Community Foundation launches new initiative

FINDLAY — The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation launched its new community-wide initiative - Rooted to Rise: Supporting Work and Play in Hancock County. The initiative was unveiled at the Foundation's Annual Celebration on June 18. The initiative is designed to align community needs with the generosity of donors, benefiting existing systems as well as fostering long-term growth in the community. "The genesis of this campaign was the realization that these two areas in particular, work and play, are crucial to quality of life," President and CEO of the Foundation Brian Treece said in a release from The Community Foundation. "The State of Work and Play Report we commissioned last year underscores the need for more support in these areas to ensure everyone in Hancock County has access to a thriving life." The "work" category focuses on childcare, transportation, housing and workforce development. The "play" category emphasizes arts, Fun for All and parks and recreation. Rooted to Rise is also an educational initiative designed to deepen the understanding of the critical issues impacting Hancock County. The Community Foundation will highlight the interconnectedness of work and play elements, such as how housing availability can impact workforce development and how recreational activities can improve overall well-being and productivity. Community education sessions will be held by the Foundation, including lunch and learns, site visits to local organizations and other special opportunities. While the Foundation already has 100 funds supporting the systems that are a part of work and play, they are still seeking generous donors to invest in the new initiative. "We envision a future where Hancock County is not just a place people pass through for work, but a place they're proud to call home, a place where children can grow up surrounded by learning and opportunity; and adults have access to careers, culture, and community without compromise," Treece said in the release. For more information, visit community-foundation.com/rooted.