SHELBURNE, VERMONT — The Orton Family Foundation awarded certification to three Community Heart & Soul coaches at an event in Golden, Colorado on August 14. Camden resident Jane Lafleur was among those receiving certification.

Lafleur is among the first to be certified to assist towns in carrying out the foundation’s community development model, which guides residents in creating stronger, healthier and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the country.  Each coach successfully completed a two-year certification program that included leading Community Heart & Soul in at least one town.

Jason Neises, community development coordinator, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, and Brian Treece, program director, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in Findlay, Ohio, also received certification.

Lafleur, owner of JB Lafleur Consultants, has worked with Orton for more than a decade. She was on the ground while the foundation was developing Community Heart & Soul through pilot projects in Damariscotta, Biddeford and Gardiner. She recently wrapped up a project in Bucksport and is coaching Rockland and a four-town project in Bethel, Greenwood, Newry and Woodstock.

“Jane’s background as a planner, consultant, facilitator and advocate make her a natural fit for helping towns navigate Community Heart & Soul,” said David Leckey, executive director, Orton Family Foundation. “She has been key to the successful launch of our community development model and, through her ongoing coaching, continues to ensure its success and the success of small cities and towns across the state.”

 A total of 65 towns in 14 states have completed or are engaged in Community Heart & Soul. Developed by Orton as a catalyst for positive change, Community Heart & Soul actively seeks the collective wisdom of all residents, including those whose voices are often missing, bringing people together to create positive change that recognizes the value in the unique character of each place and the emotional connection of the people who live there.States with Community Heart & Soul towns are: Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont and Washington.