Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images courtesy of Ron Harris for The Walker Area Community Foundation
The Walker Area Community Foundation (WACF) is setting its sights on the future with an ambitious 10-year strategic plan.
This plan is designed to tackle some of Walker County’s most pressing challenges while improving the overall quality of life for everyone who calls the area home.
As a leading organization in visioning and grantmaking, the Foundation is focused on uncovering and addressing the root causes of these challenges through proactive solutions.
The Foundation engaged Birmingham-based Clarus Consulting to conduct a thorough Community Needs Assessment to develop this plan.
This process involved gathering insights from over 1,200 community members through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The goal was to understand the desires and needs of those who live, work, and play in Walker County.
“When my colleague and I met last year with a group of (WACF) board and staff members to begin the planning process, we knew a couple of things had to be at the center,” said Clarus Senior Consultant Taylor Cooper. “To listen and learn from as broad a base of community members as possible, to use data and research to understand as much as we possibly could about the community, and challenge assumptions about what we thought we knew about this community.”
Additionally, Clarus reviewed data from multiple studies covering key areas such as families, jobs, education, and health to get a clear picture of the community’s current state.
From this extensive research, a shared vision emerged: Walker County aims to become a place where everyone can access good jobs, top-tier education, and a high standard of living. This vision provides a clear direction for the community’s future.
The strategic plan focuses on four main priorities:
Collaborative Planning for Economic Growth
The Foundation is committed to building a stronger economy by fostering partnerships among local leaders and organizations.
With many households in Walker County earning below the state and national median income and a significant percentage of children living in poverty, the need for economic development is evident.
The Foundation plans to support and spearhead initiatives that drive economic growth and enhance quality of life.
“The Foundation, local economic developers, and municipalities can work together to build a vibrant economy that enhances the growth, development, and quality of life for all Walker County residents,” said WACF board chairman Kevin Callahan.
Lifelong Learning and Success
Education is recognized as a critical factor in the community’s success.
The Foundation will work closely with educational leaders to create and sustain learning pathways that meet the needs of today’s students and workforce.
With concerning proficiency rates in core subjects, there is a clear need for enhanced educational programs, from early childhood to adult education.
WACF board member Eddie Jackson said, “The Foundation will continue to invest time and effort to expand access to early learning for all preschool children in Walker County. We’ll also partner with schools and nonprofit organizations to provide resources for teachers, families, and students.”
A key project will be the development of a new Walker County Center of Technology (The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation) to boost educational outcomes and support job creation.
“Survey results overwhelmingly showed the need to empower the next generation of professionals with cutting-edge skills and hands-on experience in high-demand fields. We must bridge that gap between education and industry to provide students with the skills they need to succeed and excel in today’s competitive job market,” said Jackson. “Together, we’re on the cusp of a movement that will echo through generations as a testament to the power of collective purpose and unwavering dedication.”
Health, Well-Being, and Quality of Life
Improving the health and well-being of Walker County’s residents is another top priority.
The county currently ranks low in overall health outcomes, highlighting the need for better access to physical and mental health services.
Through The Healing Network of Walker County, the Foundation plans to expand these services, support substance use recovery, and promote activities that enhance overall quality of life, ensuring that all residents can thrive.
Expanding recreational opportunities was also a key focus, leading to the announcement of White House on Fifth—a dynamic new museum, art gallery, and event venue. As a companion to the Bankhead House and Heritage Center, this space will offer local artists and the community a vibrant hub for creativity and events.
“More after-school and weekend activities for kids and families, followed by outdoor recreation opportunities, were highly prioritized in the survey responses,” said WACF board member Emily Donaldson. “The Foundation will work with municipalities and nonprofit organizations to develop more community activities, recreational opportunities, and after-school programs to support these needs.”
Next-Generation Leadership
Looking to the future, the Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
By developing programs, such as The Collective, that equip individuals with the skills and networks they need to lead, the Foundation aims to build a strong, collaborative leadership base to drive continued growth and development in Walker County.
“This foundation believes that strong leadership is key to improving Walker County. We realize the importance of developing leaders in all areas, especially the next generation,” said Jim Trotter, WACF Vice President of Development and Marketing. “Thanks to this foundation’s board of directors and the Wright Family Fund, members of The Collective will help award $100,000 in grants to nonprofit projects.”
In addition to these priorities, the Foundation is committed to its own growth and stewardship. Having significantly increased its resources over the past 28 years, the Foundation will continue to expand its grantmaking capabilities and foster collaboration across the community. WL
Learn more about the Walker Area Community Foundation by visiting wacf.org
