In December 2011, the Orton Family Foundation awarded a $100,000 Heart & Soul community planning grant to the Village of Essex Junction and Town of Essex. The Heart and Soul of Essex project must incorporate the five core elements of Heart & Soul community planning: (1) broad community engagement; (2) identifying shared community values; (3) using values to drive decision making; (4) realization of the vision that includes but is not limited to the update of plans, policies and bylaws; and (5) a plan to continue the work beyond the Orton Foundation's involvement. The project will address the elements over a two-year period.
Heart & Soul Hires Project Coordinators 2-16-12
Press Release Orton Family Foundation 2-28-12