I recently met with Ron Dials, our maintenance supervisor, and Carol Thon, our development director, to review the Energy Assessment that IFF, an organization that works with non-profits and other service providers, completed here at Holy Cross Parish and School on behalf of the City of South Bend and EASSI (Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative). We were one of eight organizations in South Bend to be approved for the first round of these no-cost assessments, based upon the application submitted to the city by Carol. This is an example of her work as our part-time development director that goes beyond applications for direct funding of school and parish programs and needs.

To the credit of Ron and our maintenance crew, the report stated, “The exteriors have been well- maintained and contribute historic fabric to the neighborhood. The interior finishes are in excellent condition given their age, and throughout the buildings the interiors are of very high quality and are well
maintained, with significant original features and materials still in place.” We will be working to address the more immediate needs while giving careful consideration to the energy efficiency recommendations in the report, in light of which of them might be financially feasible in the future. It was a sign of the respect that our parish and school have in the city that we were chosen to be part of the initial cohort of organizations approved for this assessment.