Heart & Soul of Guttenberg announces Coordinator and Grant Award

Heart & Soul of Guttenberg is pleased to announce that Lisa Hinzman is joining the team as project coordinator. Hinzman has been selected by the core team to lead the project through its four phases, guiding the team through the Community Heart & Soul process, including working together to develop and manage strategies for achieving milestones, managing volunteers, and coordinating and facilitating workshops. Hinzman is supported by Community Heart & Soul coach Jason Neises from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

“We’re excited to have Lisa on board as our coordinator,” says Heart & Soul team member Emily Sadewasser. “She brings enthusiasm, strong people skills, and fresh ideas to the table as we get started with new activities to engage with our community members.”

Hinzman has lived in Guttenberg for nearly 30 years. Her family includes husband Mike, daughter Mariah and son-in-law AJ, and son Mason. Hinzman has been a photographer since 1996 and owns and operates Images by Lisa. She spent nearly five years as a cabinet designer at Forever Cabinets in Edgewood.

“As a photographer, I've always appreciated the natural beauty of this area, especially Guttenberg with the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs. But beyond the scenery, it's the people who make a community special,” says Hinzman. “I’ve built many lasting relationships and connections capturing families through the years, senior photos, weddings, and all the special moments in people’s lives. I’m excited to continue connecting with our community through Heart & Soul.” 

Community Heart & Soul is a discovery process that helps small cities and towns identify the priorities, places, and traditions that matter most to the people who live, work, and play there—and turn those elements into actions to build a brighter future for current and future generations. The program is based on three principles: involve everyone, focus on what matters most, and play the long game.

The program is supported locally by $10,000 in grants and donations from the Clayton County Foundation for the Future, Foundation of Cornerstone Communities, Umbrella Arts, Brown’s Sales & Leasing, Fidelity Bank & Trust, Community Savings Bank, Dr. Russell and Juanita Loven Charitable Fund, Divine Current Wellness, Sodes Green Acre, and individual community members. Thanks to the funds raised locally, the program has secured a $10,000 matching Seed Grant from Community Heart & Soul to support the part-time coordinator and program activities.

Led by residents in partnership with local officials, Community Heart & Soul strengthens community engagement, builds trust, sparks economic development, and honors history and culture through a four-phase process. 

The Heart & Soul of Guttenberg team has completed the first phase of the program, focused on building awareness, interest, and commitment in the community, and are moving into Phase 2, where stories are gathered from residents, leading to the development of Heart & Soul statements that identify what matters most and reflect what they love about their town. The team is in need of volunteers to help with story gathering and data collection.

In Phase 3, residents develop action plans to guide future town planning based on their Heart & Soul statements. In Phase 4, the Heart & Soul statements are officially adopted by the city council and incorporated into comprehensive and other plans, and are used to guide future policies and decisions. Heart & Soul becomes an ongoing practice for years to come.

Follow Heart & Soul of Guttenberg on Facebook for program updates. To learn more or get involved as a volunteer, visit www.HeartAndSoulOfGuttenberg.com or email heartandsoulofguttenberg@gmail.com.