The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) recently hosted its Spring Oceana Free Dive focused on Systems Change & Collective Impact, bringing together 47 individuals representing more than 30 organizations from across Oceana County. Community members, nonprofit leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, business representatives and local government all gathered for a morning centered on one important idea: "We all care deeply about this community — so how do we work together to create even greater impact?"
The event explored the idea of systems change, which is shifting how people think and work together to address the root causes of complex community challenges instead of reacting to the symptoms or working in silos/isolation. The OCF's CEO Tammy Carey kicked off the meeting by illustrating how community foundations are uniquely positioned to address specific community challenges and opportunities. By nature, community foundations are always looking through a systems-change lens to see the whole ecosystem, function as connective tissue and bring people together. Carey shared several examples of initiatives and projects led by the OCF that continue to focus on creating systems change, such as the Oceana College Access Network (Oceana CAN!) higher education program, Read early. Read often. early literary program, the Complete Your Degree adult learners program and partnerships with many local organizations to foster community development projects.
After listening to presentations from O’Nealya Gronstal of the Lakeshore Food Club and Alyssa Merten of the Oceana CAN!, attendees began networking and group discussions while exploring what systems change can look like in a rural community and how stronger collaboration can lead to greater impact. Lakeshore Food Club recently opened a food hub in the Hart Industrial Park to source, store and distribute free and donated food for all their regional food partners. They are poised to open a local food club in the new West Shore Community College building in Hart. Oceana CAN! has led a network of education partners for a decade to build a culture within Oceana County focused on post-secondary education awareness, access and attainment to build and sustain a vibrant local economy by meeting workforce talent gaps and helping alleviate poverty.
Throughout the morning, attendees reflected on a powerful realization: "The real question isn’t whether we’re working hard. It’s whether we’re working together."
The conversations focused not on starting from scratch, but on how to better connect efforts, strengthen relationships and move each participant toward collective impact. Participants spent time discussing what is already working well in the community, what gaps still exist and what could become possible when people intentionally build trust across sectors. Unlike large-scale initiatives launched with major resources, meaningful change in rural communities often starts organically: identifying a problem honestly, listening closely and building relationships over time.
Attendees talked about the power of showing up consistently, authentically and in spaces where relationships can grow. Conversations highlighted that building trust and connecting people is often some of the most important work in creating lasting change, and that simply bringing the right people together can spark meaningful collaboration and momentum for the future.
“These conversations matter because real change doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Hannah Naples, program officer at the Oceana Community Foundation, who designs and facilitates the free dive events. “We already have passionate people doing incredible work throughout Oceana County. The opportunity is figuring out how we continue building relationships, connecting efforts and creating systems that help people thrive long-term. You could feel the energy in the room from people who truly believe change is possible.”
One attendee shared, “I have been to a lot of the Free Dives, and they have all been fantastic, but today might have been the very best. I wasn't sure how you were going to get everyone to wrap their minds around the idea of systems change, but you did it. At my breakout table, there was a very rich exchange of ideas about different ways to approach problem-solving and ways to work together. When the challenges facing our community seem to just get greater, I left feeling inspired. That says a lot!”
The Oceana Free Dive series was created to bring people together around important community topics, encourage learning and connection, and create space for collaboration. While the event itself lasted only a morning, organizers hope the conversations and relationships built there continue long afterward. As attendees left the event, there was a shared sense that systems change does not begin with one organization, one meeting or one perfect solution. It begins with people willing to come together, build trust, stay committed and believe a stronger future for Oceana County is possible. The OCF is committed to connecting efforts and building the systems that help our community thrive. The next Free Dive is scheduled for Oct. 7, and more information is coming soon.
For details about making a gift, now or through an estate plan, creating a named fund, or learning more about OCF programs and activities, call Carey at 231-869-3377 or visit the Foundation’s new website at www.oceanafoundation.org.
