West Virginia Press Association
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Unlimited Future, Inc. (UFI) proudly announces its receipt of a $261,170 grant from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. This transformative two-year grant empowers UFI to expand and enhance the NeighborFood Ecosystem, a pioneering program dedicated to improving food security, workforce development, and community health in Huntington, WV.
The NeighborFood Ecosystem, a dynamic network of nonprofit organizations, community groups, agricultural entities, and social service providers, has become a cornerstone in the efforts to address Huntington’s most pressing challenges within the community. With the support of this grant, UFI will take the ecosystem to new heights, building capacity and introducing innovative approaches that address not only immediate needs but also systematic barriers.
“This grant recognizes the extraordinary progress of the NeighborFood Ecosystem in building a healthier, more resilient Huntington,” said Ursulette Ward, Executive Director of UFI. “It strengthens our ability to deliver transformative programs and fosters a future where equity, opportunity, and wellness are accessible to all.”
Key Initiatives Funded by the Grant
1. Therapeutic Employment Model: In collaboration with the Marshall University Department of Social Work (MUDSW), UFI will implement a model that integrates behavioral health support and case management into workforce training. Internships for social work students will provide clinical experience while crafting trauma-informed policies and procedures, supporting workforce participants’ mental health and professional development.
2. Operational Sustainability and Leadership Development: The grant will fund mid level supervisory roles, ensuring continuity and enabling senior leadership to focus on strategic planning, grants management, and program evaluation. This step delivers the long-term stability as well as scalability of the NeighborFood Ecosystem.
3. Data-Driven Insights: In collaboration with UpMetrics, UFI will implement cutting edge data tools to track outcomes in food access, workforce development, and health equity. This platform will support informed decision-making and demonstrate the ecosystem’s impact through dynamic data visualization.
4. Strengthening Local Food Systems: Funding will sustain core program operations, including vehicle and utility costs, produce subsidies, and resources for community participants. The initiative will further the integration of innovative agricultural practices, such as hydroponics and high tunnels, that enhance food availability year-round.
Recent analysis by the West Virginia University Office of Health Services Research underscores the NeighborFood Ecosystem’s profound progress. Connectivity amongst local organizations has significantly increased, transforming the ecosystem into a more inclusive and resilient community network. Unlimited Future, Inc. remains the central hub, linking dozens of stakeholders and amplifying the region’s collective ability to address food insecurity and workforce challenges.
By fostering collaboration and distributing leadership, the NeighborFood Ecosystem is positioned to create sustainable, equitable solutions for Huntington’s future.
About Unlimited Future, Inc.
Unlimited Future, Inc. (UFI) is a not-for-profit community development center and microenterprise incubator whose vision is to see a thriving community supported by successful, locally owned businesses that create a rich and diverse local economy. Unlimited Future, Inc.’s mission is supported by the three pillar areas in which we work: community engagement, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship. Learn more at: www.unlimitedfuture.org
About the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington
The Pallottine Foundation of Huntington invests in initiatives that promote health, wellness, and capacity building in Appalachian communities. For more information, visit: www.pallottinehuntington.org
