As part of our celebration,  we BCF tent at 4 of the major community summertime events in Delton, Hastings, Nashville and Middleville.  There was an enthusiastic turnout for our county-wide Small Town Dream tour.

We listened to neighbors and friends, by capturing their dreams for Barry County using an old rotary-dial phone to
record their messages. The community feedback beautifully aligns with The Seven Elements of a Healthy Community.

Key Takeaways:

• Neighborhoods & Basic Needs: The importance of supporting strong communities and addressing basic needs, especially the critical issue of affordable housing, was shared by many participants.
• Education & Economy: Residents highlighted the vitality of job training and education, with specific excitement about support for tech training support and investment in libraries.
• Health & Environment: Many respondents (including kids) requested outdoor activities like a water park and more bike trails to promote physical fitness and overall well-being and enjoy our beautiful county.
• Arts & Culture: A few people would like to see more entertainment and events for the community; like music & museums.