The Office of Community and Rural Affair’s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) supports communities planning to spend their American Rescue Plan funds with capacity building, creating a peer network system between participating communities, developing a strategic investment plan and providing access to an additional $1 million in project funds.
The HELP process seeks to build long-term capacity, develop attainable projects and leave a legacy in the community.
At the heart of this program are people. People that want to make a difference in their communities. And that means you! The HELP Committee is asking Wayne County residents for their input. Come to public meetings, take surveys, share your ideas, and stay up-to-date with what is happening on this page.
Participating Towns
East Germantown – Economy – Cambridge City – Dublin – Milton – Richmond – Spring Grove and Wayne County
Community Coordinator: Beth Fields | Lead Government Officials: Jeff Plasterer, Mayor Dave Snow
Strategic Investment Plan
Read the final plan here. This plan is based on community input and the projects will have long-term impact for our communities and county. We are truly strengthening local economies; advancing e-connectivity; promoting community wellness; and enhancing our residents quality of life.
Four Pathways
Advancing E-Connectivity
Seeks to aid communities by increasing or improving broadband access services, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting businesses and organizations that focus on broadband access and technological innovation.
Committee Chair: Acacia St. John
Strengthening Local Economies
Helps communities grow and support robust local and regional entrepreneurship cultivation through innovative programs and capital investments.
Committee Chair: Valerie Shaffer
Promoting Community Wellness
Seeks to expand and improve infrastructure and initiatives related to our people. Public health is important to overall community wellness.
Committee Chair: Sharrie Harlin Davis
Enhancing Quality of Life
Focuses on improvements to the built environment and community infrastructure.
Committee Chair: Mary Walker
Core Team
| Doug Brenneke | Spring Grove Representative |
| Terry Craig | Milton Representative |
| Lee Elzemeyer | Citizen member |
| Beth Fields | City of Richmond, Community Coordinator |
| Angel Groves | Richmond-Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau |
| Sharrie Harlin Davis | Reid Health Communty Outreach |
| Steve Higinbotham | Wayne County Government |
| Barbara Irvin | Economy Representative |
| Dr. David Jetmore | Wayne County Health Officer |
| Julie McCarty | Dublin Representative |
| Steve Mills | East Germantown Representative |
| Jeff Plasterer | Wayne County Commissioner |
| Michelle Satterfield | Independent Living Representative |
| Gary Saunders | Wayne County Council |
| Valerie Shaffer | Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County |
| Steve Sorah | Cambridge City Representative |
| Acacia St. John | Forward Wayne County/Wayne County Foundation |
| Melissa Vance | Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce |
| Mary Walker | Richmond-Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau |
