Tidioute was one of four Pennsylvania communities chosen in 2020-21 to implement Community Heart & Soul, a program designed to help small towns create a shared vision for the future based on the values and priorities of their residents.

The selection process was competitive, requiring an application and virtual site visit, which was necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time. A committee of reviewers, including staff from PA Humanities, Community Heart & Soul, representatives of past program participants, and funding partners, selected Tidioute for its resilience and commitment to long-term community growth.

With its selection, Tidioute received $37,500 in funding from PA Humanities and Warren County Act 13 Funds, with additional support from the PA Route 6 Alliance through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). PA Humanities has been the exclusive Community Heart & Soul partner in Pennsylvania since 2015.

“Heart & Soul teaches communities how to build on the assets they already have and find common ground among residents to create a collective and collaborative future,” said Jen Danifo, senior manager of Programs and PA Community Heart & Soul Coach. “This isn’t just about planning – it’s about bringing people together to create something meaningful.”

Shown is the award that the Tidioute Borough received

Unlike traditional economic or community development projects that often rely on outside consultants, Community Heart & Soul is fully driven by the people who live, work, and raise families in Tidioute. The process consists of four key phases, during which residents identify what they love most about their town, what concerns them, and their aspirations for its future.

To ensure a range of voices were heard, community members worked alongside several partners including the Borough of Tidioute, the Tidioute Community Charter School and the annual Pennsylvania State Fishing Tournament. These partnerships were essential in reaching a significant number of residents, especially seasonal visitors and long-term locals who may not typically engage in town planning efforts.

A particular focus was placed on hearing from youth and senior citizens, two groups that are often underrepresented in community discussions. Volunteers conducted outreach by attending school events, speaking with local business owners, and engaging with visitors during the town’s popular fishing tournament, a long-standing tradition that attracts attendees from all over the region.

Through these efforts, the Heart & Soul team reached about 10% of Tidioute’s population.

After analyzing community input, four dominant themes emerged as Tidioute’s core values:

– The Natural Environment – Residents cherish Tidioute’s scenic beauty, from its forests to the Allegheny River. Protecting and promoting these natural resources is a top priority.

– Downtown & Local Business – Economic growth and supporting small businesses are seen as critical to the town’s success. Residents hope to see more shops, restaurants, and services thrive in Tidioute.

– Sense of Community – The town’s strong neighborly culture was repeatedly mentioned. People value knowing and helping one another, and they want to ensure that spirit continues for future generations.

– Pride of Place – Local traditions, festivals, and historical sites contribute to Tidioute’s unique character. Preserving and expanding events and community programs is a priority.

These values form the foundation of Tidioute’s action plan, which lays out step-by-step strategies for building on these strengths while addressing areas in need of improvement.

The next phase of the Community Heart & Soul journey involves turning ideas into reality. With an understanding of what residents want for their town, the people of Tidioute will now work to implement community-led projects and initiatives that align with their shared values.

Some ideas that have already emerged include creating more outdoor recreational spaces to highlight Tidioute’s natural beauty, developing programs to support and attract local businesses to keep the town’s economy strong, and strengthening community events, such as the fishing tournament, to preserve local traditions.