3. What kinds of concrete steps are taken by your community to address poverty?
“We are using the “catch & release” theory to bring in money to meet the needs of our community and improve our environment.” Carey Brackenbury
“Our community has planted a garden which will be shared with those who are in need.” Angela Schulthies
3. How did your community make choices about the actions most likely to have an impact on poverty? How are low income involved?
“Albion believes in the consensus of many individuals. We have made choices by soliciting input and opinions from numerous services.” Dave Mensing
“Albion has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its surroundings of recreation and outdoor activity. We believe by drawing people into our community to enjoy these activities, we provide residents an opportunity to actively participate in generating extra income.” Casey Hermansen
3. How does your plan for poverty reduction link with existing leaders, groups and organizations? What other partnership will your community carry out its poverty reduction plan?
“Hopefully, reach a point where we can participate in Habitat for Humanity! And - help a family build a home.” Kris Wenslawski
“Our plan includes involving our city government and several existing clubs and organizations such as the Four Leaf Clover Club and senior groups to unite in facing poverty. We’ve included members from these organizations in the Horizon’s program and it’s planning meetings. Another partnership that will help carry out our plan is one that has some funding to support our efforts.” Angela Schulthies
4. How will you monitor and evaluate your community’s progress in reducing poverty?
“As an original steering committee member, I plan to stay involved. With all the work it took to get it going, I really want it to continue and be very successful. My part going forward will be as a fundraiser and political activist for our Horizon organization. To hlep those in need in Albion, I will go to those in and out of town to raise money.” Ina Digrazia
“Steering committee members will continue to stay involved in action plans to improve our community. Many are excited and motivated to watch the progress and changes that are coming.” Heather Mortensen
4. What structures have been changed that will enable your community to address poverty in the long-term?
“We have began laying the ground work to provide all businesses and residents to profit from structured events, which many will end up being annual events.” Casey Hermansen
“New opportunities are in place to promote education throughout the Albion Valley. New educational opportunities range from self-enrichment to tangible skills valuable in the workforce.” Dave Mensing
4. What community resources will be needed to sustain the community plan to reduce poverty? What additional resources would make a difference in your community’s work to reduce poverty?
“Continue our Community Education (self-improvement classes) such as Job Search Tips.” Kris Wenslawski
“Unified effort amongst residents in volunteer projects to beautify community and maintenance and upkeep from city employees. People and communities prosper when their environments invite them to do so. Improve your surroundings, improve yourself.” Casey Hermansen
7. Does the community leadership reflect the community’s demographic profile? Are more low income people participating in community leadership?
“Yes, I believe they are and there are more people who are getting interested in projects.” Kris Wenslawski
“More and more people are becoming involved in our community from all races, creed and religions, as well as economic status.” Carie Brackenbury
7. What changes have been made in the way your community recruits and trains new leaders? Sustains existing leaders?
“Such a thing as training meetings that show how to think critically about new ideas for the community and how to go about sharing our thoughts with others and then finding ways to implement.” Kris Wenslawski
“Opportunities for the community to attend leadership training classes as well as voice desires for new changes within the community. Bringing together all walks of life for the betterment of our valley.” Casey Hermansen
7. How has your community leadership expanded? What changes have been made in who is now involved in leadership positions?
“The Community Pride Team has made several different committies within the team (six to be exact). Four to five different people make up each committee. Each committee is involved with different problems or aspects of our community. It has been great to come and put our ideas together to improve our community. By creating committee’s several people of the community have joined the teams that have never been involved in community projects or community activities.” Trish Mendenhall
“As a facilitator for the Leadership Plenty course, I was able to see first hand many new leaders emerge in our community. Persons who thought they weren’t “leader” material found that they were. Throughout the Horizons program, eveyone involved has had a turn or a chance to take on a leadership role.” Angela Schulthies
7. Are more people participating in leadership? Are different kinds of people (representing more sectors or parts of the community) now participating in community leadership?
“Unfortunately, the bulk of the leadership has come from the same individuals who have always done most of the work. Perhaps, as individuals in the community recognize the value of the structures that have been established. They will be more prone to join in leadership” Dave Mensing
“I see the leadership group pretty much established. Those who are natural leaders have taken the reigns and are moving forward. Casey Hermansen
8. What structural changes have been made in how the community does its work/makes decisions?
“Actual working groups or committees have been formed and these groups meet again to plan or follow through on an action plan.” Kris Wenslawski
“We learned decision making processes through Leadership Plenty. These classes gave us the skills to work together, plan, make goals and put it to action.” Heather Mortensen
8. How can your community sustain the changes it has already made in its leadership?
“Through the study circle and the Leadership Plenty training, many town residents that kept to themselves, have been embolded to become involved. The activism that has surfaced so far has been very impressive. Committees have formed and achieved community projects that have prompted others to become involved. I feel we can keep this going with more Leadership Plenty training and more projects for people to get involved with.” Ina Digrazia
“The changes that have been made are vital to the growth and prosperity of our community. As we continue to thrive, individuals in Albion will recognize this necessity and sustain the changes that have been made in leadership.” Dave Mensing
8. What is your community’s plan for maintaining a strong community leadership system?
“Possibly, or I have noticed, to continue to meet as groups and to keep planning and doing or working on our action plans. Also, to keep thinking of more or new ideas.” Kris Wenslawski
“Keeping in touch through email and newsletter so all can be informed.” Heather Mortensen
8. What structural change have been made so that your community leadership sustains partnerships with others?
“The community has joined forces with many organizations within our area. There has been many leadership training classes held to help prepare new people to take on new leadership roles. Many organizations have begun to join forces such as the Historical Society, Womens Club and Valley Players in order to bring more educational opportunities to the community.” Janet Brackenbury
“Through the action committees we have learned to work with other groups and organizations in putting plans to action. Through our formed groups, action team leaders and goals, we are better organized to get things done.” Heather Mortensen
11. In what ways is your community operating or working differently?
“We are getting to meet and know different community members through our projects.” Kris Wenslawski
“Leadership is working more with community members.” Teressa Toner
In what new or expanded ways are people contributing to your community?
“Some have good ideas and are suggesting ways to improve our area,” Kris Wenslawski
How are low income involved?
“In our community garden and participating on some of our actions teams.” Kris Wenslawski
11. What structures have been created or changed that will help your community?
What new partnerships have been created, and what difference have they made for your community?
“The community Pride-Team has been created and through this team we are making visual improvements within the community. We have also established a community garden that has helped grow produce for community members. The garden has been utilized by the Albion Senior Citizens and also single families.
Regarding the visual improvements the team has been able to obtain flowers/whisky barrels that will be placed throughout the community.
The partnerships that have been created has been wide spread. We have worked and created a partnership with the Albion Telephone Co., Mary Lou’s Flower Cart and Burley High School Ag. These companies have donated plants for the garden and flower pots. The families that we have partnered with are the Rich & Connie Redman family who donated seed for the garden, tilled the soil and implemented the soil amendments. The Alan and Heidi Loyd family assisted in the planting, laying out of the garden and provided misc. equipment. The Mike and Teressa Toner family has donated countless hours in assisting with the watering, planting and implementing different improvements (fence, drip line, etc.). The Jeff & Carey Leach family have donated time and funds for the dripline, sprinkler system and assisting with the working of the garden.” Trish Mendenhall
11. Have you learned anything about how nearby communities like yours are taking action to reduce poverty?
“I have become familiar with a community education program in a nearby community. The program is well-established and a valuable part of the community.” Dave mensing
“Some of the Horizons pamphlets have highlighted programs that have been successful through the years. The ideas that those particpants have had evoked new thoughts in our town, along with the original ideas of our own. We expect to continue communicating with nearby cities as well as soliciting information about ongoing programs from Horizons.” Ina Digrazia
12. How will your community make decisions about seeking further resources to support its plan?
Is a system in place to seek, receive, monitor and report on new resources to support commnunity work?
“Within the Community Pride Team we have spent the past couple of months working on the community garden. All decisions regarding the garden are discussed withing the committee and majority rules.
Yes, there are several grants available for community garden type programs that we are looking into and will apply for. It has been discussed to approach the city council to make funds available within their yearly budget to assist with improvement withih the city.” Trish Mendenhall
12. Is a system in place to maintain contact with, or to continue to work with other communities?
“Elected steering commitee board and call circle.” Teressa Toner
With your Delivery Organization?
In other partnerships?
“Albion Valley Players
Historical Society
Senior Citizens”
Teressa Toner
What new resources have been secured to assist the work of the community?
“Leadership training and cooperative between different groups.” Lou Wenslawski
“Contacting some outside resources for help if necessary, such as an instructor from outside of Albion to teach community education classes.” Kris Wenslawski