Look for the helpers, he says.
You will always find people who are helping.
Can you name the person who infamously shared these words? He’s the world’s most well-known neighbor, Mr. Rogers.
This advice was given to him by his mother when he saw scary things on the news, but how applicable is this advice today? Pull up any local Facebook page, and you’ll see much negativity.
But what about those helpers?
I’d love to tell you about Madison Visionary Partners, because this small but mighty non-profit in our city works to do a whole lot of good in our city, and I believe their efforts will warm your heart.
In a nutshell, Madison Visionary Partners (MVP) raises funding to support various life-enhancing projects around the city.
It was started in 2014 by a group of local business owners who care about the community and was recently taken over by current MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne, who brings a wealth of experience and passion for the non-profit arena.
Hearne shares that as MVP sees a need within the community, they provide an avenue make it happen.
MVP often partners with the City of Madison and other organizations to bring dreams to fruition, though they have certainly brought a handful of goals to life through help and donations from fellow community members like you too!
When community members identified the need for a modern new playground that children with all abilities could enjoy, MVP led a successful fundraising campaign to make it happen, collecting over $607,000 to help renovate Kids Kingdom. MVP worked with the City of Madison, the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board, and others to ensure the new design was safe and inclusive. The updated, castle-themed playground reopened in November 2023 and is a strong showcase of how MVP locks arms with others in the community to make good things happen.
MVP was so proud to play a significant role in getting the Madison Mural Trail off the ground by having certain city rules changed to make this happen.
Together, they focus on projects such as the annual Witches Ride (held each fall), the Madison Visionary Awards (held each spring), and more.
MVP has given away tens of thousands of dollars in Community Impact Grants and is even working alongside community members to bring the Madison Miracle League to life!
MVP, which has an official 501(c)(3) status, shares that they are a “lean crew” made up of an executive director, a part-time employee, and a heavily invested board of directors.
As far as other projects they have their hands in, Hearne says that they are always thinking about what is next.
“If there is something out there that is a quality of life issue, we are open to hearing all about it from fellow residents,” shares Hearne.
“Sometimes there is a reason the city hasn’t been able to work on something, but sometimes the city doesn’t even know something is an issue.”
Hearne says that Madison residents are always welcome to bring their hopes and dreams for the city to her inbox so that she can be a liaison with the city and/or work with the community residents as a whole to take it on themselves.
“I absolutely encourage people to speak up if you have something you want to see done!”
A successful non-profit is only as strong as its passionate director, so I wanted to learn more about Hearne and where her drive to lead MVP comes from.
“I have a background full of a lot of different things,” she laughs.
She went to college to pursue graphic design and advertising but always found that every job she held led her back to working in a non-profit space.
“It has always been so important to me to feel like I’m making a difference,” she shares.
Hearne grew up in the area and has always found so much joy volunteering with and serving the neighborhoods around her. She has experience working with the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, Leadership Greater Huntsville, and Village of Promise, so she brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge.
When asked what makes her proud to lead MVP, she says that it’s the projects MVP has had a hand in that make her beam. These projects include the recently-completed Madison Community Center (MVP raised $1M to go toward this project), the Madison Mural Trail, the Madison Visionary Awards, and more.
As for what’s next for MVP? Hearne says that this community non-profit plans to have its biggest year yet in 2025!
They’ll be rolling out a handful of meaningful volunteer opportunities as well as community events that are sure to bring a newfound sense of community pride and joy for residents across the city.
To keep up with MVP’s happenings, Hearne encourages you to sign up for their monthly email newsletter and to follow along with their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram (email newsletter is hands down the best way to see it all though!)
If you’re looking for somewhere to serve and are ready to dive in, Hearne and their team will welcome you with open arms! Sign up to receive information about future volunteering opportunities here!
Sign up for their once-a-month email distribution
Follow MVP on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
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