Community Heart & Soul Towns

Akron-Westfield Heart & Soul served residents within the Akron-Westfield Community School District in northwest Iowa including the communities of Akron (population 1,588), Westfield (population 130) and surrounding rural areas. Set within the scenic Loess Hills region and adjacent to the Big Sioux River, the area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Downtown Akron is home to locally owned shops and dining options, as well as the historic Akron Opera House.

The towns of Akron and Westfield, Iowa joined forces to improve their communities. They received $10,000 to kickstart Community Heart & Soul through our Seed Grant Program. Stronger Together: Akron and Westfield Heart & Soul is discovering what matters most to the residents and playing the long game.

Akron-Westfield Heart & Soul served residents within the Akron-Westfield Community School District in northwest Iowa including the communities of Akron (population 1,588), Westfield (population 130) and surrounding rural areas. Set within the scenic Loess Hills region and adjacent to the Big Sioux River, the area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Downtown Akron is home to locally owned shops and dining options, as well as the historic Akron Opera House.

The towns of Akron and Westfield, Iowa joined forces to improve their communities. They received $10,000 to kickstart Community Heart & Soul through our Seed Grant Program. Stronger Together: Akron and Westfield Heart & Soul is discovering what matters most to the residents and playing the long game.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Residents in Bellevue, Iowa, launched Community Heart & Soul® to focus on getting everyone involved in setting priorities for strengthening their town. In considering the town’s assets, natural beauty, heritage, neighborhood pride, and support for youth all ranked high. Attracting and retaining more Millennials (born 1981-1996) was identified as an opportunity for growth. That prompted taking a closer look at childcare needs, finding creative solutions to increase housing, and restoration of commercial space on the river. “We want the message to be, ‘You can thrive here, not just survive here,’” said Claira Sieverding, a Millennial who works and lives in Bellevue and was a leader in Community Heart & Soul.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul includes Greenwood, Woodstock, Newry, Bethel, and the surrounding townships. The process involved over 100 volunteers who contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to the process. Through one-on-one interviews, group storytelling events, coasters in restaurants, story circles, poetry nights, online surveys, and classroom assignments the team heard thousands of responses from community members. Mahoosuc Heart & Soul followed the four phases of the Community Heart & Soul method while tailoring activities to meet the needs of the Mahoosuc community.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Long struggling textile mill town, Biddeford (pop. 21,000), had come to be defined by an industrial trash incinerator in the center of town. But the facility represented 80 jobs and was a major taxpayer.

Through Community Heart & Soul, residents set change in motion by showing city leaders that there was strong support for tearing the incinerator down. The city purchased the plant, tore it down, and that sparked revitalization.

Bucksport sits on the Penobscot River in the region of Maine known as Mid-coast. For 84 years the town's main employer was a papermill that manufactured paper made from wood harvested in the Maine forest. Paper from the mill was used for magazines such as Time and Good Housekeeping and catalogs for L.L. Bean and others. When the mill closed in 2014, this town was determined not to be defeated. Community Heart & Soul® inspired new ways for people and organizations to collaborate, volunteer, and get things done to build a better Bucksport.

The town of Canaan is a picturesque community located on the Connecticut River in Northeastern Vermont. It is bordered by New Hampshire and Quebec, Canada, and many consider it to be the “real” Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Canaan is also the only town in Vermont to share a land border with New Hampshire, the town's far northeastern corner touches the southwestern corner of the town of Pittsburg, NH. The Connecticut River defines the state line from Canaan southward. The residents wished to create a relationship with the towns of Pittsburg and Colebrook New Hampshire to look at economic development on a regional scale.

Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Great Carlisle Project (GCP) began in 2016. Following the Community Heart & Soul framework, members of the GCP, with the leadership of the Project Director, work with their community to tell, listen and share stories about the cultural heritage of the community. Through the storytelling process residents will come to know the "heart and soul" of their community - what they value, what matters most, how they relate to each other and to their landscape, and what they want for our future.

In 2018, Cascade Heart & Soul was formed to make a difference and affect positive change in the community using Community Heart & Soul. The community planning process will reach everyone in the community to identify the common values and goals of people who live here. Representatives of the Heart & Soul committee want to hear from resident's their unique stories of life there and the successes and struggles they've experienced.

Chelsea, Maine is a small town on the eastern bank of the Kennebec River. It was incorporated in 1851, separating from a portion of Hallowell. When the town asked for community input to shape revised ordinances and future planning, only a few residents participated. Town leaders recognized the need to try something different to foster genuine community engagement and began Community Heart & Soul in 2019. Chelsea Community Heart & Soul is a program that is driven by the residents of Chelsea, Maine and they are busy in their ongoing practice of keeping their Heart & Soul statements at the forefront of their decision making in the community.

Engaging missing voices in local government was one goal of the Cortez Community Heart & Soul® project. The team used Community Network Analysis to take a deep look into who lives in the community, and they invested time building trust. The result was Community Heart & Soul changed the way that Cortez does business. Groups that had not been involved in local government including the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, the Hispanic community, and youth were all much better represented after Community Heart & Soul. And more engagement from residents helped planners make decisions and better advocate for positive change based on what mattered most to residents.

The North Fork Heart & Soul believed there is a better and more inclusive way to move forward together in the Valley and to make decisions that take into account the diversity of experience, knowledge, and understanding people have about where they live - about what makes this place home. Heart and Soul provides a path towards building thriving places where we as citizens steer the future of the North Fork Valley. We are a group of local residents, officials, and volunteers from the North Fork Valley who want to learn about what all our neighbors think matters most about where we live and where we are headed; about the common goals we share in our communities and for our local economy; and about how to protect and celebrate the heritage of the North Fork Valley.

Damariscotta is a picturesque coastal village with a rich history that can be dated back 2,500 years thanks to ancient oyster shell middens, or remnant piles, left along the banks of the Damariscotta River by the Wawenock Abenaki. Historically, Damariscotta’s economy was rooted in shipbuilding. Today, the town is a regional shopping and service center. In the summer months, the population grows with second homeowners and tourists. Managing growth and balancing the burgeoning tourist economy with the needs of the local community were front of mind when Heart & Soul launched in late 2008.

With approximately 4,500 residents, Cameron County is the least populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including expansive forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. Once home to thriving industries, Cameron County has faced economic challenges as major employers left over the years. Through Community Heart & Soul, the community has restored pride, celebrated its heritage, and shaped a vision for the future. Driftwood joined other Pennsylvania towns in receiving support and guidance from our partner, the PA Humanities.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

In the summer of 2016, the City initiated the Community Heart & Soul process to understand what matters most to our community with the goal of identifying Heart & Soul statements that will guide our 20-year plan and help maintain Ellensburg’s quality of life.

With approximately 4,500 residents, Cameron County is the least populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including expansive forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. Once home to thriving industries, Cameron County has faced economic challenges as major employers left over the years. Through Community Heart & Soul, the community has restored pride, celebrated its heritage, and shaped a vision for the future. The county seat, Emporium, serves as a central hub, but efforts have been made to ensure all towns and villages within the county feel included in revitalization efforts.

The Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction are overlapping municipalities grappling with how their futures fit together. For more than 50 years, residents of the two municipalities have debated the merits of merging or separating. Governing boards, committees, and municipal services coordinate to varying degrees, though many of these entities still function separately, including planning. Heart & Soul of Essex looked to find common ground. The question was not whether to merge or separate, but how to work together to lay the groundwork for an enduring future.

Located in South Carolina, we partnered with the Arras Foundation to bring Community Heart & Soul directly to the town of Fort Lawn. Heart & Soul Team members and resident’s worked to revitalize the community - everything from education to economic development to the character that draws people. The project initiatives were supported by Community Heart & Soul-led coaches, training and technical assistance to guide community engagement activities throughout the community development projects.

During fall 2015, Community Heart & Soul, a small town revitalization effort started in Vermont, made its way to Galesburg, IL. Ever since then, Galesburg On Track has discovered what Galesburg residents love most about their community and how everyone can make it a place residents are proud to call home. Since the beginning of the Galesburg On Track initiative, this team has gone out into the community, listened to the needs of residents, and made plans for the future.

Gardiner was hard hit by the steady decline of manufacturing in Maine, losing employers, jobs, and population. In 2002, hoping to reverse the city’s fortunes, Gardiner built a business park near the highway. It never filled and amassed more than $1 million in debt. The seven mills that lined the Cobbossee Stream in Gardiner, Maine, were monuments to the city’s industrial legacy. Here the shoe, textile, fabrication, and paper industries thrived until the latter half of the 20th century. Now, the mill buildings are gone or reduced to rubble. One thousand jobs went with them. The decline continued into the 21st century. One of Gardiner’s remaining major employers went out of business, a loss of 141 jobs. A candle company left town siphoning away another 70 jobs. Population continued to slide, dropping 14 percent while the county population grew 5 percent. Hoping to reverse Gardiner’s fortunes, the city built a business park. It never filled. A $5.7 million expansion failed to solve the problem. Half of the lots weren’t sold and debt mounted to more than $1 million.

Golden’s population grew more than 30 percent between 1990 and 2000, presenting challenges of walkability, community engagement and affordable housing. In the 1990s, residents became concerned about the pace and consequences of growth and worked to impose strict regulations on development and expansion. Voters adopted ordinances limiting construction of new residences to one percent per year and curtailed the physical expansion of the city limits. With further growth projected, Golden wanted to proactively involve the entire community in discussing potential challenges.

Something GRAND is happening in Grand Lake: The Grand Lake Heart & Soul Project. We believe that the strength of a community lies in the hands and the hearts of the people who live there, and that the community’s heart and soul is the common cause that residents will rally around. By listening to and working closely with people who live in the community, these citizens begin to get involved and see themselves and their personal stories as part of a larger community story. This investment by our residents, and the understanding that our residents are the creators and guardians of the community story, helps to define the heart and soul of Grand Lake, constructing a profoundly stronger, thriving, unified community.

Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Great Carlisle Project (GCP) began in 2016. Following the Community Heart & Soul framework, members of the GCP, with the leadership of the Project Director, work with their community to tell, listen and share stories about the cultural heritage of the community. Through the storytelling process residents will come to know the "heart and soul" of their community - what they value, what matters most, how they relate to each other and to their landscape, and what they want for our future.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul includes Greenwood, Woodstock, Newry, Bethel, and the surrounding townships. The process involved over 100 volunteers who contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to the process. Through one-on-one interviews, group storytelling events, coasters in restaurants, story circles, poetry nights, online surveys, and classroom assignments the team heard thousands of responses from community members. Mahoosuc Heart & Soul followed the four phases of the Community Heart & Soul method while tailoring activities to meet the needs of the Mahoosuc community.

Hammonton, New Jersey is located in Atlantic County in close proximity to Philadelphia and Atlantic City. It sits within the vast Pinelands National Reserve, a unique region known for its picturesque landscape and outdoor recreation opportunities. Known as the "Blueberry Capital of the World," Hammonton is home to thriving blueberry farms, a key part of its economy and identity. The town also boasts a thriving historic downtown with a flourishing arts scene alongside restaurants and local businesses that highlight the community’s Italian heritage and growing Hispanic population.

The North Fork Heart & Soul believed there is a better and more inclusive way to move forward together in the Valley and to make decisions that take into account the diversity of experience, knowledge, and understanding people have about where they live - about what makes this place home. Heart and Soul provides a path towards building thriving places where we as citizens steer the future of the North Fork Valley. We are a group of local residents, officials, and volunteers from the North Fork Valley who want to learn about what all our neighbors think matters most about where we live and where we are headed; about the common goals we share in our communities and for our local economy; and about how to protect and celebrate the heritage of the North Fork Valley.

In 2013, McComb lost its anchor retail store, leaving 16 buildings vacant downtown. At the same time, expansion of an intermodal rail terminal nearby puts McComb at a potential pivot point. With a grant from the local community foundation, townspeople decided to draft a new future and create McComb Region Heart & Soul.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Located in South Carolina, we partnered with the Arras Foundation to bring Community Heart & Soul directly to the town of Kershaw. During the initial two years of the Heart & Soul Kershaw program, youth and adults engaged in a series of conversations, community mappings, and other creative activities for the purpose of identifying our common interests and values. Kershaw Heart & Soul created a clear values and vision statement for the Kershaw community. The Heart & Soul process designed a plan that can guide community decision-making processes for the future of the area.

Laconia is a small city in central New Hampshire distinguished by the four bodies of water that either border the city or are within city limits: Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, Paugus Bay, and Opechee Bay. Laconia has three distinct villages as part of the makeup of the city: Downtown, Lakeport and Weir’s Beach. This has created a divide for years with residents arguing on how each area should develop, allocate budgets, and plan land use. As a tourist community, there is conflict between the economic benefits of tourism and the strain on local resources.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul includes Greenwood, Woodstock, Newry, Bethel, and the surrounding townships. The process involved over 100 volunteers who contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to the process. Through one-on-one interviews, group storytelling events, coasters in restaurants, story circles, poetry nights, online surveys, and classroom assignments the team heard thousands of responses from community members. Mahoosuc Heart & Soul followed the four phases of the Community Heart & Soul method while tailoring activities to meet the needs of the Mahoosuc community.

Manning Heart & Soul is a community driven effort focusing on what matters to the citizens of the Manning area in South Carolina. By sharing stories and ideas they will build a common vision for their future. The Manning Heart & Soul leadership team and volunteers continue to work tirelessly to listen to what matters most to residents. While working with residents through the Community Heart & Soul process, the Manning Heart & Soul team identified that a strong “sense of community” was something that mattered most to everyone. Residents wanted to have more community events and opportunities for residents to foster a sense of community-mindedness and be involved. Manning Heart & Soul volunteers have participated in over 20 community events, ranging from high school sporting events, outdoor concerts and festivals, as well as holding their own events.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

In 2013, McComb lost its anchor retail store, leaving 16 buildings vacant downtown. At the same time, expansion of an intermodal rail terminal nearby puts McComb at a potential pivot point. With a grant from the local community foundation, townspeople decided to draft a new future and create McComb Region Heart & Soul.

Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, My Meadville started to bring the community together by talking about and identifying what matters most to all residents – the heart and soul of the City of Meadville. By bringing everyone who lives, works, plays and prays within the city limits into the conversation, the statement of what Meadville values most will aid in guiding city’s elected and appointed officials as well as individuals, agencies, groups and businesses to make the best decisions for the future.

A Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant recipient, this Illinois community looked to the Community Heart & Soul model to ensure input from all residents and revitalize downtown Mendota so all residents have a great place to live, work and play. With Community Heart & Soul, residents in Mendota have been working to identify what matters most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. In recent years, Mendota faced some of its most difficult challenges. In 2022, the downtown experienced two devastating fires, wiping out years of revitalization efforts and leaving behind empty lots.

In response, the community came together to chart a new path forward. Through the launch of Community Heart & Soul, they embraced a resident-driven approach to rebuilding—not just buildings, but identity and pride. This initiative invited everyone in Mendota to have a voice, ensuring that future decisions reflect the hopes, values, and needs of all who call Mendota home. Together, they’re shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient future.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Monticello’s Community Heart & Soul project started in the spring of 2015 in partnership with Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and was envisioned as the first of several Heart & Soul projects in the region aimed at helping towns assess their assets and make decisions that enrich the community. Monticello has a diverse economic base of agriculture, manufacturing and small, locally owned businesses. The approximately 14 industries in town include injection molding, hydraulics, steel building manufacturing, and custom sewing and design.

Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Great Carlisle Project (GCP) began in 2016. Following the Community Heart & Soul framework, members of the GCP, with the leadership of the Project Director, work with their community to tell, listen and share stories about the cultural heritage of the community. Through the storytelling process residents will come to know the "heart and soul" of their community - what they value, what matters most, how they relate to each other and to their landscape, and what they want for our future.

In March 2017, our partnership with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation started the Heart & Soul work within the community of Mt. Blanchard, creating Mt. Blanchard Heart & Soul. This process resulted in developing a plan for growing the community based on what matters most. The Heart & Soul process gathered information from all who call Mt. Blanchard home, built networks and connections and established goals for the future that represent all residents.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul includes Greenwood, Woodstock, Newry, Bethel, and the surrounding townships. The process involved over 100 volunteers who contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to the process. Through one-on-one interviews, group storytelling events, coasters in restaurants, story circles, poetry nights, online surveys, and classroom assignments the team heard thousands of responses from community members. Mahoosuc Heart & Soul followed the four phases of the Community Heart & Soul method while tailoring activities to meet the needs of the Mahoosuc community.

The North Fork Heart & Soul believed there is a better and more inclusive way to move forward together in the Valley and to make decisions that take into account the diversity of experience, knowledge, and understanding people have about where they live - about what makes this place home. Heart & Soul provided a path towards building thriving places to steer the future of the North Fork Valley. A group of local residents, officials, and volunteers from the North Fork Valley who wanted to learn about what all our neighbors think matters most about where they lived and where they were headed; about the common goals they shared in their communities and for their local economy; and about how to protect and celebrate the heritage of the North Fork Valley.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

The North Fork Heart & Soul believed there is a better and more inclusive way to move forward together in the Valley and to make decisions that take into account the diversity of experience, knowledge, and understanding people have about where they live - about what makes this place home. Heart and Soul provides a path towards building thriving places where we as citizens steer the future of the North Fork Valley. We are a group of local residents, officials, and volunteers from the North Fork Valley who want to learn about what all our neighbors think matters most about where we live and where we are headed; about the common goals we share in our communities and for our local economy; and about how to protect and celebrate the heritage of the North Fork Valley.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

The Polson Heart & Soul project asked residents what they loved about Polson and their hopes for Polson’s future. The Team listened and recorded every one of their answers. The data was compiled and about eight themes emerged. Following the confirmation and determination of a final set of values in early 2014, the final step was the recommendation and action-planning phase. Recommendations provided community volunteers, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and local government with a clear idea of how to align their projects and collaborate on community priorities.

Postville, Iowa, is a small community with almost 3,000 residents, encompassing a little more than two square miles in a land of gently rolling hills. With a Seed Grant from Community Heart & Soul and the enthusiastic support of the Postville City Council, the Allamakee County Economic Development, the Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative, and the nonprofit Our Postville, a team of volunteers is off and running working on resident participation.

Rockland Heart & Soul began in 2016 to collect input in support development of a new Comprehensive Plan for the city. The project was organized, led and implemented by a group of volunteers who collected over 300 interviews of community members. Drawing on data from interviews and other engagement activities, the Rockland Heart & Soul team developed twelve Heart & Soul statements and identified 65 actions to strengthen the community.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

With approximately 4,500 residents, Cameron County is the least populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including expansive forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. Once home to thriving industries, Cameron County has faced economic challenges as major employers left over the years. Through Community Heart & Soul, the community has restored pride, celebrated its heritage, and shaped a vision for the future. Sinnemahoning joined other Pennsylvania towns in receiving support and guidance from our partner, the PA Humanities.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

With approximately 4,500 residents, Cameron County is the least populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including expansive forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. Once home to thriving industries, Cameron County has faced economic challenges as major employers left over the years. Through Community Heart & Soul, the community has restored pride, celebrated its heritage, and shaped a vision for the future. The county seat, Emporium, serves as a central hub, but efforts have been made to ensure all towns and villages within the county feel included in revitalization efforts.

Georgia EMC’s Community Development Team partnered to offer Community Heart & Soul® to the Thomaston-Upson (T-Up) community on behalf of Upson EMC. T-Up Heart & Soul was a joint effort of the City of Thomaston, The Upson County Commission, Upson EMC, the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce, private businesses, and countless volunteers. In March of 2020, the T-Up Heart & Soul team was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives for being the first community in the state to complete the process.

Georgia EMC’s Community Development Team partnered to offer Community Heart & Soul® to the Thomaston-Upson (T-Up) community on behalf of Upson EMC. T-Up Heart & Soul was a joint effort of the City of Thomaston, The Upson County Commission, Upson EMC, the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce, private businesses, and countless volunteers. In March of 2020, the T-Up Heart & Soul team was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives for being the first community in the state to complete the process.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Upper Chichester Township is a quiet suburban community with a diverse population. Its residents enjoy short commutes to Philadelphia and Wilmington, as well as easy access to the many amenities of the greater Philadelphia area. Small businesses line the main roads offering opportunities for shopping, dining, and services. Community Heart & Soul provided a framework for engaging residents, strengthening community networks, and creating a shared vision for the township’s future—one that everyone in the township can take pride in.

Envision Victor sought to implement a new kind of planning in our City, a process that focused on engaging our citizens, bridging our divisions, and honoring our shared values, in order to realize a vibrant and enduring Victor for years to come.

Since the inception of Mercer County Better together in 2016, using Community Heart & Soul they have leveraged the power of collaboration to strengthen our county and communities. Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is a 501c3 nonprofit community and economic development organization committed to improving the strength, sustainability and vibrancy of Mercer County, its communities, businesses and organizations through the alignment of resources and priorities.

Akron-Westfield Community Heart & Soul served residents within the Akron-Westfield Community School District in northwest Iowa including the communities of Akron (population 1,588), Westfield (population 130) and surrounding rural areas. Set within the scenic Loess Hills region and adjacent to the Big Sioux River, the area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Downtown Akron is home to locally owned shops and dining options, as well as the historic Akron Opera House.

The towns of Akron and Westfield, Iowa joined forces to improve their communities. They received $10,000 to kickstart Community Heart & Soul through our Seed Grant Program. Stronger Together: Akron and Westfield Heart & Soul is discovering what matters most to the residents and playing the long game.

The Heart of Williamsport, a Community Heart & Soul® project through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, actively seeks the collective wisdom of all citizens, including those whose voices are often missing, to bring people together to build stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant community.

Known historically as “Toy Town” for its once-thriving wooden toy manufacturing industry, Winchendon is a small town in north-central Massachusetts that has long embraced creativity and craftsmanship. Today, it is home to approximately 10,300 residents and features scenic outdoor and recreational offerings, including forest trails, lakes, and wildlife areas. Like many small towns, Winchendon has faced challenges related to economic transition and civic engagement, but it is also a place of resilience and pride. With a walkable downtown, rich cultural heritage, and a tradition of volunteerism, Winchendon is drawing on Community Heart & Soul to build a stronger, more vibrant future.

Winchendon was selected to receive one of the first three $10,000 Seed Grants awarded by Community Heart & Soul. With leadership from HEAL Winchendon, a community-based coalition, resident, and youth leaders are promoting inclusive community engagement through Community Heart & Soul in Winchendon.

Madison County, Iowa Community Heart & Soul is aimed at reconnecting people with what they love most about their town and translates those personal and emotional connections into a blueprint for future community decisions. The ultimate goal of the the Madison County Community Heart & Soul Initiate is to create a permanent shift toward more effective and participatory decision making in Madison County, Iowa.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul includes Greenwood, Woodstock, Newry, Bethel, and the surrounding townships. The process involved over 100 volunteers who contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to the process. Through one-on-one interviews, group storytelling events, coasters in restaurants, story circles, poetry nights, online surveys, and classroom assignments the team heard thousands of responses from community members. Mahoosuc Heart & Soul followed the four phases of the Community Heart & Soul method while tailoring activities to meet the needs of the Mahoosuc community.

Georgia EMC’s Community Development Team partnered to offer Community Heart & Soul® to the Thomaston-Upson (T-Up) community on behalf of Upson EMC. T-Up Heart & Soul was a joint effort of the City of Thomaston, The Upson County Commission, Upson EMC, the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce, private businesses, and countless volunteers. In March of 2020, the T-Up Heart & Soul team was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives for being the first community in the state to complete the process.