Community Development in Fort Gay, West Virginia


I.   TOPIC          The Transition Demonstration Project

II.  LOCATION  Fort Gay, West Virginia

III. SUBJECT        Community Development in Fort Gay, West Virginia

IV.  SUMMARY
     
     Fort Gay is a small West Virginia Town consisting of a few local government offices,
     two schools, a housing development and a few local businesses. It serves the towns
     population of approximately 800 and the surrounding rural areas.
     
     Southwestern Community Action, through the Transition Demonstration Project (TDP),
     placed a worker in this area. The community organization which grew out of her work
     chose to build a playground. Because of limited public facilities the project evolved into a
     school/community park.
     
V.     SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE
     
     A small underserved community learned that their combined efforts do matter, that each
     individual has something to offer, and that improving their way of life is within their
     power.
     
     VI.    CONTACT

     Harry Smith, Executive Director
     B. Lynn Bolen, Transition Demonstration Project Director
     Southwestern Community Action Council
     (A Community Action Agency)
     540 Fifth Avenue
     Huntington, West Virginia 25701
     304-525-5151
     FAX: 304-525-5162
     VII.   CASE STUDY

     The Problem: Fort Gay was a small underserved community in West Virginia that had
     limited public facilities and no community organization to advocate on their behalf.
     
     The Approach Adopted: Southwestern Community Action, through the Transition
     Demonstration Project, placed a worker in this area. The community organization which
     grew out of her work chose to build a playground. The project evolved into a
     school/community park.
     
     How They Implemented The Approach: The group began their work by earning a
     "nest egg" to show their commitment. They researched playground safety regulations.
     They wrote to their local, state and national political leaders. They contacted all local
     businesses and agencies. Through grant matching funds, technical assistance from State
     Parks and Recreation Outreach, environmental assistance from the State Soil and
     Conservation and Forestry Division, they raised $100,000 of their $130,000 project.
     
     Through volunteer work this group has completed the drainage and grading work. They
     have purchased $46,000 worth of playground equipment. The walkways and the
     emergency entrances have been installed. With approximately 60% of the on-going
     project finished, the park is expected to be completed in the near future.
     
     Results: The creation of a school/community park through grass roots community-based
     community development 
     
VIII.  PROGRAM SPIN-OFFS
     
     The creation of a sense of community development in which a small community has
     learned that their combined efforts can make a difference in the quality of their lives.
     
IX.    KEY WORDS

     Community Action Agency
     Community Development
     Community Organizing
     Grass Roots
     Playground
     Underserved Areas
     



ref:   fort-gay.doc