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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...
Caring for Creitz: A People Project
You have heard us say it before, but Wayne County is full of some amazing people who genuinely care about their neighbors. It is one of the things that makes this community so great and contributes to the success of others. There are so many stories we could tell...
Gratitude for People
What is a community without its people? The truth is that people are the most important resource of any community. Wayne County is home to numerous people across several sectors who work to ensure the success of their fellow citizens. They are some of our strongest...
The State for Child Care in Wayne County
For our Early Childhood Success guest, we asked Misty Hollis, Executive Director of the Richmond Family YMCA, to talk about the state of childcare in Wayne County. Wayne County business leaders seem to constantly discuss the need for child care. While conversations...
The Regional Birth to Five Coalition
Aligning local and regional resources is critical in any collaborative effort. This is especially true for childcare services in East Central Indiana and Wayne County. That need led to the creation of the Regional Birth to Five Coalition, which supports childcare...
Early Childhood Learning Resources in Wayne County
Early childhood education is vital, and the first five years of life are crucial for brain development. Given this circumstance, parents must surround their children with the resources they need to fully learn and grow. Wayne County is full of those very resources....
Workforce Initiative Program
For our Employability guest blog, Forward Wayne County asked Larry Young, Director of Teen and Workforce Development at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, to discuss the WIN program, a teen workforce development initiative. The WIN Program WIN is an acronym for...
Modern Day Networking
In a world where professional connections can lead to success, networking has become a vital skill for anyone in the modern-day workforce. However, like any skill, networking requires practice and strategic thinking. It can make the difference in making the...
Enhancing Your Job Search in Wayne County
Wayne County has many jobs across several industries. However, job searching and finding the right career can present some challenges. It can be a long, arduous process of trial and error. Luckily, Wayne County residents can access some beneficial resources to help...
Conservation and Sustainability in Wayne County
Forward Wayne County is closing the March focus on the Environment with a guest blog. We asked Dakota Bertsch, Assistant Education Coordinator with the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District, to talk about conservation and sustainability initiatives in...
Community Gardening 101
Community gardens play a crucial yet underappreciated role in communities. They help create and build community, provide people access to fresh foods, and have several environmental benefits. However, setting one up may present a challenge, as there are essential...
The Importance of Green Spaces
An abundance of green spaces is vital to the fabric of any community. They provide recreational activities and are essential to the environment's health. Many cities (including ones in Wayne County) have invested heavily in green spaces, giving them more attention and...
Mental Health is Health
Forward Wayne County is continuing the February focus on Health and Wellness with a guest blogger. We asked Jess Przybysz, Director of Community Benefit and Engagement at Reid Health, to discuss the importance of our mental health and the role Reid Community Benefit...
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleeping may seem like one more thing people must do, but did you know it is a critical component of our overall health and wellness? It encompasses our mental and physical health and how we feel throughout the day. Sometimes, getting a good night's sleep is...
Managing Workplace Stress and Burnout
Feeling stressed or burnt out is entirely normal, especially in the workplace. However, it is essential to understand how to manage those emotions and prevent them from negatively affecting your work. Some basic strategies can help curb those feelings. As Forward...
Why are Young Professionals Moving back to Small Communities?
Wayne County is home to a thriving and growing community of young professionals. Some are originally from the area, but some chose to move here. In recent years, younger generations have been trading in the big city for the small-town lifestyle. This is something that...
