Boulder’s Community Heart & Soul initiative is now in full swing after the appointment of Program Coordinator Samantha DeWit, a mother of six with high hopes and a bold vision.
“As a mother raising my family here and an involved community member, I see this as an opportunity to build something lasting, grounded in what truly matters to the people who call Boulder home,” said DeWit, who works as a para-professional at Jefferson High School, focused on youth development.
Created by the Vermont-based Orton Family Foundation, the national Community Heart & Soul program seeks to revitalize towns of under 30,000 people by encouraging residents to take part in imagining their future, setting long-term goals, and taking joint action.
Following the success of last summer’s “Getting Started” events, Boulder is one of just three Montana towns, along with Havre and Broadus, selected for the full program. Overseen by the Montana Community Foundation and MSU Extension, and under the local guidance of Southwest Youth Partners’ Rochelle Hesford, Boulder will receive a $10,000 seed grant and a $10,000 matching grant to support activities led by DeWit.
“Community Heart & Soul is about more than community development,” DeWit told The Monitor. “It’s about helping residents shape the future of their town by honoring their values, stories, and unique perspectives. Our goal is to build a foundation that reflects the heart of Boulder — something inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable.”
The first phase, Imagine (the next three phases are Connect, Plan, and Act), focuses on building six teams of residents to envision and implement the program. This includes the Heart & Soul team, which will lead the project, as well as steering and outreach committees.
In the coming weeks, expect to see DeWit and her team at school events, sports practices, church groups, and more, connecting with locals and seeking out real stories and insights. This will be followed by a series of public information sessions and listening gatherings starting in late May or early June.
DeWit offered some advice for those interested in taking part. “Start by asking yourself what you love about Boulder: What makes it feel like home? What would you protect at all costs—and what do you wish you could change?” she said in an email. “Your answers to those questions are where this work begins. Every voice matters, and by sharing yours, you help ensure the decisions we make reflect who we are, together.”
Visit https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/ or https://mtcf.org/about/about-us/local-community-foundations/community-heart-soul for more information.
