- By forming a broad coalition of agencies to develop a long term vision for Transylvania County. The coalition is called Transylvania United.
- Integrity to needed improvements were identified by the coalition to inform our funding decisions.
- By leading the coalition to develop action plans to realize the visions.
Transylvania United
Overview
Who is Transylvania United?
Transylvania United is a coalition of organizations and individuals from Transylvania County, led by United Way, which include United Way agencies, the Land of Waterfalls Partnership for Health, and the Child and Family Coalition, who have joined together to lead our community towards positive, long-term, sustainable change.
What are the accomplishments of Transylvania United to date?
1. Transylvania United was formed in February, 2009, and a determination was made to focus on three primary areas: health, education, and financial stability.
2. Members for each focus group were recruited, and all three groups completed the vision mapping process by year-end 2009. The vision for each focus area is:
· Health: In order to be healthy, by 2020, Transylvania County residents will exhibit a healthy lifestyle and access appropriate health care.
· Education: By 2020, the Transylvania County Community will inspire and assist young children and youth, so they may achieve their full academic potential.
· Financial Stability: By 2020, Transylvania County households will be financially stable.
3. Each focus area selected 3-5 “areas of needed improvement”, on which the community will focus for the next three years, which they believe will have the most impact in moving Transylvania County towards achievement of their long term vision.
4. Drawing from the priority list of needed improvements, each group then determined the issue(s) on which they will initially focus. Those initial priority outcomes and community owners are:
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Focus Area
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First-Year Initiative
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Community Owner
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Status
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Health
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Obesity Reduction
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Land of Waterfalls
Partnership for Health
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Initial Efforts Underway/
Long-term Action plans start 1st Qtr, 2011
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Health/Financial Stability
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Health & Human Services Access Network -TRAIN
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Land of Waterfalls
Partnership for Health
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Plan Complete
Don Rogers Coordinator
Grant Received to fund Start-up
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Financial Stability/Education
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Work from Home Business Center for Learning
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Blue Ridge Community College
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February Forum first step
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Education
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Kindergarten Readiness
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Boys & Girls Club
Smart Start
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Some Initial Efforts/Discussion
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What are the next steps for Transylvania United?
1. Determine indicators and measurements for each of the priority outcomes for each focus area. (How we will know we have been successful)
2. Identify interested community partners and develop action plans for each priority outcome.
3. Identify and fund resources for project leadership.
Detailed information on outcomes developed for each focus group is available through the United Way office by calling (828) 883-8822.