“By 2026, the city of Drew will be an economically prosperous, growth-oriented, and unified model community with clean and excellent infrastructure, safe affordable housing for all income levels, B-performing schools, and easy access to nutritious and healthy food.”
Drew Collaborative
In 2015, a group of community leaders in Drew, known as the Drew Collaborative and spearheaded by We2gether Creating Change (We2gether), came together to develop a comprehensive, community-wide strategic plan. This initiative was designed to articulate a clear vision and mission for Drew's future, identify pressing community needs and challenges, and establish priorities for programs and development projects that would foster growth and improve overall health. Through this collaborative effort, Drew is working toward sustainable community development, focused on advancing opportunities for its residents and addressing key social and economic issues.
The grassroots planning process was deeply rooted in Drew’s unique story, culture, history, assets, and even its challenges. The collaborative consisted of Drew residents and community leaders, including teachers, librarians, business leaders, elected officials, housing professionals, clergy, and volunteers. Central to the planning was listening to the voices of community members, who shared their visions for the future. Through this inclusive approach, consensus was built, momentum grew, and a collective desire to improve the community was ignited, uniting residents around a common goal.
Recreational Spaces
The Drew Collaborative was formed to bring together a diverse group of individuals, including those whose voices had previously gone unheard, with a range of views, opinions, and ideas. The goal was to ensure that community residents made up the majority of the collaborative, allowing them to play a key role in shaping the vision for Drew’s future. Recognizing the need for additional support, the collaborative invited partners from various sectors and organizations to join in the decision-making process.
Healthy Foods Access
Among the top priorities identified is improving the health and living conditions in Drew. The physical appearance of the environment and high stress levels within the community were also pressing issues.
This planning process not only highlighted the challenges Drew faces but also empowered residents to envision a brighter future and take an active role in driving systemic change within the community.
Removing Blight
Members of the Collaborative
We2Gether Creating Change
City Of Drew
Drew United For Progress
Local Churches
Drew Enterprises
Sunflower County Library System
Sunflower County Economic Development
Hope Enterprise Corporation
Delta Design Build
Delta Housing Development Corporation