APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY CENTERS EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE BECKY JONES, AMANDA KING, RACHEL PRESTON, JONI RITTER, AND ZACH TRIPLETT TALMAGE STANLEY, INSTRUCTOR Public Policy Options for Building a Sustainable Future in Appalachia
Who we are… Seniors at Emory & Henry College Our practicum placements: Becky- Ecumenical Faith in Action Amanda- YWCA of Bristol, Tennessee Rachel- Star Mountain Club at Marion Primary School Joni-Department of Social Services Zach-The Crisis Center in Bristol, Virginia
Overview Regional Conversations Spring 2008 Policy Proposal 5 Community Center pilot programs Assets in relation to needs Looking at different aspects of the pilot program
Facilities Problems Closing & consolidation of schools Assets Vacant buildings Schools are central to communities Our Policy Multi-use of kitchens Gyms for recreation Auditoriums for community discussions Classrooms for various programs Pocahontas High School Pocahontas, VA
Immediate Needs Problems Shelter Food Benevolence Assets Community Organizations Our plan Coordination with community organizations Big Creek High School War, WV
Afterschool and Daycare Programming Problems Lack of space Lack of daycare and afterschool programs Lack of historical and cultural awareness Assets Vacant school buildings Opportunities for place-based education Highlands Project Star Mountain Club Intergenerational volunteers Our Plan Place-based learning and education model Year-round activities for local youth Old Rock School/Riverside Apartments Damascus, VA
Staffing Problems Lack of jobs Assets Social capital Aging community Youth Our Plan 5 paid positions Volunteers
Job Development Problems Job creation Sustainable job development Participate in global economy Assets Beauty of natural environment Ability to work together Our Plan Green jobs Internship opportunities Communication network Job training Job advocacy
Funding Career development $3,575 Immediate needs $40,406 Afterschool and daycare $16,690 Staffing $98,000 Facilities $241,200 Total = $399,871 5 pilot programs= $1,999,355
Closing What can the ARC do?