| Staff Book Study: "Think Again" by Adam Grant
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by Sheryl Agee
Our team recently completed a staff book study on "Think Again" by Adam Grant, and it couldn’t have been more relevant to the work we do. In our work supporting communities and driving social impact, we constantly face complex challenges that require open-mindedness, collaboration, and a willingness to reconsider our positions. "Think Again" gave us fresh insights into how we approach problems and work toward solutions.
Grant’s book pushes readers to reflect on how often we focus more on convincing others that our ideas or research are correct, rather than truly listening and embracing the idea that we might not have all the answers. This was a powerful reminder for us to slow down, take the time to understand multiple perspectives, and search for common ground. By doing so, we’re able to gather all the necessary information to make informed, collective decisions that serve the wider community.
Each week, our discussions became livelier as we referred back to Grant’s insights, applying them to our daily work. We saw ourselves in the examples Grant shared and often quoted the book’s challenge: if we want to find the best solutions, we need to "think like scientists"—constantly questioning our assumptions and exploring all possible outcomes.
One of the book’s greatest lessons is that discovering you’re wrong isn’t a loss but a win—because it means you’ve learned something new. In our work, where learning and growth are essential, this mindset shift is key to making sure we’re always evolving to meet the community’s needs.
Ultimately, "Think Again" reminded us that real progress comes from continual learning, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and respecting diverse opinions. As we strive to create lasting impact, we’ll carry these lessons forward, ensuring that our work reflects the very best ideas from all sides.
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Pictured are this year's Project Hope grant recipients.
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The Harvest Foundation awards nearly $64,000 for Project Hope 2024
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Martinsville, Va. — The Harvest Foundation awarded nearly $64,000 to fund six Project Hope grants at this month's grantee celebration, held at the Bassett Train Station Event Center.
Harvest President Kate Keller welcomed the crowd of nearly 50 people, remarking on the history of Project Hope, which began as a way for the foundation to celebrate its 20th anniversary with the community. However, since 2022, the program has grown to be a movement for volunteerism and community connectivity.
“Project Hope is about bringing energy and possibility to communities across Martinsville and Henry County,” Keller said. “These projects and programs funded today represent communities coming together and building meaningful connections. When everyone has a voice and support to create the positive change they want to see, we all begin to share in the hope of a brighter future. We’re excited to see the lasting impact this year’s Project Hope grant recipients will create across MHC.”
Speakers included Susan King Sabin, executive director of the Spencer Penn Centre, and Callie Hietala, a member of the Project Hope Committee, and the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator for Martinsville City Public Schools.
Sabin spoke about her community garden project at Spencer Penn, which received funding in the Project Hope 2023 grants cycle.
“I had known for several years that I wanted to put together a community garden and farmer’s market for our community,” she said. “I just wasn’t sure when or how we were going to do that. I kept hearing more and more of our older population share how they were giving up their garden. They just couldn’t do it anymore physically. When Harvest announced the Project Hope grants, something clicked. This could be our opportunity to put this desire into motion.”
After research, surveys, and conversations with staff and volunteers, Sabin said her plan slotted into place. Even though she faced hurdles of not enough rain, too much rain, and changes in staff, she was able to call on many community partners and volunteers, including the Girl Scouts, Magna Vista’s Horticulture Department, local businesses, and the center’s board of directors.
Not only did the garden finally take off, but she said it produced a watermelon so big she couldn’t even lift it. And when it was harvested, that watermelon fed everyone who walked into the center that day, and everyone who came to the farmer’s market that evening.
To this year’s grantees, Sabin said, “Whatever your hope looks like, don’t give up on it. This process will challenge you and it will challenge those around you. Push to find the hope within it. Lean on those around you, like the Harvest staff, who will encourage you, problem-solve with you, and people who will travel the trenches with you. Because your project is going to make a difference here, and when one of us wins, we all win.”
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Staff and visitors at Edwards Adult Day Center celebrated the grand opening of the Zen Room on Oct. 18, 2024.
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Martinsville day center celebrates sensory room grand opening
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Martinsville, Va. — Edwards Adult Day Center today celebrated the grand opening of its Zen Room at its location on Commonwealth Boulevard in Martinsville. The room is a new outlet for the center to support its most vulnerable participants, those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and other sensory challenges.
“Zen means peace, rest, and tranquility — those words really resonate with me and that’s what I want our participants to experience when they visit the Zen Room,” said Patsy Dillard, executive director of Edwards Adult Day Center. “We tailor each visit to our participants. We know what works for one doesn’t work for all. We also have fidget (toys) and other tactile objects they can use while sitting, and we pay close attention to how they respond to certain experiences within the room.”
Edwards Adult Day Center serves seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers who need support. The center has nurses on staff providing care, along with meals, daily exercise, devotions, field trips, socialization, and other specific programs designed to meet the needs of participants.
Dillard said to better serve participants who utilize the sensory room, they’ve sent home questionnaires to caregivers inquiring about their favorite songs and other activities that put them at ease.
“The goal is to help someone enjoy their day,” Dillard said. “If they come in feeling down or a certain way, we want them to come out of the sensory room feeling better. This has been a passion for me and the staff to be able to provide this service for our participants.”
Friday’s celebration included a ribbon cutting with staff, members of the center’s board of directors, and representatives from The Harvest Foundation, which provided a grant of nearly $94,000 to develop the sensory room, offer support for caregivers, and purchase two buses that are used to transport participants to the center and for field trips.
DeWitt House, senior program officer at The Harvest Foundation, said the center has done a wonderful job serving its clients and creating a safe haven for individuals in need.
“The Zen Room is a carefully curated environment that empowers individuals to engage with their senses in a controlled and supportive setting,” he said. “Ms. (Patsy) Dillard remarked on how small the room is, but you have to start somewhere, and they’re already developing ideas to build on this success.”
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Volunteers Needed for Thanksgiving Eve Dinner
Join the Harvest Youth Board for its annual W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner at Martinsville High School! The dinner will be held the day before Thanksgiving on Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 1-4 p.m.
Those wanting a meal can carryout, dine-in, or have a meal delivered. Visit the Harvest Youth Board's website or call (276) 632-3329 to find out more.
WHAT: W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 1-4 p.m.
WHERE: Martinsville High School, 351 E Commonwealth Blvd., Martinsville, VA 24112
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We're Hiring!
Are you passionate about making an impact in our community through data-driven insights and strategic policy development? We’re looking for a dynamic leader to help shape our organization’s future by evaluating programs, guiding policy, and driving community-focused solutions.
As Director of Evaluation and Policy, you will:
- Lead our evaluation and policy activities
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Develop and implement a system for reliable data collection
- Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities
Apply by Nov. 13 COB
Learn More: https://theharvestfoundation.org/careers/
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New Grantee Portal is LIVE!
Our new and improved Grantee Portal is officially live this week! We’ve worked hard to make it easier for you to apply for funding, manage active grants, and track reporting requirements.
Your login remains the same, with just a quick security confirmation needed once a year. If you'd like to check out the portal with Grants Manager Stacy Peters, click or tap the "Watch the Video" button below.
We hope this new system enhances your experience with us. Thank you for your incredible work in our community!
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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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📣📣📣 We are seeking videos from our trail users sharing how and why they love the Henry County, Virginia/The City of Martinsville VA. The videos will be used in a future campaign to brag about our trails and outdoor offerings.
Our working committee will award a $𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 for up to the first 10 videos considered acceptable. The recommended length of the video is a minute or less.
For useful tips in submitting your video, click or tap the "Find Out More" button below.
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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.
The Harvest Youth Board has a $5,000 grant opportunity available for projects and programs that serve youth in Martinsville-Henry County.
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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