The City of Asheville Commends Findlay House Global for Advancing Community Leadership Among Asheville’s Historically Disadvantaged Communities
The City of Asheville has formally recognized Findlay House Global (FHG) for its outstanding work in co-designing and delivering the OUR AVL Community Engagement Leadership Academy. This transformative six-week program equips community leaders—particularly from historically disadvantaged communities—with the skills to drive meaningful civic engagement and social change.
In November 2023, FHG partnered with the City’s Communications and Public Engagement Department to co-design and facilitate the academy—based on FHG’s O.U.R. Development™ program—across two cohorts.
The program not only provided hands-on training in leadership, advocacy, and public participation but also established a pipeline of paid Community Connectors, ensuring sustainable engagement between city officials and underrepresented stakeholders.
FHG’s strategic facilitation and commitment to people-centered leadership ensured the academy’s success, leading to its adoption as a permanent initiative in Asheville’s operations.
Findlay House Global Partners with Kent County Public Schools to Expand Beyond Your Mental Program
On August 13, 2024, Findlay House Global (FHG) and Partners received an award notice from the Kent County Local Management Board (KCLMB) to support the full implementation of Beyond Your Mental (BYM), marking FHG’s third year in Kent County, Maryland.
This milestone reflects a strategic partnership with Kent County Public Schools (KCPS) to ensure the BYM program’s long-term sustainability and integration into the public school system.
Launched from FHG’s Y.O.U.R. Kent County youth leadership academy, BYM was the culminating community project created by 35 Kent County High School students. “Beyond Your Mental” is a demand-driven, in-school intervention that connects high school mentors with 8th-grade mentees to promote mental health awareness, and build resilience.
With this latest investment, KCPS will hire a part-time program coordinator, laying the foundation for the school district to take full ownership of BYM in the future. By transitioning from FHG’s role at the helm to Kent County Public Schools, the Beyond Your Mental program is set to become a permanent resource in Kent County, ensuring students continue to receive peer-led support for years to come.
This partnership exemplifies a sustainable model for student-designed mental health interventions.
City of Asheville launches O.U.R. Asheville - A Community Engagement Leadership Academy
Members of the Asheville community are invited to learn more about the O.U.R. Asheville Academy - a community engagement leadership academy that kicks off this spring.
Applications are open for the first round of 12 trainees, who will be selected as the first group of participants for this ongoing program. The academy is open to youth and adults residing within the city limits of Asheville. The first academy orientation is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024.
“Organizing and Uniting to Re-Power” (O.U.R.) Asheville is an interactive, hands-on learning opportunity that will address the areas of community connectedness, community research, community development and mental health, and community mobilization. Academy participants will benefit from peer-to-peer learning opportunities, networking connections, and résumé-building skills. Additionally, participants who complete all 8 weeks of the academy will receive a stipend of $500.
Graduates ("O.U.R. Asheville Community Connectors") will receive a certificate of completion and will be positioned to assist with organizing events in their communities and/or leading community discussions and input opportunities related to other City projects and initiatives.
“This co-designed academy was born out of community input the City received during the re-imagining public safety and equity-focused budget engagement efforts that took place during the pandemic,” said Dawa Hitch, Director of Communication and Public Engagement for the City of Asheville. “Staff sees this as a great opportunity to invest in our community and strengthen connections with groups who have historically been left out of decision-making.”
The City contracted with Findlay House Global to lead the academy co-creation process with staff and members of the community. Funding for the project was approved by the City through a portion of its 2022 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award.
“Findlay House Global’s demonstrated professionalism and strategy for investing in local leaders made them a natural fit for this partnership,” Hitch stated.
Applications for the second group will be announced in May. To receive updates on this project, subscribe on the City’s Engagement Hub.
Find a copy of this press release on the City News website.