About Us

Every community has a unique “Heart & Soul”—the pride residents feel, the places they love to show visitors, the gathering places where people connect, and the ways neighbors come together to work across differences. Community Heart & Soul® is a discovery process that helps small cities and towns identify the priorities, places, and traditions that matter most to the people who live, work, and play there—and turn those elements into actions to build a brighter future for current and future generations.

Led by residents in partnership with local officials, Community Heart & Soul strengthens community engagement, builds trust, sparks economic development, and honors history and culture. It becomes an ongoing practice for years to come—not a plan that sits on a shelf.

Founded by Lyman Orton, proprietor of the Vermont Country Store, Community Heart & Soul has helped over 130 towns across America build a future that reflects what residents love about their community and why they choose to live there.

Lyman Orton

Discover Your Community’s Heart & Soul

Learn how your town can bring more voices to the table and turn resident priorities into lasting action.

Our Mission

Community Heart & Soul®, a nonprofit organization, builds stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States through the Community Heart & Soul model, a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

Let's Get Started
A collage of photos: A Meadville Heart & Soul banner, a smiling woman looking at a paper, a police officer looking at a crafts table with three women.

Community Heart & Soul Network

Community Heart & Soul engages a motivated and dedicated group of individuals to help your town identify What Matters Most. Here's how it works:

Coaches

Coaches know what it takes to get things up and running and guide you every step of the way.

Staff

Our staff is devoted to building brighter futures for small cities and towns across America.

Trustees

Trustees bring diverse perspectives and deep knowledge to Community Heart & Soul.

Partners

Nothing great happens when you do it alone. Our partners share our vision and help bring it to life.