epidemic, we started seeing backlash on social media. People
would see the news on the overdoses and say, ‘Let them die.’
I know my town, and that is not the heart of the people here.
My Huntington is a loving, caring community that says, ‘We
are never going to let go.’”
Huntington native
Lauren Turner’s
#MyHuntington photo.
Citizens can get involved with My Huntington by simply
posting a photo on Facebook or submitting a more detailed
testimonial for the website.
“There is no right or wrong way to tell your story,” says
Scarbro. “The My Huntington committee does not own this
movement—the people do. Visitors and individuals living or
working in the city are the ones who are writing the complete
My Huntington story, like the chefs creating new dishes at the
many tasty restaurants, the families getting second chances
with nationally recognized addiction and recovery assistance,
the numerous volunteers helping those less fortunate, the
business owners providing top-notch shopping experiences
and the faith leaders leading by example and showing us what
can be accomplished when we care. This is My Huntington—a
city of innovation, determination, higher learning, excitement,
compassion and openness.”
Scarbro believes My Huntington’s success comes from the
idea that when people start working together, there is no limit
to what they can achieve, and she thinks other communities
can learn from Huntington’s experiences.
“Huntington is no different than other city in West Virginia
or across our nation,” she says. “We all face challenges, but
what makes Huntington so special is that we are developing
innovative solutions to our problems. We are not only owning
our challenges—we are solving them too. Our crime rate and
overdose rate are rapidly decreasing, and there is an uptick in
our local economy. These are great stories to share because
many other communities are not currently experiencing this. In
many ways, Huntington and its people are trailblazers for our
state and nation, and others can learn so much from this city.”
It is because of the special bond the people of Huntington
share that this renaissance has come about. Those affected
by substance use disorder, those who have lost jobs due to a
struggling economy, those who felt trapped in a dilapidated
neighborhood—they have come together, supported by city
leadership, to make a change.
“The people in this town take very seriously the comman-
dant to love each other,” says Williams. “Our city is special
because it has special people. I moved to Huntington when
I was 16 years old, and I knew then there was something
special here. That is why I am so honored that one day I will
be able to walk away and say I was the mayor of this city. It is
the greatest accomplishment I could ever have.”
“We have been blown away by the com-
munity support of our small business.
Huntington as a whole is a progressive
and forward-thinking city with a shop
local mentality.”
“I am a single mother. I am a professional.
I am a homeowner. I beat the odds. I
am succeeding. And I’m doing it in
#MyHuntington.”
– Beth Sparks
– Taylor Strickland
“Being a part of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Ad-
visory/Diversity and Inclusion Committee
is just one step closer to doing what I
want to do for the LGBTQ community
here in Huntington. It’s given me a chance
to think of new ways to say thank you to
everyone who has supported the Open To
All campaign, and seeing those stickers
throughout the city and knowing I can go
inside those businesses and feel safe is
huge for us.”
–Ally Layman
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