Community Visioning:
Shaping a Vibrant Future for MHC
What is Community Visioning in Martinsville-Henry County?
- A community engagement and strategic planning initiative in Martinsville-Henry County (MHC) led in partnership with The Harvest Foundation.
- An inclusive community planning process bringing together residents, businesses, nonprofits, youth, and government.
- A collaborative effort focused on equity, economic opportunity, education, health, and community vitality.
- A roadmap for sustainable community development and rural development in VA, designed to address MHC’s most pressing needs and build a path to long-term success.
- A long-term strategic plan that helps guide future Harvest Foundation investments.
Why Community Visioning?
The Harvest Foundation wants to ensure that the community’s voices are heard and included in shaping the future of Martinsville-Henry County. This process will help create a clear plan for how we can best use resources to meet local residents’ needs.
Purpose
Our goal is to create a shared plan that reflects what matters most to the people in MHC. We want to focus on opportunities that will benefit everyone in the area, addressing important needs and creating a future that everyone can be part of.
What do we hope to achieve?
We’re working to create a plan for today and for the future, based on what the community needs and wants. This plan will guide how we invest in our community and make sure those investments bring real, measurable improvements for everyone.
Meet the Community Visioning Team
This initiative is driven by a dedicated team of local leaders and professionals, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Here’s a look at the key partners involved:
YOU
This vision will be shaped by your voice. As our engagement efforts ramp up, we want to hear from you — whether through events, surveys, or one-on-one conversations.
THE HARVEST FOUNDATION
A catalyst for community-driven change in MHC. Working with the local community, we align our efforts with regional goals to create a sustainable and equitable future.
A minority- and veteran-owned consultancy focused on transportation, health, housing, climate, and equity. Our community engagement approach is rooted in lived experiences, ensuring the voices of MHC residents are central to the planning process.
Local leaders representing diverse sectors, including public health, education, small business development, housing, and more. This group ensures that every phase of the project reflects community perspectives and lived experiences.
COMMUNITY LIAISONS
Trusted local residents who help elevate their neighbors’ voices. Liaisons engage the community, gather feedback, and keep everyone informed on the project’s progress.
This is a vision built by the people of MHC, for the people of MHC.
Sean Brown is committed to supporting a clear vision that guides continued growth and improvement in the community.
Anna Wheeler is passionate about celebrating MHC’s unique assets and bringing people together around a shared vision for the future.
Finley Underwood is passionate about giving back and helping build a community where people feel proud to live and grow.
Natalie Davis is committed to inclusive, intentional growth that reflects the voices and experiences of the full community.
Susan Sabin is dedicated to advancing an inclusive vision that reflects and serves all members of the community.
Phil Wenkstern is focused on fostering collaboration and shared ownership of a vision shaped by community voices.
Tobie Panos is passionate about supporting youth and building a future where young people feel connected and see opportunity locally.
Cyndi Worley is committed to strengthening quality of life by advancing infrastructure, opportunity, and connection across the community.
Morgan Dermott is passionate about strengthening quality of life through family-friendly spaces and a more connected, vibrant community.
Dale Wagoner is focused on contributing practical insight and helping establish clear priorities that move the community forward.
Zach Morris is committed to helping develop a clear, forward-looking path for a stronger community.
Greg Hodges believes in education as a driver of opportunity and is committed to advancing shared prosperity across the community.
Charles Whitfield is a pastor and community leader dedicated to fostering collaboration and guiding a shared vision for a stronger community.
Brenell Thomas is committed to helping shape a vibrant, welcoming community and defining a shared vision for the next generation.
Our Community Visioning Team is composed of dedicated individuals working together to guide the visioning process for the future of Martinsville-Henry County. This team brings diverse perspectives, expertise, and a shared commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
What Are We Up To?
How Can You Get Involved?
Events and Activities will be Announced Soon
Participate in our community visioning process because your voice matters in shaping the future of Martinsville-Henry County. There are many ways to get involved in the community:
Attend local events
Fill out polls
Contribute ideas and feedback
READ Harvest Foundation’s newsletter
There will be more ways to get involved as we move forward, so check back regularly for updates and opportunities for community participation!
What's Our Progress So Far?
Community Visioning Updates
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the community visioning process.
January 2026
February 2026
- Community Visioning Committee (CVC) begins to form.
- Applications for community liaisons are launched.
March 2026
- First virtual meeting of the CVC
- First in-person meeting of the CVC
- Naming of the project
- Creation of a project logo