes to low and moderate income working families and educated thousands of first-time home buyers about how to purchase a home.

In 1999, WIN began developing the WIN Economic Learning Campus in South Cumminsville. The 5-building property on the site of the former St. Pius Church, is home to a community computer lab, financial literacy seminars and counseling programs, as well as youth enrichment programs including the South Cumminsville Youth Summer Camp and after-school tutoring. In the fall of 2006, WIN developed 18 units of housing for senior citizens in the former St. Pius School.

Visit Working In Neighborhoods Guidestar Profile, including recent 990s and Annual Reports.

WIN in the News

Join Our Team

Working In Neighborhoods is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY VISTA – FULL TIME 

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions. AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve full time for one year (06/08/2020  –   06/07/2021).

Project Description
Help WIN build a powerful team of residents, neighborhood businesses, and community partners to kick-start economic opportunity and equitable development in Cincinnati’s “forgotten neighborhoods.” The VISTA will work with resident leaders to build relationships with existing neighborhood businesses, and coordinate meetings, events, and outreach efforts that bring residents, business owners, local officials, partner organizations, and volunteers together to move community priorities forward.

Program Benefits: Training, Living Allowance, Health Coverage, Relocation Allowance, Education award upon successful completion of service, Childcare assistance if eligible, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend (Note: AmeriCorps service will not affect your status/eligibility if you receive public benefits).

Qualifications

  • Age 21 or older
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights and weekends are required)
  • Related education/work experience preferred (urban planning, business/economic development, entrepreneurship, community organizing, etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

To Apply
All applicants for this position must complete their application through the AmeriCorps VISTA online portal no later than April 21st, 2020.
For more information about this project or AmeriCorps VISTA service, email rbehrens@wincincy.org or call (513) 541-4109 x. 103

FOOD JUSTICE VISTA – FULL TIME 

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions. AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve full time for one year (07/06/2020  –   07/05/2021).

Project Description
Help residents bring food justice to food deserts! Join WIN to secure resources and partners for neighborhood-driven efforts for better food access, community gardens & a healthy community. The Food Justice VISTA will help WIN increase the availability of fresh produce for low-income families, build capacity for community garden & orchards projects, and help WIN develop a strategy to expand our food justice efforts to additional neighborhoods. Specific VISTA duties will include: assessing current organizational practices & suggesting improvements; developing volunteer recruitment & training strategies; marketing to the community & receiving community feedback; conducting outreach to potential community partners to support expansion; and identifying methods for our organization to better support community gardeners.

Program Benefits: Training, Living Allowance, Health Coverage, Relocation Allowance, Education award upon successful completion of service, Childcare assistance if eligible, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend (Note: AmeriCorps service will not affect your status/eligibility if you receive public benefits).

Qualifications

  • Age 21 or older
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights and weekends are required)
  • Related education/work experience preferred (urban planning, business/economic development, entrepreneurship, community organizing, etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

To Apply
All applicants must complete their application through the AmeriCorps VISTA online portal no later than June 3rd, 2020.
For more information about this project or AmeriCorps VISTA service, email rbehrens@wincincy.org or call (513) 541-4109 x. 103