The town of Springdale has been selected to participate in a community education and training program aimed at providing local residents with tools to create a thriving community and reduce poverty.

It is one of 23 of communities in the state chosen to participate in the Horizons Project, administered by Washington State University Extension.  It is geared to small communities of fewer than 5,000 residents that have experienced declines in population, income, and resources.

The goal of the Horizons Project is to help members of the community develop skills and practical strategies to address needs specially identified by that community. Individuals are needed throughout the local area to participate in this program.

The first part of the program held locally is a series of conversations that will begin in January focused on how to build a thriving community.

“Right now we need to find facilitators that are interested in helping lead these discussions,” said Lela Taylor, local coordinator. “This opportunity is open to anyone high school age and up. The training is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12 or Saturday, Jan. 13.”  

People interested in learning more about the program or volunteering to be a facilitator should contact Taylor, 258-7160 or Shannon Gordon, WSU Stevens County Extension, 684-2588.

The Horizons Project is funded by a grant from the Northwest Area Foundation based in St. Paul, Minn. NWAF’s mission is to fight poverty in rural communities in eight northern states.