A gorgeous view from the Fieldale Walking Trail, accessible midway at the Fieldale Trailhead or from the Textile Heritage Trail near Fieldale Park.
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Nature's Healing Power:
Taking Care of Our Mental Health
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From the desk of Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller
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In today's fast-paced world, mental health awareness has become a crucial topic of discussion. As our lives become increasingly digital and interconnected, it's easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our mental well-being. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there lies a simple yet profound remedy: nature.
Nature has an incredible ability to heal and rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and souls. Whether it's a stroll on the trails, a hike in the mountains, or a day spent fishing in the river, immersing ourselves in the natural world can work wonders for our mental health. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming effect on our nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, being outdoors encourages physical activity, which is closely linked to improved mental health. Whether it's walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying outdoor recreational activities, exercise releases endorphins—the body's natural mood lifters—and promotes a sense of well-being. Even a short walk in nature can significantly boost our mood and energy levels, helping us to feel more positive and optimistic.
In addition to the benefits of nature itself, connecting with our community plays a vital role in supporting our mental health. Humans are social beings, and fostering meaningful connections with others is essential for our emotional well-being. Engaging in community activities and events, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends and loved ones can provide a sense of belonging and purpose that is invaluable for our mental health.
We are very blessed that our community and region offer many opportunities to connect with nature and to connect with neighbors. Summer provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the extensive and beautiful trails, the Smith River and the nearby by Blue Ridge Mountains. MHC also hosts several events and activities that bring people together to enjoy all that our community has to offer. If you don’t know where to find these events- check out https://www.visitmartinsville.com/upcoming-events.
The Harvest Foundation also has a grant opportunity for volunteers and community groups to get involved and bring positive change to their neighborhoods. Project Hope is a small grants program that empowers community members to build hope their way. Find out more here: https://theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope/.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember the healing power of nature and the importance of community connection. By making time to get outdoors, be active, and connect with others, we can nurture our mental health and create a more compassionate and resilient world for ourselves and future generations. So, let's lace up our shoes, step outside, and embrace the beauty and healing energy of the natural world around us.
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Members of the community are invited to attend an Ignite Hope Project Planning session throughout the month of June. Pictured are participants from the 2023 Ignite Hope meeting.
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Upcoming community meetings open to volunteers, residents who want to make a difference in MHC
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Ignite Hope Project Planning Sessions will happen throughout the month of June in locations across Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia
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Martinsville, Va. — The Harvest Foundation’s small grants program Project Hope returns for its third year, continuing to bring hope and positive changes to neighborhoods in Martinsville-Henry County.
“In a time where challenges often overshadow optimism,” said India Brown, program officer at The Harvest Foundation, “Project Hope reminds us of the power of collective action. It provides community members with an opportunity to create their own bright spots, showing that small actions can lead to big change.”
Four Ignite Hope Project Planning meetings will be held throughout the month of June at locations across Martinsville-Henry County. These meetings are designed to brainstorm and workshop ideas that will bring hope to local neighborhoods. All sessions will be held from 6-8 p.m. and all members of the community are welcome to attend.
Session #1 - June 3 at Grand Fiesta Venue, located at 6812 Greensboro Road in Ridgeway.
Session #2 - June 6 at Spencer Penn Centre, located at 475 Spencer Road in Spencer.
Session #3 - June 10 at 207 at the Plaza, located at 10 E Church St. in Martinsville.
Session #4 - June 20 at the HJDB Event Center, located at 3289 Riverside Drive in Bassett.
Submissions for this year’s grants program must fall within the following theme: Community Connections: Creating inclusive spaces, fostering meaningful interactions, and empowering community members to learn, grow and connect. These projects should be volunteer-led and bring people together by promoting interaction and empowerment.
Examples could include cultural diversity and arts initiatives; educational programs addressing community challenges, such as health awareness and prevention; peer support groups providing a supportive environment for shared experiences and learning; beautification and/or enhancement of gathering spaces that are accessible to the public; and the establishment of safe places for vulnerable groups such as the youth, unhoused, etc.
Project Hope launched in 2022 as a way to celebrate The Harvest Foundation’s 20th Anniversary. A 13-member committee comprising local “hope builders” reviews grant applications and allocates funding for the program. Project Hope 2023 awarded nine recipients a total of $91,287 for local, volunteer-led projects.
To find out more about Project Hope 2024, visit our website and read the RFP (request for proposals) here: www.theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope.
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We are gearing up for Project Hope 2024!
Are you a community member with lots of ideas for getting involved, but you don't know where to start?
Do you have a passion for volunteering? Or, are you just curious about Project Hope?
You are welcome! Please visit one of four upcoming community meetings throughout the month of June to workshop your ideas and learn more about how you can bring hope to your community — your way.
Visit our website, call (276) 632-3329 or email lhodges@theharvestfoundation.org to learn more.
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Here's an update on our 2023 Project Hope Grant Recipients.
Project Hope 2023 awarded nine (9) recipients for a total of $91,287! These projects are local, volunteer-led programs. Check out what they're up to this year.
You can have the same impact on your community! Visit https://theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope/ to learn more.
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Hope2Play: Grand Opening of Martinsville's Spruce Street Tennis and Pickleball Courts
When: 10 a.m. to Noon, Friday, May 31, 2024
Where: Spruce Street Tennis & Pickleball Courts, 1850 Spruce St., Martinsville
What: A Ribbon Cutting and Celebration for the newly resurfaced Spruce Street Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Contact: Kendall Davis, Public Information Officer, City of Martinsville
(276) 403-5379, kdavis@ci.martinsville.va.us
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| Pass GO and get $5,000 paid toward your student loans!
If approved, you can get an annual payment of $5,000 as a principal payment on your student loans over 10 years — for a maximum of $50,000!
Visit our website to find out more and apply today!
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There's always something fun to do in
Martinsville-Henry County.
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Pictured is a view from the Pollinator Path, located behind the Gravely-Lester Art Garden and the Historic Little Post Office.
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Make an impact in your community. Share your HOPE.
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We welcome your voice and ideas at The Harvest Foundation.
Our general responsive grants cycle is open year-round with consideration from our Board of Directors once a quarter. Our PUP Small Grants Program is an open process with decisions made in less than six weeks. Project Hope grants support small, grassroots projects with immediate impact.
Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with a program officer.
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About The Harvest Foundation:
The Harvest Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 by the sale of Memorial Hospital. In partnership with the diverse people and organizations that call MHC home, we serve as a long-term catalyst, advocate, and investor to make our community a welcoming place where all can thrive. Our vision is a community where everyone shares in the promise of an MHC that is healthy, prosperous, and vibrant. To date, the foundation has invested more than $170 million in grant dollars back into the community and has an annual grants budget of roughly $10-12 million. To find out more about Harvest, visit www.theharvestfoundation.org.
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Discover Harvest — Add us to your address book to get the latest news from The Harvest Foundation delivered to your inbox.
www.theharvestfoundation.org | (276) 632-3329
134 E. Church St. | P.O. Box 5183
Martinsville, VA 24115
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