The Our MHC community visioning process is off to a strong start!
Since community engagement activities launched in May 2026, more than 450 residents have participated in 16 events across Martinsville-Henry County (MHC). Through workshops, pop-up events, faith-based gatherings, community festivals, and other conversations, residents have shared what makes MHC special, what opportunities they would like to see in the future, and how the community can continue to grow.
After all, the best people to imagine our community’s future are the people who live, work, and raise their families here. MHC residents — including older adults, youth, faith-based organizations, business owners, non-profit leaders, and many others — are sharing a wide range of perspectives on what will help MHC thrive over the next 25 years. This broad outreach reflects Our MHC’s commitment to meeting residents where they are and ensuring every voice has an opportunity to be heard.
Every conversation helps shape a shared vision for our next chapter. While the discussion is still in its early stages, it has already revealed several recurring themes. Here’s a look at what we’ve heard so far.
Martinsville-Henry County Community Feedback at a Glance
- 450+ residents engaged
- 16 events held
- Residents highlighted connection, youth opportunity, and quality of life.
- Visit Our MHC to find opportunities to participate throughout the summer.
What Martinsville-Henry County Community Feedback Is Telling Us So Far
Residents shared many ideas about the future of MHC and their desire to help shape it. A few key themes came up again and again: strong community connections, opportunities for young people, and improving quality of life through better housing, jobs, recreation, and gathering spaces.
Community Connection Matters
Across many conversations, residents spoke about the importance of connection and belonging.
Participants frequently described MHC as a place where people care for their neighbors and look out for one another. At the same time, many expressed a desire for more opportunities to bring people together and strengthen community ties.
At the Collinsville Library workshop, one person reflected that many of her ideas for improving the community ultimately came back to a single theme: connection. Her vision for the future was a community where people feel more connected, supported, and invested in one another. That idea of community connection surfaced again and again throughout the community visioning process.
Vision for 2050
MHC becomes a model community with collaboration as the centerpiece.
Young People Are Key to MHC's Future
When residents talked about the future, they often talked about young people.
Across multiple events, participants expressed a desire for more activities, leadership opportunities, and pathways to success for youth. Many also emphasized the importance of helping young people build the skills, experiences, and career opportunities they need to thrive close to home.
At The Ground Floor’s workshop, a teenager shared his dream of owning a business someday. Inspired by trips to antique stores with his grandfather, he already buys and resells items for a profit — a small example of the entrepreneurial spirit residents hope to encourage in future generations.
Quality of Life Shapes the Future
A strong community is about more than one issue. It’s shaped by many factors working together.
Throughout the community visioning process, residents shared ideas for strengthening quality of life in Martinsville-Henry County:
- Increasing job opportunities in Martinsville-Henry County
- Expanding workforce development and career pathways
- Creating more options for housing in Martinsville-Henry County
- Improving transportation in Martinsville-Henry County
- Enhancing recreation opportunities
- Attracting more shopping and dining options
- Creating community spaces that bring people together
Participants came from different backgrounds and experiences but shared a common goal: creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This Is Just the Beginning
More than 450 residents have already contributed their ideas, stories, and hopes for the future of Martinsville-Henry County. Community feedback gathered so far offers an encouraging look at what matters most to MHC. But this work is just beginning, and there will be many more opportunities to get involved in the months ahead.
To stay connected:
- Follow The Harvest Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates and engagement opportunities.
- View the events calendar and save the date for future opportunities to participate.
- Subscribe for updates to stay informed and follow our progress.
The future of MHC is still being written, and every resident has a chance to help shape what comes next.