As I spent time with my IACED colleagues traveling throughout the state this month helping facilitate Affinity group conversations, an interesting theme weaved throughout discussions during microenterprise, human services solutions, housing counseling, and individual development accounts groups. We understood the importance and power of connection in our communities.
 

Justin Peterson of Pathfinder Services, Inc. stated that now is the time to begin applying our efforts toward how to best work together in our communities. It is essential to create a framework that does not rely on government funding but instead uses one another in a continuum. Ultimately knowing what is available in each county and community better equips organizations and businesses to lift community members up to become economically successful.

For example, a steady and successful partnership in Evansville between Old National Bank and HOPE of Evansville has shown to be a positive step forward for a marginalized population. The program is called Project Change. Old National representatives teach inmates about financial issues and budgeting while also receiving financial counseling from HOPE to help them budget and learn about affordable housing options. By creating a pipeline of referrals and strong relationships with community members creates continuity as each barrier to gaining assets is tackled.

The Jewish philosopher Martin Bubar states that our relationship lives in the space between us, it doesn't live in me or in you, not even in the dialogue between us, it lives in the space that we live together, and it is sacred space." It is essential to begin and continue building on relationships in our communities, to think of them as sacred because it is our job in this world to help one another.  I hope the Network can be a platform for these connections to flourish.