Partners for Rural Impact

The Rural Library Network eSummit at the end of each year celebrates the work by rural libraries in the community, connects and convenes rural library professionals committed to moving outcomes for rural children and families, provides an opportunity for rural library professionals to network and share best and promising practices, and offers the chance to access resources needed to do the work. If you are interested in participating in breakout educational sessions, roundtables, and/or panels, learn more and submit a proposal at https://ow.ly/FXvG50TJfrx.

FEMA and the White House have released updated information on resources and assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call 1-800-621-3362. For help reconnecting with missing loved ones, call 1-800-733-2767. For a list of State, Tribal, and Local official websites and resources, visit FEMA.gov/Helene. And to volunteer with or donate to an organization working on the ground, go to https://lnkd.in/ev23pQwT. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storm.

The Rural Summit for Cradle to Career Success in Anchorage, Alaska, in April offers a platform to share your insights and success stories on advancing the futures of rural children, families, and communities with a diverse audience representing the heart of rural America. Presenters will help shape the national dialogue on rural issues, connect with a vibrant network of peers, and contribute to lasting impact in rural communities across the country. Interested in becoming a presenter? Want to learn more about the Summit and register? Visit https://cvent.me/ZeOWn3.

Letcher County, Kentucky, embodies community and resilience, so we are honored to be working hand in hand with our local partners to invest in every student at each stage of their lives. Over the next few years, we'll create a continuum of cradle-to-career supports that will allow young people to take full advantage of the opportunities they want and deserve. We are excited to be a part of Letcher County’s bright future. #CradleToCareer #PlaceBased #RuralImpact

It was a fantastic National GEAR UP Week last week! GEAR UP Promise Zone spent the week hosting a variety of activities and events across their 14 Kentucky districts. At Letcher County Central and Middlesboro Middle School, guest speakers, including an EMT and police officer, spoke to students about future careers. At Evarts Elementary, students dressed up as their dream professions. Whitley County High School hosted a CoolSpeak workshop featuring nationally recognized speaker Lamarr Womble, who spoke to the students about becoming the greatest versions of themselves. In Wayne County, students participated in college knowledge activities and visited Western Kentucky University and Union College. And at Burdine Elementary School, students came to school dressed in gear from their favorite colleges. Thank you to all the GEAR UP programs for making GEAR UP Week a success! #GEARUPWorks

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is compiling a list of reputable funds and resources supporting recovery efforts. We encourage all our friends and partners to channel their support through these agencies. As we learned during the 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky, the surest way to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the people in the region is by supporting organizations that have a history of working in the communities. Please follow the ARC for updated information. You can find their list of resources at https://lnkd.in/eaaPkV-Y. Partners for Rural Impact knows firsthand the resilience of the people who have been affected, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don't forget to check out the new webinar series Blending and Braiding: How to Make it Easier to Use Different Funding Streams to Meet the Needs of the Whole Child beginning this Thursday:

Join our team and make an impact in student literacy! We're #hiring a Project Director to drive the Innovative Approaches to Literacy initiative. Based in Pippa Passes, KY, this role is key to ensuring the success of daily operations, including hiring, supervising, training, and guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities. As Project Director, you’ll work closely with stakeholders to ensure our efforts are data-driven and always improving. Help us shape the future of literacy in our community! #Apply today at https://lnkd.in/e24re8UB. #nowhiring #jobsearch

"I love in my books and in my life to bring cultures together, to bring communities together. I think the most exciting thing that we could possibly do is help people find some way to reach out to each other and come together ... And I think libraries, librarians, and educators are already doing so much to bring young children and their families together around fun activities for reading. And that's a vital part of supporting young children and what they need." - decorated author Terry Farish in the opening keynote of the 2024 New Hampshire Rural Library eSummit.

Join us October 3 for the kickoff of the new webinar series Blending and Braiding: How to Make it Easier to Use Different Funding Streams to Meet the Needs of the Whole Child co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and The White House. The series will increase understanding of how essential services from federal, state, and local governments can be accessed more easily by students and families. It will highlight examples of how states, districts, counties, cities, and schools are blending and braiding funds to provide cradle-to-career supports — making it easier for students and families to access services. Register for the first webinar at https://lnkd.in/ea5FVCfG,