FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kosciusko County was one of three
communities recently selected by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
(OCRA) to participate in the first cohort of the HELP program. The program
focuses on training up small rural communities and assists communities to
develop a Strategic Investment Plan which culminates in a legacy project for
their community focused on four pathways: advancing e- connectivity, enhancing
quality of place, promoting community wellness, and strengthening local
economies.
The
Towns of Etna Green, Mentone, Milford, and Pierceton are participating with Kosciusko
County in the 12-month HELP program. The next step in the process is to gather
feedback from residents in each of the four communities and the County. The
kickoff events made possible by The Indiana Arts Commission, focus on using art
to bring these communities together and help them dream about what their
community could be. The HELP program, in partnership with Spoonful
of Imagination, will offer events to the public on:
These events are FREE to attend, and open to all ages. Spoonful of
Imagination will spark creativity by leading participants through a
collaborative art project, while having discussion and idea-sharing related to
the HELP program pathways and community development opportunities in their
local communities.
“The Art Infused events are a fun way for
residents to dream BIG for their communities,” said HELP Community
Coordinator Amy Roe. “We’ll get creative juices flowing with hands-on art
projects, while also gathering important feedback from residents.”
The HELP program will utilize the $1.28 billion
allocated directly to Indiana communities from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds through the
American Rescue Plan Act.
Additional community input activities
will be offered. A community celebration will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022,
from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Westminster East Banquet Hall at Grace College. This celebration will
provide an opportunity for attendees to share their input, for the community to
celebrate together receiving the HELP grant, and for the community to learn
more about the HELP grant. For program updates visit www.kcgov.com.
The Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) from
the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) supports communities
directly by building capacity, creating a peer network system between
communities participating in the program, developing a strategic investment plan and providing access to set-aside funding. HELP is a
52-week process culminating in a dynamic Strategic Investment Plan rooted in
four pathways: advancing e-connectivity, promoting community wellness,
enhancing quality of place, and strengthening local economies.
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