CBAP Update: Greetings from Crushville! 2nd May 2022 The CBAP process keeps drawing in new people and fresh ideas. It’s so inspiring to watch and so is the progress! There are some MAJOR updates from the most recent “all projects” meeting that we’re excited to share. In fact, our facilitator, Michael Fortunato, is so impressed with the progress and dedication he’s seeing that he’s renamed our largest city… Greetings from Crushville! Here are the latest updates: Mental Health Still working on getting journals in schools and finding training on how to use them. Attending Indiana Youth Institute virtual training on May 23. Needing a landing spot for community resources. Previous updates: Focusing on 7th and 8th graders at the beginning of the 2022 school year, middle school years are so challenging. Give them journals and teach them how to use them. Drew is looking into getting a grant and other resources to purchase the journals. Also want to establish resources for adults including peer-to-peer mentoring. Recovery specialist, Brittnee Odum, connected with the group to share information about her work. Her goals include: finding an office space to provide services and ultimately becoming a nonprofit to become eligible for grants. Post-Secondary Education/Training Feeling stuck, but this is a normal part of the process. Will take more time and interactions. Had some new people join, including Leslie Shaul, the new Workforce Development Director at the ECDC Jason is looking for EMT/Fire instructors. Contact Fire Chief and Bill Huffert. Previous updates: Researched other programs and building contacts. Economic and Community Development Corporation (ECDC) has established a new Workforce Development position. Looking at space and availability. Internet Access Continuing to meet with internet service providers. Working on growing social media presence. Grant writer to be selected to go after state and federal dollars. Previous updates: Put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to internet service providers for evaluation and gaining clarity on funding needed on our end. This will help determine budgets for applications for state and/or federal funding to bring robust, affordable internet access to Rush County. Biggest challenge is how to be ready. Meeting with providers. Holding Tech Fest event at the Boys & Girls Club on 4/30 to create awareness of technology use and assess needs. Vendors, speakers, hands-on activities, videos and more will be on hand to explore all aspects of technology, including giveaways and prizes. Parks Programming Kathi Jackley has been hired by the City of Rushville Parks Department as the new Natural Resource and Program Coordinator! Looking forward to working on new programs and ideas and partnering with organizations and individuals to increase opportunities for the community. Earth Day event on April 30 Summer Camp is back for children in grades 1-6. Registration deadline 5/19 for camp, 6/20-24, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. $50 per camper (financial assistance is available to those who qualify). Application dropped at schools also available from Carla at the City Center. For questions, please contact Kathi at programs@cityofrushville.in.gov. Previous updates: Want to expand programming beyond summer programs to include evenings and weekends. Most popular request among residents. Looking to add a new part-time staff position to focus on natural areas and programming. Need funding. Currently reaching out to sources. Have identified new partners in Rush County Soil & Water and Purdue Extension. Tourism New website visitrushcounty.com is official! Graphic artist working on logo. Survey has been released to determine key words. Secured a landing spot on Main Street. Collaborating with other committees. Previous updates: Identified three areas to begin promoting: Agriculture/rural life Historical places/bridges Arts/artisans Connecting with partners. Looking for a web designer. Downtown Beautification Received five completed mircro-grant applications. Three are ready to approve. One needs clarification. One needs a revision. Review and send request for funding to RCCF and CBAP committees. Create grant agreement for accountability. Phase II: offer to other towns? Previous updates: Offer businesses a micro-grant to make street view improvements. Cover letter and application will be distributed within the next week. Applications due by 4/1, with projects completed by 8/1. Local Pride Still pursuing signage. Looking for lower price. Challenged by location and INDOT approval. Previous updates: Checked into ordering “Welcome to Rush County” signs but finding project cost prohibitive. Exploring different options. Looking to partner with Tourism group to provide hardcopy and digital info/maps of points of interest. Some projects are moving forward with great momentum. Others are in a holding pattern but still plugging away at solutions. Fortunato assured us this is normal, especially with projects that have a large or complex scope. Who knows… maybe YOU are the missing connection?! Ready to join a specific project? Send your contact info to us at info@rushcountyfoundation.org or 765-938-1177, and we’ll connect you. Or join us at the next “all projects” meeting on Wednesday, May 25 at 11:15 am at Rushville’s City Center. As always, all are welcome. Even if you don’t have the time right now, you can still help! Donations to the Rush to Action Fund support this work. Give online or send your donation to RCCF, 117 N. Main Street, Rushville, IN 46173. Thank you! Like this? Share it:
