Good Things Happen Here
Good things are happening in Jasper and Newton counties every single day.
Nonprofit organizations, small but mighty community groups, and devoted individuals are working hard to make sure Jasper and Newton counties are places where we love to live and where our families, friends, and neighbors can thrive.
To help focus and guide this good work, Jasper Newton Foundation developed a 10-year strategic plan. This plan, called Driving Home, came from years of listening to our residents and gathering information about our communities’ most pressing needs. It is an exciting chance to get everyone driving in the same direction.
Making it Happen
Jasper Newton Foundation’s role is to identify opportunities and help support organizations and community groups as they work on projects that address Driving Home objectives. These projects fall into four main driving lanes:
Health
Objectives for Quality Life
The quality of our lives–that is, how we function and feel day to day–matters. We want everyone in our communities to have access to the services and amenities that support health and wellness at every age.
Community projects in the HEALTH lane aim to:
- Encourage healthy lifestyles
- Increase mental wellness activities
- Improve access to affordable, nutritious food options
- Give seniors and retired adults a sense of purpose and community
- Provide education and tools for managing chronic diseases
- Ensure education and care for expecting mothers
Family
Objectives for Kids & Families
We want our communities to be great places to have a family, raise children, and put down roots. When a place feels like home, our family’s needs are being met and we feel that we belong.
Community projects in the FAMILY lane aim to:
- Connect residents to the community and to each other
- Create recreation and gathering centers
- Ensure access to quality, affordable child care and preschool programs
- Provide single-parent families the support they need
- Offer a variety of educational pathways for students
- Increase understanding and opportunities around physical and mental health
Work
Objectives for Prosperous Community
We welcome the chance to work hard. We want to position and equip our community to retain existing workforce talent, attract new talent, and set ourselves up for economic development opportunities.
Community projects in the WORK lane aim to:
- Build an infrastructure to support local business
- Develop more pathways to trade and vocational training
- Leverage local talent to focus on innovation in agriculture
- Help businesses leverage proximity to highways and major metro areas
- Ensure adults have access to education to advance their careers
- Encourage youth to develop a sense of community
Life
Objectives for Vibrant Community
Part of living in a place is getting to enjoy it with family and friends. We want our communities to have a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere rich with activities, events, dining options, and gathering places.
Community projects in the LIFE lane aim to:
- Establish and support “third places” where residents can relax and socialize
- Improve access to local events and activities
- Leverage tools to connect residents to local activities
- Increase opportunities for residents to engage in an active lifestyle
- Improve awareness of what our place offers for visitors, potential residents, and new businesses
- Ensure that all local events are easy to access
