Arlington Named Third ‘Heart & Soul’ Community

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced that Arlington will be the third community in Hancock County to implement the Community Heart & Soul process.

Arlington was awarded a two-year grant for up to $140,000 to implement the initiative.

A team of community representatives will work with the Foundation to begin Phase 1 of the four-phase, two-year process.

Arlington will join McComb (2015) and Mt. Blanchard (2017) as the third local community to take on the project.

“Our community is thrilled to have this opportunity to come together and imagine what the future of Arlington will be,” said Cati Barker, Heart & Soul team member and Arlington Village Council representative.

“With the support of The Community Foundation and the national Heart & Soul team, we know the next 2-plus years will be a great success.”

Community Heart & Soul is 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.

Developed and field-tested over a decade in partnership with over 100 small cities and towns across America, Community Heart & Soul is a proven process for engaging a community in shaping its future.

“We are so excited for Arlington and can’t wait to get started working with the entire community,” said Dr. Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation.

“This project will help align friends, families and neighbors on what matters most and prepare them to play the long game as a community.”

Arlington will officially launch its Heart & Soul efforts at the Arlington Festival July 22-23.

Residents are invited to visit the Heart & Soul booth to learn more about the project, get involved and share their community stories.