Building Community

What do I want to do with my life? Finding my passion, and finding my way. What values do I believe in and how do I live my life in line with my values?

Growing up on the Pacific Northwest coast, small town boy Jake Morgan wants to find himself and his purpose in life. With the help of his many friends along Main Street, he lights his artistic creativity on fire.

Taking the lead, he forges a coalition of artists, movers and shakers to build a community and open an art gallery on Main Street. Along the way, lives are transformed, including his own, on his way to manhood.

In this young adult novel, Jake discovers his own artistic gifts and dreams, and connects with others along Main Street, who are seeking their own artistic dreams and creativity. Together, they build a renewed community, healing old wounds and reinvigorating their lives. Available on Amazon.

An inspiring book on helping others. Growing young men is much like tending a garden. Retired judge Neal Lemery does both, working as a volunteer mentor in a youth prison. The author of Mentoring Boys to Men: Climbing Their Own Mountains, he continues his musings and observations about building community and enriching the lives of young men, by being present in their lives, and offering them support and emotional strength. He offers us hope in troubled times, and helps answer the question: "What can I do to make a better world?"

Stories of courageous young men and mentoring them into productive lives. After years of trauma and neglect, they can grow into healthy, strong men. An inspiring book for all who care about building vibrant communities and young men.

An essay on our responsibilities as citizens to communicate openly, with kindness and respect for facts and evidence, and the diversity of viewpoints of our fellow citizens. How do we strengthen our communities?

How do rural communities grow and engage professionals and volunteers in strengthening people and resources in these challenging times? These are the stories of how a small town is pulling itself by its own bootstraps, and build a better, more vibrant and resilient community.