Source: Kosciusko Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program
April 21, 2022 (Warsaw, IN) – Kosciusko County elected officials today announced plans for a series of upcoming “Arts Infused” events for local residents to participate in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP).
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:
- Wednesday, May 4 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Bell Memorial Library in Mentone (101 W Main St. Mentone, IN 46539)
- Saturday, May 7 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Pierceton Community Building (105 W. Walnut St. Pierceton, IN 46562)
- Saturday, June 11 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Remembrance Park in Etna Green(106 S Walnut St. Etna Green, IN 46524)
- Friday, June 17 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Milford Community Building parking lot (111 S. Main St. Milford, IN 46542)
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.
About the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) in Kosciusko County
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.
Media Contacts:
Amy Roe (HELP Kosciusko County) – aroe@kcgov.com
Cary Groninger (Kosciusko County) – cgroninger@kcgov.com
