HERITAGE, PLACEMAKING & GROWTH

Our Mission:

Innovative Community Solutions (ICS) strengthens rural and historic communities by converting local cultural, historic, and social assets into drivers of sustainable economic growth, educational opportunity, and civic leadership.

Our Vision:

A connected Appalachian region where historic landmarks are preserved, local storytellers and small businesses thrive within a vibrant tourism ecosystem, and communities possess the internal capacity to direct their own economic future.

  • Our Core Framework:

    We do not view communities through the lens of deficiency. Instead, we utilize an asset-based development approach, measuring and expanding five key forms of community capital:

    Cultural Capital:  We focus our efforts on areas with the greatest need and potential.

  • Social Capital: Strengthening networks between grassroots caretakers, civic organizations, academic institutions, and public agencies.

  • Human Capital: Investing in youth STEAM music education, elder leadership documentation, and local technical training.

  • Physical Capital: Directing capital investments toward the restoration and active community use of historic structures and sacred grounds.

  • Financial Capital: Securing multi-source grants, earmarks, and earned revenue models to build long-term local wealth and enterprise.

Execution & Continuous Improvement

We track outcomes, adapt strategies, and align capital to deliver measurable economic and social return. Community development in rural Appalachia requires persistent, multi-year investment, disciplined execution, and strong local leadership.

Building Regional Capacity

No single entity solves complex rural challenges alone. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with local government, business owners, and community caretakers to build technical infrastructure and drive sustainable development across our region.

There is no exercise better for the heart than lifting people up.

Jamila Jones • Executive Director

Capacity Building & Strategic Funding

Maximizing Regional Impact Through Strategic Funding

The Affrilachian Trail® Network

Community-Built Living Monuments & Heritage Preservation

Cultural Tourism & Economic Placemaking

5-step cultural heritage tourism process

Intergenerational Arts & Cultural Programs

Connecting classroom education to authentic public history through STEAM

POWER LOCAL HISTORY & COMMUNITY GROWTH

Your support helps restore historic landmarks, empower youth through the arts, and keep local heritage alive.