The Merrillville-based Legacy Foundation announced that Cedar Lake was selected for the new Community Heart & Soul initiative.
The Legacy Foundation will partner with Community Heart & Soul, a nonprofit based in Vermont. Together, they will bring the program to Lake County and work with Cedar Lake.
Community Heart & Soul works to build stronger and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States. The Community Heart & Soul model is a resident-driven process that engages the town’s population. Residents identify what they love about their community, what future they want for it and how to achieve it.
Cedar Lake will receive training, assistance and up to $80,000 from Legacy Foundation to implement the Community Heart & Soul process. The funding will support early projects that arise from resident-driven action planning.
Julie Zasada, Cedar Lake Historical Association executive director, will serve as the town’s Heart & Soul project coordinator. Zasada will provide project administration and work with the Heart & Soul team. She will help develop and implement phased work plans, coordinate volunteers, track progress and celebrate milestones.
“Being selected as the first Heart & Soul Community in the county and state is an honor,” Zasada said in a press release. “We admire the resident-driven focus and look forward to engaging with all of Cedar Lake’s residents in developing new quality of life experiences, fostering camaraderie and increasing community pride.”
Cedar Lake Community Heart & Soul is kicking off with a volunteer training event 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 25 at the Cedar Lake Public Library. The event is open to anyone who lives or works in Cedar Lake and is interested in learning more about implementing the Heart & Soul program. Lunch will be provided. Learn more here.
