Guestbook entries

I am an owner/operator of a small autobody Shop in Indianapolis, Indiana and I've found the toolbox to be helpful and inspiring. I can't always provide full time employment to individuals seeking however the toolbox has helped provide me with a new perspective that provides a life long impact and so whenever I get the chance to help someone better their life, I make the most of it.

I learned that by teaching people skills they can use then essentially I'm providing them with more than just a way to make a living but also self confidence, self respect, and best of all HOPE! Restoring an old run down car is a metaphor for many in that it's never too late for a full restoration and in many cases making it better than it was to start. Feel free to reach out if you have a desire and here at https://corysautobodypainting.com/ and contact me anytime! I will do my best to help.

Political Science Student. Social Activist. 20 years and more Experience of Working in Community Development

I have used to train my colleagues, local political leaders, making short notes and conducting social campaigns at different social organizations involving children youths and community stakeholders.

retired nurse educator with a non-profit agency doing Public Health and Community Health work in Benton County Iowa

considering sending the " brochure" of about ______ # of pages to the mayor and city council members. town of 650 + -, trouble with drugs and some violence, unlawfulness

I stumbled across this website and feel very fortunate that I found this. I have worked in mental health for over 7 years in Utah after overcoming challenges with trauma and mental disorders that disrupted my life for years. I finally found my way out and as painful as my life was for so long, I found purpose in the pain and now know my life work is in mental health. I am a dedicated servant to our community and a fierce advocate as I know how feeling invisible, unheard, misinterpreted, and looked down on can lead so many of us to places we can not get back from. Most of us that experienced what I did end up in prison or dead and likely years before that happens are spent on the streets, in shelters, and filled with substance abuse. I have worked as a outreach crisis worker and saw firsthand how our shelters are run along with so many situations that could be avoided or solved with the right resources. What I saw was those resources were not available and most of the population I served were hidden from sight by our so called state leaders and left to die in the streets or only given mediocre care due to insurance (if insurance was willing to pay). I worked on the crisis team for just over 3 years and then went to another agency once I received my state certification for Case management for Adults with mental health disabilities. The department I ended up in served seniors and I was promoted to Team Lead just before I endured a tragedy. Also, for the 3 1/2 years I worked as a case manager I saw the worst things I could have ever imagined. Lack of resources, loss of family support (once a case manager steps in, the family disappears), Insurance nightmares, long wait-lists for housing and food, and worst of all, I worked for an agency that did not care about those clients or their employees. The leaders never listened, never cared, except about making sure they did not get sued and billable time expectations were met and not exceeded to much despite having over 300 clients in need of a case manager (all high needs) and always short handed as most people hired would stay long enough for training (around 3-4 weeks) and then they would quit. I had a great supervisor for most of the time I worked there but she retired and I was left with someone who was not professional, did not have any experience in mental health, and did not care at all about the client needs and their situations. This is eventually what would lead to my having to step away and get help through therapy as I did not realize how exhausted I was (working 50-55 hours per week) and losing my amazing supervisor who was supportive and full of good energy and a real leader, I just broke. I lost my entire life. I lost my identity, my purpose, and my vision as I loved the work, was always there no matter what, I always showed up and made sure nobody saw if I was having a hard day. It was worth every bit of my blood, sweat, and tears. My last day was Feb. 9th of 2024. On that day I was sent an email that criticized me over a small mistake on transportation list that I had just learned how to do (and also was maintaining my caseload of 37 seniors some of whom were moving, had major medication issues, and also had medical appointments that I could not change. When I received that email, saw the criticism from the supervisor who didn't want me as the team leader because I worked hard and she didn't want that. So, the email was the straw that broke the camel's back and I stepped away. I took a few months trying to recover to a point where I could return, but I just couldn't bring myself to return to a company who was blatantly unethical and disregarded hard working, educated people. I ended up resigning and continued with my therapy and spend my time now in reflection and thinking what do I do now? For months, I could not see. Until recently. I started learning new things, got certified in property management (with the thought of getting into LIHTC housing management where I could continue to help my people) and then that led me to pursuing my real estate licensing, which then led me to thinking about getting a business degree and opening my own agency to offer resources, sober living (purchasing properties), providing therapeutic environments, and finding the right connections that could brainstorm with me on how to make this work. I also want to have a doggy day care/groomer/rescue which I would also like to incorporate into sober living as that could bring a strong sense of purpose to those who need it most and what I believe is key to healing. I believe every single person, no matter where they are in life, are all valuable and have a purpose to fulfill. I am so tired of hearing state leaders say "they don't want help" because of course that's what they will say, who wants to go to those terrible shelters that are filthy, bug infested, open drug use, unmedicated mentally ill people who do not take care of themselves, there is theft, violence, and not one of the shelters in this state are safe, and somewhere a person can feel valuable. I want to, and I will change that. Now, lately, I have found myself online and finding websites that I don't know exactly what they are, some are out of state, and all kinds of things come up, but...this site is amazing and full of wonderful learning tools, information, and I am very excited to explore more here. Thank you, genuinely...thank you for putting this out there for those of us who are limited on resources but determined to learn and find a way. From the deepest part of my soul, thank you.

I am just getting started on looking at all the different segments you have here. I did look at the tool box and literally, my jaw dropped and I looked at my little doggy and said, I just hit a jackpot. This is incredibly valuable information and I look forward to learning more and hope to stay connected, find connections, and see where it goes because we need to make changes. What is going on now in this world is not acceptable. If I was Elon Musk, I would be all over the place putting money in places to help people get sober, get the long term support, and get housed, educated, and living their life in a positive way, contributing, feeling confident and seeing that they do have a God given gift that will provide a good life for them. I am so mad a these ultra rich people who are hoarding money while so many people suffer. In my opinion, those who they look down on because of their situation or how they may look, those people have more knowledge and ability than any of those trillionaire people. And, chances are, those who are lost are the ones who have the answers to cure diseases, build houses, grow food, so many wonderful things they have that is being wasted because the government looks at them as if they are a lost cause and they made their own choices. Well, I disagree. Trauma made their choices. Some people can't make healthy choices because they don't feel valuable. What I saw while working on the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team haunts me to this day. Women laying in piles of garbage and men laying in gutters who were white but looked black due to the dirt. No shoes, just laying on the ground and people stepping right over them with looks of disgust. I am not okay with that and I refuse to just look away and stay silent. That is just as evil as the creator of the problem, which really, in my opinion, is the government.
So, again, my gratitude for this website is endless and I will be spending a lot of time here learning about all the things you have to offer here. This is a true blessing for me and has brought another level of motivation which I really need. I am getting older (48) so starting over is harder. But, I always think about Colonel Sanders who didn't get his chicken business going until he was 65. We still have time (unless all these crazy leaders decide to blow us all up while Elon jumps in his capsule and heads to Mars...oh geeze, really?) Regardless of time, I am dedicated and determined to make changes and bring out the best in the people who are seen as the worst. Thank you for this information and learning tool box. I will make good use of it. I believe we can solve the problems that we are told are impossible yet we all know where the funding is really going. I've had enough of that. I mean how much money do you really need? So much greed now. For no reason. They literally could still make millions and provide the funding to really help people. All people need is to see their worth, get sober, discover their purpose, and have guidance, a life coach (for however long it takes even as an adult) and not just 15 minutes of time with a therapist who isn't really listening anyway because they are all overworked. There is a way and I am looking for those who are looking for the same solutions. Best of Blessings to all and take good care of yourself and your neighbors. Lead people out and Lift them up.

I work remotely with a company in the USA with a focus on social inclusion and empowerment. My passion lies in helping individuals—especially those from under-resourced backgrounds—see the value in continuous learning and development. I believe that access to the right tools and knowledge can truly change lives and communities.

The Community Tool Box has helped me with my outreach in ways that resonate with people who are often overlooked. I’ve used its practical strategies to design offer advice and support, to people online. The Toolbox’s sections on engaging stakeholders and building capacity have been instrumental in connecting with those who are financially struggling yet deeply motivated. My goal is to empower individuals to see learning not just as an opportunity—but something that can really change one's life for the better.

As a Trustee of the local UU church, Floridians for Democracy, and UU Justice Florida network, I am working with a group of civic leaders in trying to qualify Fort Myers as a Compassionate City.

We have just started with the first step, assembling a Community Conversation. We are planning subsequent steps. Hope to use your Toolbox.

I am a survivor crisis advocate and educator and a Subject Matter Expert Consultant with Lived Experience of Human Trafficking

I haven't used it yet! I'm exited to though!

Studying Community Psychology

First-time user

I am the Alumni Relations Coordinator at a treatment center offering a full continuum of care for the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse.

I am developing a new initiative withing our Alumni Program to increase the service opportunities we offer, one of which is the introduction of alumni-led peer support groups. This involves developing alumni leaders to become group facilitators so I have collected materials and resources and created a Handbook for them. using the page "Creating and Facilitating Peer Support Groups" by Chris Hampton as inspiration for best practices!

I recently completed a doctorate in public administration, and I work for a not-for-profit organization.

It has helped me complete my research on community needs assessments and data driven decision making.

I’ve used the Community Tool Box as a valuable resource to guide and support initiatives aimed at driving meaningful change. The practical tools and strategies provided have helped in planning and implementing community projects effectively. For example, I leveraged its guidance on stakeholder engagement to build partnerships and ensure inclusive participation in local campaigns. Reviewing the Guestbook entries also inspired new approaches and reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability in achieving impactful results.

Neighborhood group and 501c3 in South Kansas City, MO

Using the Toolbox lessons, our organization has held several successful events including the Three Trails Market and a community Health Fair.

Retiree. Early 60's genra, Legal secretary/çlerk, public school system, security, on call teacher's assistant and school secretary, phlebotomist w/administration duties, temp. agency. Childhelp, housekeeping. Ihhs worker. Mother, Grandmother, Artist. Activist. Interest incl.: Local agencies, utilities, County operations

I do so hope to!! " Old hippie, flower child wanting to take my concerns for the environment, town planning and governance, well being of community to a new level.

I began my career later in life because I had been raising children - some born to me, some adopted, and some abandoned - while supporting my husband's career. I initially started by learning grant writing and management, but soon realized that my true passion lies in community development. This realization led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I also found a toolbox and decided to take certification courses.

I am working in an impoverished community in my city that everyone has given up on because of the multitude of problems. It was put on my heart seven years ago, but I just never knew how to help without enabling. Leveling the playing field would make a sustainable difference and restore the faith of the city's people. I am working on the toolbox certifications while developing a program in this community and building my portfolio, which is a win-win! I look forward to helping the people in this community learn and understand that they can also continue this effort for generations to come.

I work for a national nonprofit organization focused on supporting increased access, affordability, and quality of child care. My role focuses on leading a portfolio of national projects related to healthy child care

I have used the Community Tool Box in previous roles as well, but most recently, I have referenced several aspects of the Community Tool Box, including the communication tools, in a toolkit to facilitate partnerships between early care and education professional and local health departments.

I'm a Prevention Consultant, working with community coalitions who focus on youth substance abuse prevention. The community toolbox is such a wonderful resource, easily accessible and helps us all understand the same processes and measurements so we can make the best impact with limited resources.

I first used it as a brand new Executive Director of an established Drug Free Communities grantee in Chase County, Kansas in 2008-2010. I can say that at that time, I did not comprehend the importance of the toolbox data gathering system. Now that I'm working with the State of Kansas, providing support and oversight to community coalitions, I see how the toolbox is a nonnegotiable. No money, no mission. Everyone benefits when community resources and effort are measureable.

I'm a lab technician at a private clinic studying spinal cord and connective tissue therapies.

I haven't used the service yet

I work as Senior Programs Manager at KELIC Education Consult in Abuja Nigeria. KELIC is a community education program focused on Education, Environment and Health.

I had the pleasure of facilitating a session on "Chapter 7: Encouraging Involvement in Community Work" of the University of Kansas Community Tool Box. I want to express my sincere gratitude for this informative resource. The content is incredibly insightful, so I adapted the material and delivered it as a training session for KELIC, and WOFTHEL, a faith-based organization in Nigeria. The training was well-received by the seven participants, and they found it helpful in improving the effectiveness of their community service efforts. Given the benefits and the achievements we are recording, I intend to mobilize more nonprofits to expand on what we've started. 

I hope to facilitate more of such sessions in the future. I will keep you in the loop.

Development worker and disability activist

To gain more knowledge and skills on various domains of development worker .

I am retired from higher education where I spent 47 years as a teacher and administrator. I developed and taught a course in Community Leadership Development. I started a program in my home city and was asked to go to other cities to assist them in developing their own program. Was chosen to go to England and Scotland to explain what we were doing in terms of community improvement by developing community leaders and addressing community problems.

Have not used it yet.

I oversee a statewide caregiver respite program

We are working towards establishing a statewide caregiver collaborative. You have given us the How To steps and tools. Thank you so very much!

I am the Associate Director Community Research for Pace Center for Girls. Pace is currently championing collaboratives focused on girls and young women in the communities we serve. My role is to convene these efforts.

I have used the Community Tool Box to supplement and provide guidance in developing resources for our collaboratives to use.

Hi I'm an MPH Student at Northern Arizona University. I've never used this toolbox before, looking for ward to delving into this resource.

I have not before used this CTB.

The Hickman Mills United Neighborhoods group is utilizing the Community Tool Box lessons to help bring a Farmer's Market to our community.

The Community Tool Box has helped guide our group through the planning process for our intervention, and helped us to identify data collection methods for the project.

Hi, I am government employee working in public health. Specifically, I work on community connections/collaboration to help support better health outcomes.

I just found Community Toolbox and excited to learn more about it and utilize the tools.

I am a former librarian and teacher and I now conduct workshops on various civics topics, usually at libraries [in-person and virtually], but also for other community groups.

In my Citizen Activism 101 workshop I always highlight the Community Toolbox. It's a wonderful resource! It's also on my Resource List for the workshop.

I'm 76 years of age and have an eclectic background in Alcohol and Drug and Family and Individual Therapy over the past 45 years in both public and private
services.
Industrial Psychology and Employee Assistance Programme Development and Practice

Over the past 10-12 years I have used CTB for reference and introducing the program to a range of volunteer and Community Mental Health and Addiction Groups, as well as in lectures and as a guest speaker across a diverse range of sectors, including Government, Local Authority, and Volunteer Services.

I like your platform. Keep up the great work.

Advocate, Service-Learning Curriculum Design, and Community-based participatory research. I'm with a new company and this site and resources are part of the treasures in my resource chest for community-engaged work.

Most recently, I utilized various academic-community partnership modules for community-identified priorities.

Community volunteer member.

Great resources available to use

Helping me connect with people and get more context.

Received a Masters Degree in Public Health from George Washington University in 2019. Previously an executive in oil and gas industry.

Yes, used in graduate school.

Hi,

I am a Nurse Practitioner Student based in Arizona.

New to the service, however would love to make a difference in the community

Manager of Employee Engagement (Organizational Development)

Building a course on Process Facilitation to be used internal to the City. Your site has an excellent summary of this topic and feels very familiar in style and substance.

I'm a HUD Certified Housing Counselor. I have been tasked with helping to create a Strategic and Action Plan. Honestly, I was asked to learn about the Theory of Change. I am not a College Graduate and will have to learn as I go. For me that means researching and learning everything I can.

No but when I found your site, I decided it will be my go to resource for gaining the knowledge I need to perform the task assigned to me.

Hi, I just wanted to give congratulations on this great functionality. Thanks for the initiative, best Anja

Yes, I just started working with.

RN in BSN program. Nursing career of 45 years.

To help with development of a case management program for a school project

I am the founder and Excecutive Director of Bluegrass Advocates. Bluegrass Advocates is dedicated to giving a voice to vulnerable populations in Central Kentucky and nationally. We are working hard to address shame and social isolation and appreciate others' resources.

We have not yet used it, but are looking forward to it!

At 57, Erase only attended and graduated Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville CPRS \ CRSS Success Program. I have sat for my PRS & and now Creditentialed. I have 35 yrs (36 in Dec) lived experience in substance use recovery & I am a lifetime consumer of mental health services.

I am new here, but I managed a Facebook page for our cohort alumni. We are currently in the 4th cohort under a Federal Grant to help those who are still suffering. I hope to share as MUCH INFORMATION as I can to set others Free.

I'm our college professional development coordinator. My work at Foothill College is to bring professional learning to faculty with a special emphasis on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

There are some wonderful resources in the Community Tool Box. I've already been able to leverage them as supplemental learning materials for our professional learning cohort around Culturally Repsonsive Pedagogy and know I'll be returning to the tool box to snag more resources for our other learning communities.

Former Public Guardian Representative in North Florida (2018 State 'Shining Satr' Awardee)

I have not used it yet, but I expect it will be helpful for policy development.

I've been an RN for 12 years and I'm currently at NAU in the FNP program.

I'm only now learning about it.

I am a doctoral student at Point Park University. Professionally, I work in integrative oncology. Personally, I run a diaper Bank program within our food Bank.

Just getting started, but I can already tell that the toolkit will help us make improvements to our diaper program.

I AM A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR, AND HAVE INTEREST IN MENTAL HEALTH

NO

I am a health care professional and a mother to my only son who experiences chronic symptoms of schizophrenia. Because of this experience in witnessing my loved one who has altered functioning and difficulties in relating to the way of our world, I have been drawn to working with others who are having mental health challenges. In my work I have learned that mental health care is an essential priority and it needs to be at the individual and community level for it to be effective and truly make a difference. I am currently involved in community building through rotary services and I am applying my passion for mental wellness wholeheartedly.

I am using the community tool box to help me in building a peer support group for mothers and other women in my community. The hope and the aim is to create a center where women and mothers can come to access mental health peer support and also other educational and personal development training to help empower them in creating the needed change to become their fullest potential.

I am a coordinator in the Program in Public Health at NU focusing on areas of the curriculum that pertain to community engagement & advocacy

We have used the Community Tool Box in many different ways to support our work! Recently, we did a gaps analysis- taking stock of our current established community partners & doing research to see what health areas they focus in so that we can target new partnerships strategically to fill any gaps. We used the Community Tool Box definitions of sectors/etc. to categorize our partner orgs and the work they do. It served as a really helpful frame for our research/categorizations.

My name is Yahya Bulle. I'm a Kenyan. I'm interested in learning my about the complexity of managing community changes.

Writing a grant proposal.

Por aparte les envaré una presentación sobre prevención de la drogadicción y de la violencia que promueve nuestros cursos entre los hispanos.latinos en EE.UU. Contiene un esbozo-esquema de nuestro modelo y método: "consciención-racionalidad-humanización" con fundamento y rigor en la "unidad dialéctica del conocimiento científico, resultado de nuestras investigaciones académicas y experiencias prácticas durante 50 años en Colombia, América Latina y en parte en EE.UU.

La conocí por casualidad recién hoy y me sorprendió por sus temas y contenidos. Por mi experiencia durante 50 años la considero un buen esfuerzo y trabajo. La daré a conocer en varios contextos institucionales, académicos y comunitarios.