Hot Springs, SD Horizons

Since the Hot Spgs community has become involved in the Horizons concept, a more focused view of the scope and nature of poverty in this community has emerged. Many persons who otherwise would be carving out their own future here have paused, and begun participating in one or more of the target areas of need. We all know what is needed to make a quantum leap, economically speaking. We all know we have yet to discover a solution to the jobs dilemma. Yet, we have chosen not to close our eyes to “inching” our way forward. And so the Horizons based community Children & Youth Steering Committee has chosen to make a concerted effort to bring a Boys & Girls Club of America program to the community. If we can expand our kids opportunities to succeed even in small ways, we can reduce, a perceived poverty of opportunity for our kids.

Horizons takes an “asset-based” approach to alleviating poverty and creating a thriving community. Community development programs of the past started with needs and deficits. Horizons is different because it recognizes that a community’s strengths (assets) provide the best foundation upon which to grow a thriving community that meets the needs of the whole community.

Here is the beginning of a “community asset and leadership map.” Please comment. Which individuals, groups, institutions, and regional partners should be added to this list? Please click on the link below to view the map.

Community Assets Leadership Map

We have heard over the past year that we need to do some community planning for Hot Springs. We have heard this regarding parks, streets, and general infrastructure. Do you think we need more planning, and if so, what topics should have a formal plan?

On October 23, 2007, in Sturgis, 2 Horizons activists attended a training session on blogging. Hot Springs now has its own private community-wide forum to communicate information, ideas, opinion, toward our overall goal of alleviating poverty and creating a thriving community.

Thank you NW Area Foundation!