In support of the ECHO Housing Corporation-led Jacobsville Join In (JJI), a community development initiative, Vectren committed $15,000 to assist with program and operational expenses. JJI is working with residents and stakeholders in Jacobsville to establish a vision, goals and a quality of life plan for the neighborhood. The community development initiative was established in 2011 with seed money from the City of Evansville’s Department of Metropolitan Development.
A portion of the funding from Vectren will provide support for a full-time community mobilizer who is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all activities of JJI. The remaining dollars will go toward JJI’s early action grant program. Early action grants provide funding for small improvement projects that build neighborhood spirit and support the vision and goals. Nominal grant funding of $250 to $1,000 is made available to individuals, groups and organizations to plan and implement neighborhood improvement projects.
“We value Vectren’s support, and while we have already begun to see JJI’s impact in the Jacobsville neighborhood, the additional funding from Vectren will help accelerate our efforts,†said Jennifer Mason, JJI community mobilizer.
In April, Jacobsville residents and stakeholders envisioned neighborhood accomplishments taking place over the next ten years. The collective ideas were divided into seven working groups, and members of each group will build a plan to address the key areas for the neighborhood. The seven key areas identified include business corridors, employment, infrastructure and parks, housing, youth and education, safety and cleanliness, and neighborhood pride and events.
“We have a strong focus on community redevelopment and revitalization,†said Jeff Whiteside, Vectren vice president of community sustainability and president of the Vectren Foundation. “The work being done in Jacobsville is driving sustainable improvements for the individuals who call this neighborhood home both today and in the future.â€
