Rural Project Examples Addressing Community and economic development

Wisconsin Early Education Shared Service Network
Updated/reviewed October 2022

Need: Throughout the state of Wisconsin, childcare services are closing rapidly, with staffing and finance issues as the main causes.
Intervention: In Wisconsin's Monroe and Vernon Counties, a collaborative that focuses on addressing key childcare access issues has come up with a creative solution. The Wisconsin Early Education Shared Services Network allows childcare providers to pool staff, resources, and services while receiving support for business and educational operations.
Results: As of September 2022, 25 child care programs in Monroe and Vernon Counties have joined WEESSN and more are considering. Joining has allowed child care providers to focus their time, finances, and energy on the children they serve.

Fostering Futures in Menominee Nation
Updated/reviewed August 2022

Need: Since the late 1800's, trauma caused by historic events have greatly affected the way of life for Menominee Indians living on the Menominee Reservation. Economic, socioeconomic, behavioral health, and physical health issues have risen and are causing direct implications for Menominee youth.
Intervention: Through Fostering Futures, clinic, school, and Head Start/Early Head Start staff are trained in administering trauma-informed care and building resilience among children.
Results: Behavioral health visits at the Menominee Tribal Clinic have increased, school suspension rates have decreased, and graduation rates have improved from 60% to 94% since 2008.

Energy Capital Cooperative Child Care (ECCCC)
Updated/reviewed July 2022

Need: To bring needed child care to rural Mercer County, North Dakota.
Intervention: A nonprofit cooperative provides part-time and full-time child care.
Results: ECCCC had 86 children at the height of its enrollment history.

Healthy Places for Healthy People in Monett
Updated/reviewed December 2019

Need: Monett, Missouri's high tobacco use rates, lack of access to fresh foods, limited walkability and bikeability, and aging downtown infrastructure were all affecting residents' health.
Intervention: With planning assistance from Healthy Places for Healthy People, CoxHealth Monett led a coalition to revitalize downtown infrastructure and create opportunities for healthy living.
Results: Changes have helped to improve patient health, increase exercise opportunities, enhance downtown, and engage Monett's Hispanic population.

Local Foods, Local Places in Williamson
Added October 2018

Need: In Williamson, West Virginia, access to fresh produce is limited.
Intervention: Williamson Health & Wellness Center, an FQHC, created a community garden, launched a weekly farmers market, connected local farmers to food entrepreneurs, and created a hub that launches ideas for healthy living.
Results: Residents' access to healthy foods has made a difference in their health and lifestyles.

Rural Project Examples: Community and economic development