Council Member Micah McCarey Seeks Community Input for “Flourishing in Athens” Resource Guide
- McCarey for Progress
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
Part of McCarey’s Hope is Here Campaign to Uplift What’s Good and Possible in Athens
ATHENS, OH – At-Large City Council Member Micah McCarey is inviting community members to help shape Flourishing in Athens: Resources for All Walks of Life, a living guide that shines a light on local services, programs, and gathering spaces that help people meet their needs and feel at home in the Athens area.
This initiative is being launched as part of McCarey’s Hope is Here campaign—a community-centered effort to spotlight what’s already working in Athens while expanding our shared vision of what’s possible. “Hope is Here” affirms that Athens can be a beacon for those seeking inclusive, caring, and supportive communities.
“Too often, the resources people need are hidden in plain sight or scattered across platforms,” McCarey said. “This project is about pulling those threads together—so that no one has to struggle alone to find a helping hand or a sense of belonging.”
McCarey is asking residents to:
Share stories of programs, services, or organizations that have helped them or someone they know live well in Athens.
Suggest resources they’ve found helpful that aren’t yet included in the guide.
Name the gaps—resources they wish existed in Athens to help meet basic needs or foster connection, healing, and purpose.
“Flourishing, to me, means more than just surviving—it’s about having the support, relationships, and opportunities that allow you to live with dignity, purpose, and joy,” McCarey said. “When I first moved to Athens, and at many points since, it’s meant everything to know where I could turn for support. That experience inspired me to create this guide—so more people can find the people and places that help them flourish.”
While the guide is currently hosted on McCarey’s personal website, he noted that creating a citywide version remains a priority outlined in the Athens 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He hopes this effort will help lay the groundwork for a more permanent, publicly supported tool that centers community well-being.
Residents can browse the current version of the guide by visiting mccareyforprogress.com and clicking on the “Resources” tab. A submission form is available for anyone who wishes to recommend additional entries or share a personal experience related to a helpful resource.
“Whether it’s a free meal, a cultural organization, a church pantry, or a neighbor-led initiative that helped you through a tough time—your story matters,” McCarey added. “Together, we can help Athens shine more brightly as a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and invited to thrive.”
Contact:
Micah McCarey
At-Large City Council Member