All About Family in Fairmont
The hard working and dedicated core of volunteers in Fairmont had been enjoying a vacation. The break ended with the arrival of good news: Blandin Foundation approved their Blandin Community
Investment Partnership (BCIP) grant and, according to Fairmont steering committee member Becky Von Holdt, “It’s time for the real fun to begin!” Fairmont residents are calling for the exploration of a range of community activities, with families at the center of their vision.
Exploring the Possibilities
One major community-wide goal is the implementation of a feasibility study for a multi-use, multi-generational recreation center. At one point in Fairmont’s history there was an unsuccessful attempt to build this type of facility. However, it has again surfaced as a community need and through the BCIP planning process citizens are determining the best approach to filling this need.
Solutions that do not compete with existing services or overextend the town’s resources are essential to a successful endeavor. To determine the solvency of the goal, steering committee planners are developing programs and activities that would be housed in such a center. Returning home from a celebration for communities participating in the BCIP, Fairmont volunteers stopped and visited recreational hubs in other communities, garnering ideas and inspiration. Through a community-wide survey, the group discovered the desire for:
* drop-in daycare,
* an ethnic food festival and
* a youth hang-out.
These program possibilities will likely be test-run as the people of Fairmont look to enrich their recreational and cultural lives. A tangible and important step lies in the creation of a “One-Stop Shop” for the existing programs and events of Fairmont, says Becky Von Holdt. A partnership has been formed between the steering committee and the Chamber of Commerce, and the chamber is soon to be the center of information in town.
Voters in Training
In this “City of Lakes” (five to be exact), safe activities for young people are a priority. One aspect of this priority outlines a potential youth council, a powerful tool to get kids involved in local government. They will have the opportunity to learn about decision-making processes, and provide needed input to local school and city-wide issues. Young people will become engaged and informed citizens as they discover the rewards and challenges of public service.
Time to Hang
In addition to learning, there is fun to be had! The possibility of a teen hang-out space is being explored and, within the BCIP grant, money has been allocated to purchase the “fun tools” identified by local youth. Perhaps they will choose a stereo, VCR, or a Ping-Pong table. The important thing, says Becky, is that it be youth-driven. “They must feel ownership of the project or it won’t work.”
Working Together
The citizens of Fairmont have looked closely at their priorities and families are at the center. Interestingly, the City of Fairmont is moving in a parallel direction in the
* development of a trail system,
* improved softball diamonds and
* creation of a skateboard park.
Both groups are working to address needs and have been hearing similar messages from the community: a healthy, fun environment benefits all.
Crucial Support
Another need identified by community members is transitional help and support for young people returning home and to school after chemical dependency treatment. Currently there is no formal help and it is extremely difficult for kids to continue along the new path they have chosen. Fairmont residents will rise to this challenge and provide assistance to youth facing complex decisions.
Seamless Service
Similarly, supporting families is the focus of an effort to solidify a coalition of family-service providers. Local social service organizations and individuals are committed to formalizing big picture collaboration agreements. The goal of these agreements is to provide seamless services. A staff person will be hired to facilitate these agreements between agencies, and in the end, they will help pull social service systems together to make them more accessible and easier to navigate.
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the biggest challenges in realizing this dream has been a decrease in volunteer activity. Many people are energized initially but become frustrated by the length of the process, according to Becky. It is necessary planning time, but people want results now. Communication between priority planning groups is also a stumbling block, and she emphasizes the need to stay in touch with counterparts of the whole volunteer group. “So many goals, assets, and needs overlap. Without good communication we can’t optimize the results of our work.”
New Energy Arises
Despite these obstacles people have stepped up to lead Fairmont’s way to a better future and already the community has seen benefits. Before the Blandin Foundation’s involvement there was no movement, now there is activity and energy. Good things have resulted from the powerful organizing tools provided by the Blandin leadership training.
“There is new blood working on community issues and people who were not active before, are now involved. People have moved outside of their own worlds and are talking to each other.” Fairmont residents are looking forward to celebrating their successes. Let the fun begin!