Love Offerings
“Paula and Mary bring the essence of community engagement to this toolkit, and through it teach the skills needed to support people and help us towards repair and liberation.”
— Desiree Adaway, Consultant, The Adaway Group
“The transformation taking place in McDowell County that led to this important toolkit is an inspiring example of the change that can happen when people come together to address systemic barriers. It is our hope that the story of West Marion, North Carolina will inspire similar work and results in communities throughout our state and nation, and encourage other foundations and partners to invest in community-led change. The Trust has been privileged to help support and grow community engagement in McDowell County, and we celebrate the amazing work of the people on the ground doing this hard work every day.”
— Dr. Laura Gerald, President, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
“Paula and Mary’s approach to engaging community is having a lasting impact on the people of McDowell County. Through this publication, the lessons they learned will undoubtedly serve as a roadmap, inspiring similar change across the state and beyond.”
— John Lumpkin, MD, MPH, President, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
“While there is no one size fits all approach to rural communities, this toolkit establishes a framework for engagement capable of transcending geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic barriers. Whether you’re an emerging or seasoned leader, you can learn something from the lessons and tools established by the work of the West Marion Community Forum.”
— Patrick Woodie, President, North Carolina Rural Center
“Unleashing the voice and power to historically excluded communities is complex work, but at no time in history has the need for this effort been more clearly apparent. Our nation’s future is found with the grassroots leaders and communities, and wise funders will nourish those roots with an eye toward justice. Both individuals in community and the funders who are interested in supporting them are often stymied when it comes to developing an approach that can not only start conversations, but build them into sustainable community action. Fortunately, this toolkit provides an easy-to-use guide to grow just outcomes in any community, from planting the seeds to harvesting the bounty of an equitable society.”
— William Buster, Senior Vice President of Impact, Dogwood Health Trust