Wabash Valley Community Foundation Launches Community Survey

Clay County, IN – Wabash Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a community-wide survey aimed at gathering valuable insights and feedback from residents in Clay County.

The survey will help guide the development of a community-wide plan for strategic growth. This initiative is part of the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII Initiative and the ongoing commitment to understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of our community, and fostering collaborative efforts towards meaningful improvements. The purpose of this survey is to gather authentic and vital data from the residents of Clay County to understand the needs and opinions about the community. By engaging residents, local businesses, and stakeholders, we aim to create a roadmap that reflects the collective vision of our community. Together, we can build a vibrant community that caters to our citizens’ needs and attracts new talent, businesses, and families throughout the state of Indiana.

In small rural communities like Clay County, the significance of having a comprehensive, county-wide community plan cannot be overstated. A well-crafted community plan serves as a roadmap for sustainable development, guiding local leaders and residents in making informed decisions that align with shared goals. It provides a unified vision for the future, ensuring that limited resources are strategically allocated to address the unique needs and challenges of the community. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, a county-wide plan allows for the collective input of residents, businesses, and local organizations, creating a sense of shared responsibility and ownership in shaping the community's destiny. In the absence of such a plan, small rural communities risk facing disjointed development, missed opportunities for improvement, and difficulties in adapting to changing circumstances.

"It's time for Clay County to have a Community Plan. The time is here and now. We must be relevant.” states Josh Alsip, Brazil Main Street and Wabash River RDA Clay County Representative. “West Central Indiana is seeing unprecedented momentum and Clay County is vital to the region's growth. This is the time that Clay County needs an overarching Community Plan.”

In an era of dynamic changes, being relevant means actively engaging with the evolving needs of the community and planning for a resilient and prosperous future. The call for community-wide participation in a comprehensive survey emphasizes the grassroots nature of the planning process, recognizing that the insights, aspirations, and concerns of every resident are invaluable. Broad participation not only ensures that the community plan is reflective of its diverse perspectives but also reinforces a sense of unity and shared vision. Through this proactive approach, the community can collectively shape its destiny, fostering a resilient, responsive, and thriving small rural community.

Survey Highlights:

• Survey Duration: The survey will be open for participation through March 2024, providing community members with ample time to share their perspectives.

• Survey Platform: Residents can access the survey online through Survey Monkey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ClayCountyCommunity. This ensures a convenient and accessible means of participation.

• Focus Areas: The survey seeks to gather authentic and vital data from the residents of Clay County to understand the needs and opinions about the community.

• Anonymous Participation: All responses will be kept confidential, and participants are anonymous, encouraging open and honest feedback.

Wabash Valley Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Clay County residents. Through initiatives like GIFT VIII that engage community planning, we strive to strengthen our community.

"We believe in the growth of Clay County. This survey is a crucial step in ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to be heard in the development of a critical community plan,” states Jonathan Eilbracht, Community Engagement Officer – Clay County, Wabash Valley Community Foundation. “These planning efforts will open the opportunity for potential grant funding in the future from a variety of sources.”