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Many Kosciusko County households and businesses will be able soon to have a say in issues they think are important in the area.
More than 10,000 questionnaires are in the process of being sent to randomly selected residents, businesses and "key leaders" in the county. The purpose of the survey is to find out what are considered to be the assets and challenges in the area.
The survey is being conducted by LifeQuest, a cooperative effort between Cardinal Center, K21 Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko Community Hospital and United Way of Kosciusko County. LifeQuest coordinator is Judy Mugg, who also organized the survey.
Once the questionnaires are returned, the results entered into a database and the major concerns noted, Mugg said, "We can bring people together to form study circles, analyze the issues and come up with a plan."
Agencies that already deal with the issues identified as county concerns can be involved and supported.
The survey covers such issues as economics, education, environment, health, housing, leisure activities, safety, transportation and social issues. People responding to the questionnaires are asked to rate each issue on a graduated scale, according to how important they perceive the items, for example, teen pregnancy or affordable health care, to be in Kosciusko County and to them personally.
Businesses are asked what services they offer employees, such as child care, and whether they encourage community volunteer work among employees or support community groups.
Key leaders, who are identified as government officials, social service agencies, school personnel, boards of directors and policy-making personnel, are asked to identify community strengths, challenges and issues.
"We tried to tailor it to what we felt were areas that may need to be addressed in this area," Mugg said of the questionnaire.
All surveys are anonymous, and all are accompanied by a self-addressed postage paid envelope.
Mugg said the results will be turned over to two Grace College professors, who will "crunch the numbers" and can categorize the results by such demographics as zip code, age, gender, etc.
Completed questionnaires are due back to LifeQuest by Sept. 17. After the analysis is complete, Mugg said, the final report will be made available to the public.
"Hopefully, out of this it can form a basis for groups that can seek grants," she said. "This also will be made available to groups that need a needs assessment so they can apply for a grant."
Anyone who did not receive a questionnaire in the mail but would like one to fill out may contact Mugg at 574-269-2930.
