By Keely Baribeau
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, in partnership with local residents, is proud to announce the launch of Community Heart & Soul in the Yale area—a citizen-driven initiative designed to uncover what truly matters to residents and use that input to shape the future of the community.
The program will officially kick off at the Yale Bologna Festival, where residents are encouraged to stop by the Community Heart & Soul booth to learn more, get involved, and contribute their voices to this community-wide effort.
“This isn’t someone coming in to tell us who we are. It’s us—defining Yale together,” said Dr. Elizabeth Vinckier-Kersten, local dentist, proud Bulldog Mom and Yale resident.
Community Heart & Soul is a nationally recognized model that has been used in over 120 small towns across America. It puts local voices at the center of decision-making, ensuring that future policies, projects, and investments reflect the values and priorities of the people who live there.
“This is the chance to shape Yale’s future—not just talk about it,” said Yale City Manager Lorrelei Natke. “We can grow and still stay the small town we love.”
The process, which typically unfolds over 12–18 months, begins by gathering input from residents across Yale and surrounding communities like Emmett and Avoca through interviews, storytelling, and community gatherings. That input will be used to create a set of shared community values and an action plan that guides decisions around housing, parks, downtown revitalization, local events, and much more.
The initiative will also result in the creation of a Yale Community Fund—a resident-led grantmaking resource to support projects that align with the community’s vision and values.
“We’re grateful to have strong relationships already in place in Yale, along with donors who care deeply about this area,” said Natacha Hayden, Program Officer at the Community Foundation. “Heart & Soul is a powerful way to build on that foundation and ensure everyone’s voice is heard and resources follow what matters most to the Yale area.”
Residents of all ages, backgrounds, and neighborhoods are encouraged to participate. Visitors to the Bologna Festival booth can contribute by answering the question, “What do you love about Yale?” and adding their voice to a community-wide display that will be up all weekend.
To learn more about Yale Community Heart & Soul, or to get involved:
- Visit the booth at the Bologna Festival; July 25 – 27
- Explore the national model at communityheartandsoul.org
- Contact Natacha Hayden at (810) 984-4761 or natacha@stclairfoundation.org
The process will be led by a core team of volunteers and a paid project coordinator, all participants will be residents of the Yale area. If Community Heart & Soul sounds like something you want to be part of, please reach out to get involved.
