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A Look at Community Impact in Wayne County
Community impact is at the heart of what Forward Wayne County does, but what exactly does it look like? Throughout July, the Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County shared real examples of community impact and success from the past year,...
Local Stewards: The Leadership Behind the Wayne County Land Trust
The Wayne County Land Trust was established in 2025 with a clear purpose: to preserve and revitalize the properties that make downtown Richmond and the Depot worth caring about. But a mission is only as strong as the people behind it. The Land Trust is led by a...
Blue and Green Spaces: Positive Boosts for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health is a topic that can be difficult for some, it’s an important one. This is why our social media for the month covered various tips and information surrounding it. Two of the main topics we’ve been covering the...
Small Actions, Big Impact: Being an Environmental Steward in Your Community
“Environmental steward” might sound like a fancy title, but really, it’s simply caring for the spaces and environment you call home and enjoy. What’s even better is that you don’t need special training or resources to make a real difference. All it takes is intention...
Wayne County’s Creative Spirit is Growing
There's something special happening across Wayne County. From the concert halls and galleries of Richmond to exciting new venues, the arts are taking root, expanding, and reaching more people than ever. Whether you're a lifelong arts patron or someone just beginning...
Reclaiming Revitalization in Wayne County
This isn’t just a revitalization story. It’s a reclamation. For too long, our narrative has focused on what we’ve lost: the factories that closed, the storefronts that emptied, downtowns in disarray, the neighborhoods that dimmed. Time has not served us well. Is this...
Preparing for Generational Impact: Forward Wayne County’s 2025 Year in Review
In 2025, Forward Wayne County focused on one central theme: preparing our communities, institutions, and partners for long-term success. It was a year defined not only by visible progress, but also by the foundational work required to ensure that progress is...
The Magic of Christmas in Wayne County
Picture this: it’s August, and the local Hobby Lobby store has already started rolling out its Christmas decorations. “It’s not even fall yet,” you think to yourself. Well, that was me this past August, shopping for last-minute details for my September wedding, when I...
Local Radio Behind Wayne County’s Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of thriving communities, and Wayne County is fortunate to have such a variety of successful businesses. A crucial part of helping these businesses grow is telling their stories and promoting their services, something that two Wayne...
Wayne County Foundation’s $1 Million Impact Investment
The Wayne County Foundation has committed a $1 million impact investment to support transformative neighborhood revitalization efforts in Richmond’s Vaile neighborhood. The investment, made in partnership with Intend Indiana, the Indiana Economic Development...
Inclusivity in Wayne County Playgrounds
October is National Disability Awareness Month, and if you’ve been following along on our social media, chances are you’ve seen the “Disability Awareness Community Highlight” posts we’ve been making. While the work of ensuring an inclusive and accessible community is...
Intern Insights on Wayne County
In September we are focusing on all things related to government. Forward Wayne County hired two interns this summer to assist with community planning and development. Tucker Burris, an IU East student, and Jaxin McCree, a Ball State student, spent the summer engaging...
Work-Based Learning
For the month of August, we explored the wide range of career opportunities available right here in Wayne County. We featured many local businesses and career paths on Forward Wayne County’s social media. Continuing this month’s theme of employability, I had the...
Back to School Tips for Parents & Students
Back to school—While some students dread it, many parents look forward to their children returning to a structured routine. The transition from spending every day in the sun to long hours spent indoors behind a desk can be a challenge. Last year, according to ILEARN...
New Project Underway in Cambridge City!
In June, we focused on exploring all things arts and culture in Wayne County. I had a lot of fun researching the many ways Wayne County incorporates arts and culture into its communities. As someone who’s not originally from the area, I've learned a great deal about...
Redefining the Word “Senior”
This month we focused on health and wellness, specifically how social connections contribute to overall well-being. What better way to highlight this than by spotlighting a place dedicated to fostering those connections? Wayne County is home to numerous senior...
