Harwood Highlights: Unleashing The Community’s Potential in DeSoto County

On August 20, DeSoto County Public Innovators attended a fourth workspace at the Turner Center Exhibit Hall, with over 50 in attendance, facilitated by The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation DeSoto lead Coach Maritza Coscarelli. The workspace allowed each of the four action teams working towards community change to share their team's unfolding story. Here’s what a few attendees had to share: 

• Colbey Dawkins, DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Youth Team Member:  “We are becoming problem solvers instead of problem exposers.”
• Holly Layport, Arcadia/DeSoto Habitat for Humanity, Housing Team Member: “We are focusing on the positive.”
• Cindy Siegal, DeSoto Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Faith Team Member: “We are connectors.”
• Chelsea Palmer, Team Arcadia, Health Team Member: “We are building trust.”

DeSoto County Public Innovators Action Team Updates 

Youth Action Team: By Eric Hamilton, DeSoto Public Innovator 
It was a busy summer for the Youth Action Team, meeting every two weeks on Zoom and continuing to gather and share public knowledge throughout the community. Establishing a sustainable way to share resources and information for youth throughout the community is a key focus and remains a primary goal. Suggestions to establish a common calendar of events that all youth organizations can post and update are currently in beta testing. Thanks to team member Isaac Maldonado from South Florida State College, who researched various community calendar options and landed on one that will serve as the first test. Asha Campbell, co-lead of the Youth Team, was recognized at the recent workspace for bringing four new Team members into the Public Innovators Group, proving it is never too late to join. 


Health Action Team: By Melissa Hirstein, consultant with The Patterson Foundation and DeSoto Public Innovator
Health Team members shared their unfolding story through a skit based on the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's Pop-Up Neighbor Through Neighbor Laundry events. 

Reenacting a local client's need for access to resources, we had Rosa come into the SuperMatt Laundromat on a Saturday, unaware that the laundry would be free that day as a gift from The Patterson Foundation. Rosa met team members from organizations throughout the community who shared resources being developed through an online resource guide. She didn’t have an internet service provider or a device, but luckily a Digital Navigator was at the laundromat that day. Together, they completed her needs assessment so Rosa could begin her journey toward a reliable device, internet access, and unlimited resources.


Housing Action Team:  Alicia Chalmers, consultant with The Patterson Foundation
During the August workspace, the DeSoto County Housing Team shared a creative and heartfelt story about their work. Their focus centers on strengthening community pride, from beautification efforts across the county to support for the high school team in creating Bulldog Corner, a space designed to elevate spirit and connection. To bring their story to life, the team performed a skit where they built a house out of construction paper, layer by layer, from foundation to walls, to windows, to roof. The symbolism was clear: love of community is the foundation of their work, and every action they take helps reinforce that structure. Their presentation highlighted both the progress they are making and the care they bring to meeting community aspirations. The team left the session feeling energized and proud, committed to improving communication and continuing the work of strengthening DeSoto County’s foundation for future generations.

Faith Action Team: By Clara Alvarez, consultant with The Patterson Foundation and DeSoto Public Innovator
A big win for the Faith Action Team was turning the public knowledge they had gathered about the community’s aspirations for intergenerational and bilingual events into action. On August 26, Casa San Juan Bosco hosted its second Intergenerational Bilingual Bingo Night, bringing together 57 individuals, including children, teens, families, and grandparents. The diverse, multi-generational audience enjoyed an evening designed to celebrate DeSoto County’s diversity and create a safe, welcoming space where everyone could participate.

The games were played in both English and Spanish, allowing everyone to join in the fun. Families enjoyed snacks and beverages, compliments of The Patterson Foundation, while TPF also sponsored prizes, including three $25 Amazon gift cards for Bingo winners. Catholic Charities volunteers generously donated their time to serve food and support the event, while DeSoto County Library staff helped make the evening a success.

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and joyful, with families smiling, laughing, and spending quality time together. Raffle activities added excitement and encouraged participation, and families shared how happy they were to have an opportunity to come together, enjoy a meal, participate in activities, and connect with one another.

The event was a meaningful example of how community aspirations can become shared experiences. As Sherry Oehler noted, gatherings like this strengthen community bonds across generations and demonstrate a shared commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. The evening directly supported one of DeSoto County’s shared aspirations around fostering family-friendly events that bring residents together and build a more connected community.

To learn how you can get involved in the DeSoto County Ahead initiative, contact lead Cheri Coryea: ccoryea@thepattersonfoundation.org