Welcome!

Thanks for reading Community Catalyst, the newsletter for JMU Economic & Community Development! Our goal is to use this newsletter to keep you informed and engaged with each other and JMU’s economic development and community engagement news opportunities. 

Each quarter, we’ll share economic development and community engagement news, events, resources, and opportunities to collaborate from JMU and community organizations.

Have an event or resource to share in a future newsletter? Submit it here

Questions? Contact econdev@jmu.edu

Upcoming Events

Advocacy & Storytelling Workshop for Nonprofits & Government

August 19, 2025 | 9:00 am – 11:30 am

Join JMU Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) for a hands-on session led by Dr. Lori Britt (JMU School of Communication Studies) and George Neighbors (X-Roads Advisory).

This workshop is designed to help governments and nonprofits harness the power of storytelling to inspire action, build community support, and strengthen organizational identity. Participants will explore the types of stories public service organizations need to tell, learn how to craft compelling narratives, and practice sharing their own stories in a supportive environment.

The workshop will teach:

• The essential stories every nonprofit and government leader should be able to tell
• How to craft compelling narratives that connect with your audience
• Techniques to adapt stories for different stakeholders
• Ways to build a culture of storytelling within your organization

Register

Home Maintenance & Disaster Preparedness- SERCAP Housing & Financial Education July Workshop

July 17| 5:00pm - 6:30pm

City Hall, 409 S. Main Street,

Room 011

SERCAP is committed to empowering Virginia residents with housing and financial education through this 1 hour workshop.

Learn about major home systems, home improvements and repairs, and how to prepare for weather-related disasters.

Event is free and open to all Virginia residents (Ages 18+)

Learn more

Tap into Talent Session- VTOP+VIEW

August 4th, 2025| 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Does your business have 150 or fewer employees? If so, you may qualify for intern wage matching funds. 

Join Virginia Talent Opportunity (VTOP)+ Virginia Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW) for a free in-person working session designed to guide small businesses through V-TOP’s training prerequisite.

You will be eligible to access a 50% intern wage funding match and free support from a state-appointed staffing agency

Learn more and register

Faculty & Employer Forum- JMU University Career Center

August 5th, 2025| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Union Ballroom

The Faculty and Employer Conference hosted by JMU's University Career Center is a time for making connections, networking, and learning how to create intentional collaborations.

Employers will learn best practices for recruiting students at JMU, and faculty will have the opportunity to engage with the University Career Center team and learn how to incorporate career strategies into their curriculum.



Learn more and register

New Directions Center - Night of Hope Gala 2025

October 18th, 2025| 6:00 PM

Silver Line Theater Exchange, Staunton

The Night of Hope Gala will be filled with local live music, a moment to honor our local heroes, a moment to remember those who have passed, a buffet-style catering of chicken, fish, and soups, and time with those in our community who care about supporting survivors and ending this violence.

Tickets available include:

Single Ticket Purchase- $50.00

Table Ticket- $250.00

The Carnation Ticket- $5.00

Learn more and register

Homebuyer 101: Financial readiness- SERCAP Housing & Financial Education August Workshop

August 21| 5:00pm - 6:30pm

City Hall, 409 S. Main Street,

Room 011

Learn about credit, upfront costs, loan options, and first-time homebuyer programs.

Registration & questions: Registration is requested, not required

Event is free and open to all Virginia residents (Ages 18+)

Learn more

Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) is currently looking to hire for two positions at new childcare facilities under Valley Early Education Reemagined (VEER) in Harrisonburg, VA. This is part of a larger campaign to expand childcare access in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area.

This is an awesome opportunity for early childhood and elementary educators.

Apply for VEER Operations Director Position and VEER Center Director Position

Community News