For centuries now, Findlay Ohio has been an iconic symbol of hope and inspiration for the nation's heartland. From Fort Findlay in 1812 that gave the city its name to Tell Taylor's singing, from Ben Roethlisberger to the 2007 flood, many of people of the nation have had numerous reasons to reflect on Findlay with awe. But perhaps one of Flag City's greatest achievements is the impact it will have on generations to come. Findlay, once again has been voted one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" of 2008.
With 2008's result, Flag City has now been selected for this competition for the third time since the competition's conception in 2005.
First appearing on the list in its inaugural year, Findlay was selected as one of 2005's "100 Best Communities for Young People" because of its commitment "…to the solutions for the betterment of the community, especially for the children." Findlay received its second selection in 2007 was mostly in part to Flag City's "…multimillion dollar effort to turn a former grocery store into a modern, non-profit family center." Findlay's Family Center houses 18 social service agencies dedicated to supporting needy families. 2007 also saw Findlay through a record-setting flood. But it would be the community's perseverance in this trial that would once again evoke the notoriety of the nation and secure Findlay as one of 2008's "100 Best Communities for Young People."
2008's selection had one other contributing factor. Flag City's households comprise of nearly "…30 percent of young people age 18 or younger."
Three times now, Findlay Ohio has been perceived as an ideal community for our nations' youth-a feat that has only been achieved by 43 other communities nation wide. But who decides what setting is "best for young people?" It is the mission of America's Promise Alliance. "The America's Promise Alliance is the nation's largest multi-sector collaborative dedicated to the well-being of children and youth." With partners like the Salvation Army, National 4-H Council, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, America's Promise was founded by General Colin Powell and is "committed to seeing that children experience the fundamental resources they need to succeed." The 100 Best competition is rooted in the organization's Five Promises-caring adults, safe places, healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to help others-identified by the Alliance as being critical to the development of healthy, successful children. Each community, including Findlay, must submit an application that demonstrates "…how their existing programs and initiatives help deliver the Five Promises."
Perhaps Findlay has always ascribed to an unspoken promise of unyielding determination and betterment of the nation as a whole. From enduring the rages of war in 1812 to weathering the torrential Flood of 2007, Flag City continues to be a positive affluence to the nation with its stories of heroism in times of trial. But more importantly is Findlay and its population refusing to be suppressed by these trials. Findlay Ohio will always strive to be one of "100 Best Communities for Young People"-or of any age.
Sources: findlayhancockchamber.com, usatoday.com, americaspromise.org
