Spotlight
“I feel like the GRIT Project really—that was like a major thing that probably and hopefully will change this kid’s life forever.”
Sandy Doudna, Career Navigator – Switzerland of Ohio School District
Stats & Figures
County Highlights
Adams County Happenings
📅 August 12, 2025
📍 Adams County, OH
June was a busy and exciting month for Adams County students, who participated in summer programming across the region in areas such as Phlebotomy, Social Media/Entrepreneurship, Ethical Hacking, Educational Paraprofessional, Flooring, and HVAC. These programs provided hands-on learning, residential living experiences, and industry certifications, strengthening both workforce development and future employment opportunities.
Through the **GRIT 5-step process—assess, coach, discover, prepare, and place—**students are not only identifying career pathways but also building skills that fuel local economic growth. By confirming strengths and possibilities, GRIT continues to help open doors and create opportunities for individuals across Adams County.
This month also included participation in Rural Connections, a five-county Chamber of Commerce network that rotates monthly to connect members, share events, and collaborate on regional initiatives. Looking ahead, Adams County is preparing for the back-to-school season and gearing up to assess students across the county.
Summer Harvest Dinner and Fundraiser
📅 August 29, 2025
📍 Athens, OH
The Summer Harvest Dinner and Fundraiser supported the Rescue Kitchen, a vital community resource providing meals to individuals and families across Athens and surrounding counties. By collecting food, preparing it into meals, and freezing them for later distribution, the Rescue Kitchen ensures that nutritious options are available for those in need.
GRIT supported the evening with interns, a chef, and logistics driver, playing a key role in making the event possible and demonstrating how workforce development training directly strengthens both individuals and the community.
Vitruvian Workforce Celebration
📅 August 19, 2025
📍 Athens, OH
The Vitruvian Workforce Celebration highlighted innovative solutions to housing challenges through the construction of 3D concrete homes. This groundbreaking work not only addresses local housing needs but also creates opportunities for workforce training.
By partnering with schools and organizations, Vitruvian is helping young people and community members gain valuable construction skills, preparing them for in-demand careers while contributing to meaningful change in the region.
Everyday Tech Workshop at Byrd Community Center
On June 26, 2025, Future Plans—in partnership with OMJ and GRIT—hosted an Everyday Tech Workshop at the Byrd Community Center in Brown County.
The workshop provided practical training on navigating Facebook, marketing a business on Facebook, and using smartphones and apps more effectively. By helping participants gain confidence with everyday technology, the workshop supported both personal and professional growth.
This event directly connects to GRIT’s mission of preparing individuals for success in today’s workforce. Technology skills are essential for nearly every career pathway, and by equipping community members with these tools, we strengthen their ability to compete for opportunities and achieve long-term stability. Demonstrating this kind of impact is critical for showing community partners, funders, and stakeholders how GRIT builds capacity at the local level—ensuring we can continue to bring valuable resources to our region.
Educator Workforce Bootcamp
During the week of July 21–25, 2025, educators from across Columbiana County—including representatives from eight different school districts—participated in the Educator Workforce Bootcamp. The program offered an in-depth tour of businesses and industrial sites across the county, giving educators firsthand insight into the careers available locally and the training and education required to pursue them.
In addition to learning about career pathways, educators engaged in meaningful discussions with business leaders on the hard and soft skills most valued in the workplace. This dialogue is vital in helping schools better prepare students for real-world success, ensuring classroom learning connects directly to workforce needs.
This initiative ties directly to the GRIT mission: aligning education with workforce opportunities and strengthening the bridge between schools and employers. By empowering educators with this knowledge, we create a stronger foundation for future career pathways, demonstrating to partners, funders, and stakeholders how GRIT drives long-term community impact.
🤝 Partners: Columbiana County ESC, Columbiana County BAC
Harrison Central Business Advisory Council Meeting
📅 August 6, 2025
📍 Harrison Central Schools Outdoor Classroom
Harrison Central hosted its Back-to-School Business Advisory Council meeting in the school’s unique outdoor classroom. With amphitheater-style seating and a fully equipped AV setup, the space provided an engaging setting for collaboration between school and business leaders.
The outdoor classroom is not only a valuable resource for students but is also available for use by the broader community, offering a space where education, business, and local partnerships can come together.
Area #15 Workforce Development Board & Council of Governments Joint Meeting
📅 August 4, 2025
📍 Skyline Resort and Events Center, Senecaville, OH
The Area #15 Workforce Development Board, representing Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, came together for a joint meeting with the Area #15 Council of Governments.
A highlight of the day was a special presentation from Madalyn Short, Future Plans/GRIT PR/IT intern, who shared about her internship experience and reflected on her journey as a past GRIT summer program participant. Her story demonstrated the impact of workforce development efforts that not only prepare students for future careers but also inspire them to contribute their talents back into the community.
This gathering underscored GRIT’s mission of building stronger connections between education, workforce, and community leadership across the region.
Small Communities, Big Impact
📅 August 13, 2025
📍 Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
The Small Communities, Big Impact Summit brought together local leaders, elected officials, practitioners, and community stakeholders from across Southeast Ohio. The summit focused on transformational projects shaping the future of small communities, encouraging collaboration and innovative solutions to drive growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Hosted at Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the event served as a platform for discussion, networking, and shared strategies to strengthen communities across Washington, Monroe, Noble, and Morgan Counties.
GRIT Collab Area 15
📅 July 16, 2025
The GRIT Collab Area 15 meeting highlighted the progress of participants and programs across the region. This year, 113 individuals have engaged with GRIT, including 36 active and 17 dual-enrolled students pursuing diverse career paths such as STNA, LPN, RN, CDL, Chemical Operator, Medical Coding, Phlebotomy, Heavy Equipment, Real Estate, Surgical Technology, and Accounting.
Participants are studying at institutions including Belmont College, Hocking College, Washington County Career Center, Washington State College of Ohio, Zane State College, and Ohio University. In addition, a Friday pilot program launched with Local 168 Plumbers & Pipefitters introduced 8 students to hands-on training in skilled trades.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share updates, celebrate progress, and strengthen collaboration and data sharing with regional partners—demonstrating how GRIT’s mission to connect education, training, and career pathways is transforming opportunities across Area 15.
Data-Sharing at the Commissioners’ Meeting
On June 9, 2025, GRIT met with the Monroe County Commissioners to share Future Plans data gathered from recent student assessments and coaching sessions. The discussion focused on how this information provides valuable insights into students’ strengths and career pathways, helping guide local planning and support for youth.
This collaboration reflects GRIT’s mission of connecting people, businesses, and resources to build stronger communities. By walking through the next steps of the Future Plans five-step process—Discover, Prepare, and Place—the conversation opened opportunities for working together to better link students with meaningful career and training options in Monroe County.
Morgan County Back to School Bash
July 25, 2025
The Morgan County Back to School Bash brought families together for a day filled with fun, resources, and community support. Students received free school supplies and families connected with valuable services designed to set them up for success in the year ahead. Laughter, connection, and encouragement made the event a celebration of both learning and community spirit.
This event, organized in partnership with Morgan Job and Family Services and the Morgan Family & Children First Council, reflects the GRIT Project’s mission to ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to thrive—both in school and as they prepare for future opportunities. By combining resources and relationships, partners are helping students build confidence and enter the school year ready to succeed.
Area #15 Workforce Development Board & Council of Governments Joint Meeting
📅 August 4, 2025
📍 Skyline Resort and Events Center, Senecaville, OH
The Area #15 Workforce Development Board, representing Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, came together for a joint meeting with the Area #15 Council of Governments.
A highlight of the day was a special presentation from Madalyn Short, Future Plans/GRIT PR/IT intern, who shared about her internship experience and reflected on her journey as a past GRIT summer program participant. Her story demonstrated the impact of workforce development efforts that not only prepare students for future careers but also inspire them to contribute their talents back into the community.
This gathering underscored GRIT’s mission of building stronger connections between education, workforce, and community leadership across the region.
Small Communities, Big Impact
📅 August 13, 2025
📍 Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
The Small Communities, Big Impact Summit brought together local leaders, elected officials, practitioners, and community stakeholders from across Southeast Ohio. The summit focused on transformational projects shaping the future of small communities, encouraging collaboration and innovative solutions to drive growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Hosted at Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the event served as a platform for discussion, networking, and shared strategies to strengthen communities across Washington, Monroe, Noble, and Morgan Counties.
Morgan County Partner Meeting
On June 4, 2025, GRIT joined partners at Morgan County OhioMeansJobs for a collaborative meeting focused on supporting local students. During the session, Future Plans data was shared from youth who completed the summer program assessment, offering valuable insights into their strengths, goals, and career interests.
The conversation also highlighted students preparing to enter summer training programs and the promising opportunities available to them. Together with Morgan County JFS and OhioMeansJobs, GRIT continues to advance its mission of connecting people, businesses, and resources to strengthen communities and build pathways to success.
GRIT Collab Area 15
📅 July 16, 2025
The GRIT Collab Area 15 meeting highlighted the progress of participants and programs across the region. This year, 113 individuals have engaged with GRIT, including 36 active and 17 dual-enrolled students pursuing diverse career paths such as STNA, LPN, RN, CDL, Chemical Operator, Medical Coding, Phlebotomy, Heavy Equipment, Real Estate, Surgical Technology, and Accounting.
Participants are studying at institutions including Belmont College, Hocking College, Washington County Career Center, Washington State College of Ohio, Zane State College, and Ohio University. In addition, a Friday pilot program launched with Local 168 Plumbers & Pipefitters introduced 8 students to hands-on training in skilled trades.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share updates, celebrate progress, and strengthen collaboration and data sharing with regional partners—demonstrating how GRIT’s mission to connect education, training, and career pathways is transforming opportunities across Area 15.
Data-Sharing at the Commissioners’ Meeting
On June 23, 2025, GRIT met with the Morgan County Commissioners to share Future Plans data gathered from student assessments and coaching sessions. The discussion focused on how these insights help students better understand their strengths and explore potential career pathways.
The conversation also highlighted the next stages of the Future Plans five-step process—Discover, Prepare, and Place—and explored opportunities for collaboration to ensure students are connected with meaningful opportunities in the community. This work reflects GRIT’s mission of building stronger communities by linking people, businesses, and resources for shared success.
Noble County Summer Lunch Program
July 22, 2025
The Noble County Health Department, Noble County Job and Family Services, and other dedicated community partners have been working side by side every Tuesday morning at the Oasis Bar and Grill to pack lunches for the county’s summer feeding program. Through this collaboration, 105 families signed up, and a total of 242 children have received nutritious meals this summer.
This effort reflects the same community-driven spirit that powers the GRIT Project—leveraging local partnerships to meet immediate needs while also building a stronger foundation for long-term well-being. Whether addressing food security or workforce readiness, these initiatives show how collaboration can open doors for families and create healthier, more resilient communities.
Photos highlight the incredible teamwork behind the program: Tammy and Holly from the Noble County Health Department, and Teiara Saling, Noble County OMJ Workforce Director, who all played a key role in making the program a success.
Area #15 Workforce Development Board & Council of Governments Joint Meeting
📅 August 4, 2025
📍 Skyline Resort and Events Center, Senecaville, OH
The Area #15 Workforce Development Board, representing Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, came together for a joint meeting with the Area #15 Council of Governments.
A highlight of the day was a special presentation from Madalyn Short, Future Plans/GRIT PR/IT intern, who shared about her internship experience and reflected on her journey as a past GRIT summer program participant. Her story demonstrated the impact of workforce development efforts that not only prepare students for future careers but also inspire them to contribute their talents back into the community.
This gathering underscored GRIT’s mission of building stronger connections between education, workforce, and community leadership across the region.
Small Communities, Big Impact
📅 August 13, 2025
📍 Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
The Small Communities, Big Impact Summit brought together local leaders, elected officials, practitioners, and community stakeholders from across Southeast Ohio. The summit focused on transformational projects shaping the future of small communities, encouraging collaboration and innovative solutions to drive growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Hosted at Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the event served as a platform for discussion, networking, and shared strategies to strengthen communities across Washington, Monroe, Noble, and Morgan Counties.
GRIT Collab Area 15
📅 July 16, 2025
The GRIT Collab Area 15 meeting highlighted the progress of participants and programs across the region. This year, 113 individuals have engaged with GRIT, including 36 active and 17 dual-enrolled students pursuing diverse career paths such as STNA, LPN, RN, CDL, Chemical Operator, Medical Coding, Phlebotomy, Heavy Equipment, Real Estate, Surgical Technology, and Accounting.
Participants are studying at institutions including Belmont College, Hocking College, Washington County Career Center, Washington State College of Ohio, Zane State College, and Ohio University. In addition, a Friday pilot program launched with Local 168 Plumbers & Pipefitters introduced 8 students to hands-on training in skilled trades.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share updates, celebrate progress, and strengthen collaboration and data sharing with regional partners—demonstrating how GRIT’s mission to connect education, training, and career pathways is transforming opportunities across Area 15.
Groundbreaking for Noble County Health Center in Caldwell
On August 4, community leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Noble County Health Center in Caldwell. This $8.3 million urgent care facility, a partnership between Genesis HealthCare and Caldwell Exempted Village Schools, is expected to serve up to 1,000 patients each month.
The project will expand access to vital healthcare services for residents across the region, ensuring care is closer to home. Partnerships like this reflect GRIT’s mission of connecting people, businesses, and resources to strengthen communities and improve quality of life. See more here.
Tackling Homelessness with Jimmy and Robin Burrow
August 13, 2025
The Tackling Homelessness event, featuring Jimmy and Robin Burrow, rallied the community to support the Perry County Housing Coalition in its efforts to provide resources for those facing housing insecurities. With more than 100 students in Perry County experiencing housing challenges, this fundraiser underscored both the urgency of the issue and the community’s commitment to finding solutions.
The evening also showcased the talents of New Lexington High School’s workforce development students, who catered the event, designed graphics, and managed audio/visual support. Their involvement highlighted how hands-on experiences not only strengthen local events but also prepare students with real-world skills—directly aligning with the GRIT Project’s mission of equipping youth for success in school, work, and life.
Back to School Bash
📅 August 6, 2025
Perry County JFS hosted the annual Back to School Bash, which has already become the most popular event yet with nearly 1,000 registered participants. This community gathering brings families together to prepare for the new school year, offering resources, connections, and support for students as they head back to class.
Tackling Homelessness with Jimmy and Robin Burrow
On August 13, 2025, the Perry County Housing Coalition hosted an important community event addressing homelessness, featuring keynote speakers Robin and Jimmy Burrow. The event brought together local partners and residents to focus on solutions and support for those in need.
Students from New Lexington High School’s workforce development pathway played a key role in making the event possible, providing catering, audio-visual support, and media coverage. Their involvement reflected GRIT’s mission of connecting people, businesses, and resources while preparing young people with real-world experiences that strengthen both their skills and their communities.
COAD Touch A Truck 2025
On June 28, 2025, the Community Action Organization of Appalachian Ohio (COAD) hosted its annual Touch A Truck event at the Pike County Fairgrounds. Families enjoyed a day filled with trucks, hands-on exploration, and community resource tables.
Future Plans was proud to be part of the event, with Brooke Davis and Alison Bragg hosting a booth to share information about career assessments, coaching, and workforce services. Their presence helped connect families and community members with resources designed to support career readiness and long-term success.
This outreach effort highlights GRIT’s mission in action—meeting people where they are, raising awareness of workforce opportunities, and building stronger community connections. By showing up in spaces where families gather, we not only share resources but also demonstrate to partners, funders, and stakeholders how GRIT strengthens regional capacity and creates pathways for future success.
Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
On July 17, 2025, GRIT and Future Plans co-hosted the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours alongside local nonprofits and small business owners. This networking event provided an important opportunity to connect with business leaders, share resources, and strengthen relationships within the community.
By engaging in collaborative spaces like Business After Hours, GRIT demonstrates its mission of bridging talent to opportunity—bringing together employers, partners, and community members to create stronger pathways to career success. These efforts not only expand awareness of workforce services but also highlight the regional impact to partners, funders, and stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of continued investment.
Pike County Suicide Prevention Coalition 6th Annual 5K Color Run
August 9, 2025 – 10:00 AM
The Pike County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosted its 6th Annual 5K Color Run, bringing the community together to raise awareness and strengthen local support around mental health. Future Plans’ Alison Bragg represented GRIT by hosting a resource table, sharing tools and information while connecting with more than 30 adults throughout the event.
With numerous resource booths on site, the event highlighted the power of collaboration in addressing critical challenges like mental health. These conversations reflect GRIT’s mission of building resilient communities by connecting individuals with resources that support both personal well-being and workforce success.
Pixelle Paper Mill Employee Job Fair
On July 16, 2025, Future Plans joined more than 75 organizations at the Pixelle Paper Mill Employee Job Fair, hosted at the Shumaker Center at Ohio University Chillicothe. With the mill preparing to end production on August 10, this event was organized to connect affected employees with new opportunities, training, and workforce support.
Future Plans’ presence at the fair reflects our mission to help individuals prepare for change and discover new career pathways. By offering career assessment, coaching, and workforce connections, we work to ensure that employees impacted by the closure have resources to navigate this transition successfully.
Events like this highlight the importance of GRIT’s mission-driven work—bridging talent to opportunity in moments of critical need. Demonstrating our ability to mobilize alongside partners not only benefits individuals but also strengthens our impact with funders, stakeholders, and community leaders.
Business After Hours – Scioto Chamber of Commerce
On July 17, 2025, Future Plans was proud to co-host the Scioto County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event. The evening brought together local business leaders, community partners, and professionals for a time of networking, collaboration, and conversation.
Guests enjoyed refreshments and meaningful dialogue about how strategic partnerships are driving growth and opportunity in Scioto County. By participating in events like this, Future Plans and the GRIT Project highlight their shared mission of connecting people, businesses, and resources to build a stronger, more resilient community.
Shawnee State Educator Conference
On July 8, 2025, Future Plans was honored to participate in the Shawnee State Educator Conference, with team members Sara Hunt, Sarah Redoutey, Terri Bennett, Dan Leffingwell, and Lauren Borovicka delivering an engaging presentation on student success and workforce readiness.
The team shared an in-depth look at the Future Plans 5-Step Process, which helps students discover their strengths, align their interests with in-demand careers, and take clear, actionable steps toward a fulfilling future. They also highlighted the Career Navigator Program, which provides personalized guidance as students move from self-discovery into real-world career pathways.
Attendees gained insight into how these tools are being used to strengthen the connection between education and employment, equipping students with the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures.
This event reflects the heart of the GRIT Project mission—bridging education and workforce needs to ensure students are prepared for meaningful careers. We are grateful to Shawnee State University for hosting such a meaningful and impactful conference.
Shawnee State Teacher Bootcamp
July 21, 2025
Future Plans team members Sara Hunt and Sarah Redoutey recently participated in the Shawnee State Teacher Bootcamp, an event designed to connect educators with innovative tools and programs to better prepare students for the future workforce.
Sara Hunt collaborated with Adams County OhioMeansJobs to showcase the use of virtual reality headsets, giving teachers the opportunity to experience immersive career training firsthand. The demonstration highlighted how VR can introduce students to a wide range of hands-on career paths in a dynamic and engaging way, aligning with the GRIT Project’s goal of helping students discover their strengths and connect them to in-demand careers.
Meanwhile, Sarah Redoutey led a roundtable discussion on The GRIT Project and summer programming, sharing how these initiatives give students opportunities to explore their aptitudes, build essential skills, and gain confidence outside of the traditional classroom setting. By linking education to real-world opportunities, the GRIT approach empowers both teachers and students to better understand what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce.
Both sessions sparked meaningful conversations and inspired educators to think creatively about how to integrate career exploration and workforce readiness into their curriculum.
Annual Health Fair & Back to School Bash
August 16, 2025
The Annual Health Fair & Back to School Bash, hosted at Vinton County High School by the Vinton County Health Department, brought together families for a day filled with resources, health, and fun. Students received free school supplies, families took part in health screenings, and community organizations shared information to help strengthen local connections. With activities for all ages, the event created both a festive atmosphere and a foundation of support for the new school year.
This collaborative effort featured GRIT, Vinton County Local Schools, OhioMeansJobs – Vinton County, Help Me Grow, the WIC Program, local law enforcement and EMS, and many other nonprofits and service organizations. Together, these partners embodied the GRIT Project’s mission of preparing young people for brighter futures by connecting families to the tools and resources they need to thrive—academically, socially, and in the workforce.
Area #15 Workforce Development Board & Council of Governments Joint Meeting
📅 August 4, 2025
📍 Skyline Resort and Events Center, Senecaville, OH
The Area #15 Workforce Development Board, representing Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, came together for a joint meeting with the Area #15 Council of Governments.
A highlight of the day was a special presentation from Madalyn Short, Future Plans/GRIT PR/IT intern, who shared about her internship experience and reflected on her journey as a past GRIT summer program participant. Her story demonstrated the impact of workforce development efforts that not only prepare students for future careers but also inspire them to contribute their talents back into the community.
This gathering underscored GRIT’s mission of building stronger connections between education, workforce, and community leadership across the region.
Small Communities, Big Impact
📅 August 13, 2025
📍 Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
The Small Communities, Big Impact Summit brought together local leaders, elected officials, practitioners, and community stakeholders from across Southeast Ohio. The summit focused on transformational projects shaping the future of small communities, encouraging collaboration and innovative solutions to drive growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Hosted at Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the event served as a platform for discussion, networking, and shared strategies to strengthen communities across Washington, Monroe, Noble, and Morgan Counties.
Annual Health Fair & Back to School Bash
Hosted at Vinton County High School by the Vinton County Health Department, brought together families for a day filled with resources, health, and fun. Students received free school supplies, families took part in health screenings, and community organizations shared information to help strengthen local connections. With activities for all ages, the event created both a festive atmosphere and a foundation of support for the new school year.
This collaborative effort featured GRIT, Vinton County Local Schools, OhioMeansJobs – Vinton County, Help Me Grow, the WIC Program, local law enforcement and EMS, and many other nonprofits and service organizations. Together, these partners embodied the GRIT Project’s mission of preparing young people for brighter futures by connecting families to the tools and resources they need to thrive—academically, socially, and in the workforce.
GRIT Collab Area 15
📅 July 16, 2025
The GRIT Collab Area 15 meeting highlighted the progress of participants and programs across the region. This year, 113 individuals have engaged with GRIT, including 36 active and 17 dual-enrolled students pursuing diverse career paths such as STNA, LPN, RN, CDL, Chemical Operator, Medical Coding, Phlebotomy, Heavy Equipment, Real Estate, Surgical Technology, and Accounting.
Participants are studying at institutions including Belmont College, Hocking College, Washington County Career Center, Washington State College of Ohio, Zane State College, and Ohio University. In addition, a Friday pilot program launched with Local 168 Plumbers & Pipefitters introduced 8 students to hands-on training in skilled trades.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share updates, celebrate progress, and strengthen collaboration and data sharing with regional partners—demonstrating how GRIT’s mission to connect education, training, and career pathways is transforming opportunities across Area 15.
Bridging Talent to Opportunity: Workforce Specialist Training Launches
On June 4, 2025, Future Plans hosted the first session of the Bridging Talent to Opportunity training series at Dragonfly Village in St. Martin, Ohio.
This six-week curriculum is designed to strengthen local workforce efforts by equipping workforce professionals, community members, and behavioral health providers with tools to better support individuals in their career planning. Training sessions focus on professionalism, coaching, and workforce development tactics that directly impact how communities guide job seekers toward sustainable career pathways.
By preparing workforce specialists with stronger coaching and career support skills, this initiative directly advances GRIT’s mission to connect talent with opportunity. The program builds community capacity, ensuring more individuals have access to guidance that helps them secure stable, rewarding careers. Demonstrating these outcomes strengthens GRIT’s ability to show impact to community partners, funders, and stakeholders—and positions us to secure future resources for continued workforce innovation.
The launch brought together a strong collaboration of Future Plans staff, Synova, and Innovative Consulting, with participation from local partners who will continue through the course in July. 📸 Photos shared via Photo Circle captured the energy and commitment of those engaged in this important work.
The Grit Project
2025 Summer Youth Programs Kick Off in June
Designed for rising and graduating high school seniors, our summer programs offered the skills, certifications, and real-world experience needed to launch into a successful career.
Participants earned workforce credentials, gained hands-on experience through internships and job placements, and can step confidently into their next chapter.
Adult Program Updates
Adult Programs at Future Plans Continue to Expand Across Appalachia
Our team continues to support partners in integrating workforce and behavioral health services for clients who may face barriers to employment and career development.
This work is made possible through the support of:
- The GRIT Project
- The Appalachian Regional Commission
- The Ohio Attorney General’s Office
- The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
As we move into June, we’ll be offering training sessions designed to help partners effectively braid workforce and behavioral health services.
Interested in collaborating or joining the training? Contact us:
📧 Brooke Davis – brooked@futureplans.org
📧 Genna Scott – gennas@futureplans.org
📧 Brandi Hawthorne – brandih@futureplans.org
We look forward to working with you!
“In addition to onboarding our first Peer Recovery Supporter Coach, I also met with seniors at Western High School to introduce them to the Certified Peer Recovery Supporter pathway. Three students expressed interest, and they have already enrolled and begun their e-based academy courses. As they work toward this credential, they will also earn credit toward their graduation hours.”
Brooke Davis, on the program’s progress.
