“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
True leadership is not about acting alone; it’s about bringing people together, listening to diverse voices, and harnessing the collective wisdom of the community. At your Community Foundation, we believe that the most effective leadership emerges when we convene with local stakeholders, dive into the unique needs and resources of our area, and create spaces where collaboration can flourish. By working together, we can turn shared challenges into opportunities for growth and build a stronger future for everyone.
Recently, these convenings have centered around some of the most pressing issues facing our community: childcare and mental health. As we gathered with local educators, healthcare providers, parents, and youth, it became clear that our community has both significant needs and untapped potential. Through these discussions, we’ve deepened our understanding and are working to address these challenges in a way that resonates with the people we serve.
One of the most impactful areas of focus has been on mental health, particularly in supporting our youth. We recognize that fostering a strong foundation of mental wellness begins with building protective factors in young people. To this end, we have embraced the Developmental Assets Framework developed by the Search Institute. This evidence-based approach identifies the essential building blocks that young people need to thrive—such as positive relationships, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for growth.
Our commitment to this framework is more than just theoretical; it's becoming a central part of our work. Trainings and further initiatives are currently in development, aimed at equipping educators, mentors, and families with the tools they need to build these assets in our youth. We believe that by investing in these protective factors, we can create a ripple effect that strengthens not just individuals, but the entire community.
In 2023, this vision took a significant step forward with the creation of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). This collaborative group of teens from across the county is more than just a mentorship program—it’s a leadership incubator. Through the YPC, these young leaders are learning about philanthropy, leadership, and the importance of giving back. They are also making a tangible impact by identifying community needs and awarding grants to address them. By involving youth in these decisions, we’re not just teaching them about leadership; we’re empowering them to be the leaders our community needs.
Community leadership looks different for every foundation, and that’s because every community is uniquely different. Our strengths, our challenges, our resources—they shape the way we approach our work. What remains constant, however, is our commitment to bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and working towards a shared vision of a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
As we continue to build protective factors, support our youth, and address the needs of our community, we remain dedicated to the core principles of community leadership: convening, understanding, and creating spaces for collaboration. Together, we are not just responding to the needs of today—we are building a foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
Join us on our mission of strengthening and transforming White County by donating today. Donations are currently being matched 2:1, making it a prime time to give back and triple your impact. Learn more by reaching out to Director, Lucy Dold at (574) 583-6911 or check out our website at www.cfwhitecounty.org.
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