FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 12, 2001 Community Relations Coordinator

[Community Hightlights] [Survey Highlights] [Press Release]

Newaygo County Scores Well on Community Involvement

Press Release Contact: Pat Bishop

In Newaygo County, a lifetime is not too long to live as friends, and families are our greatest treasure.

According to a recent national survey, supported in part by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Newaygo County residents spend more time with friends and family than similar communities across the United States.

The national survey conducted last fall included 750 Newaygo County residents, in which we had the best response rate of the 40 communities surveyed in the United States.

"Residents of Newaygo County are more involved in attending local events, gathering with friends and volunteering," said Elizabeth Cherin, President and CEO of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. "The survey shows that our community is very participative," added Cherin. "We enjoy our bowling leagues, church functions, card games and are even more involved in our local political process."

These are just a few of the positive measures of the 'Social Capital' survey done by Harvard University. "Social Capital," explains Cherin, "is the degree to which people are connected to their communities."

Involvement in the community even has a positive affect on your health according to the research done by Dr. Robert Putnum, Harvard Professor and developer of the community survey. "Mounting evidence suggest that people whose lives are rich in 'social capital' cope better with traumas and fight illness more effectively," says Putnam.

Based upon Putnam's research, other benefits of community involvement seem to be higher literacy rates among students, increased personal satisfaction, safer neighborhoods and higher economic prosperity.

"I guess this means we should throw more parties," jokes Cherin. "Seriously, this is great news for Newaygo County," adds Cherin. "The challenge now becomes how to build upon our success, looking for more ways to increase local involvement for the betterment of the community, our health and our well-being."