Benton County is taking significant strides towards understanding and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Thanks to the generous support of the Lilly Endowment with an engagement grant, the Benton Community Foundation embarked on a crucial initiative in early 2024 to gather valuable insights directly from the community. Over 800 Benton County residents shared their perspectives on their quality of life and identified key opportunities for improvement across the county. Benton County leaders are actively investing in their skills and knowledge to tackle community challenges creatively. In August 2024, a group of local leaders successfully completed Ball State University’s Indiana Community Development Course. This intensive 2.5-day program equips participants with practical insights and theoretical understanding in areas such as social networks, civic design, and storytelling. By emphasizing comprehensive and creative problem-solving, the course empowers these leaders to approach community planning with a focus on leveraging assets, navigating trade- offs, and making strategic investments in both people and places.
These interconnected initiatives – the county-wide Quality of Life reports and the investment in leadership development – demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing both the quality of place and the overall quality of life for all residents of Benton County. By actively engaging residents, supporting local initiatives, and fostering knowledgeable leadership, Benton County is building a brighter future for its communities.
Residents can find more detailed information about the findings and ongoing efforts by visiting www.bentoncf.org.
2024 COOKIE JAR GRANT RECIPIENTS
Franciscan Health Foundation
sought funds for Western Indiana
Community Health Improvement to
buy diapers for a new pantry at
Benton Community Food & Service
Co-op.
Benton Central Helping Hands, a
student-led club, raises funds to buy
essentials for students. They are
currently providing discreet hygiene
kits for girls’ backpacks to enhance
their comfort at school.
Fowler Christian Church “Picture
Perfect” combats societal beauty
pressures through faith-based self-
empowerment. It includes an overnight
retreat for women 16+ and a four-
session Body Project for ages 14-24.