The Stella Stewart Award
John Meinzen
Doing Good in Fort Wayne Neighborhoods
John Meinzen has served as neighborhood president of the Spy Run Neighborhood Association for approximately twenty years. He has worked tirelessly organizing neighborhood cleanups, neighborhood watches, and garage sales. John also took on the task of writing and distributing a neighborhood newsletter the entire time of his tenure. And while these accomplishments are to be heralded, what sets John Meinzen apart from other neighborhood leaders is his ability to share his vision and to set his vision in motion.
John has always been outcomes-focused stating, “I have a strong desire to improve a situation.” One example of John’s vision being transformed into a solution-focused plan was the creation of the CORE group. The CORE group represents several central city neighborhoods in Fort Wayne that share unique challenges due in large part to aging infrastructure, etc., unlike their suburban counterparts. Not only did John realize that several of the central city neighborhoods share common concerns, but he knew it would take an organized effort to achieve the much needed resolution the group so desperately sought. After hosting several meetings identifying what issues to tackle first, John and the CORE group began to meet regularly with the Mayor. Soon after, results started to take place. One neighborhood no longer had sewage backing up in their homes after several years of complaining to officials, while another saw progress being made in cleaning and separating their sewer lines.
John now serves as vice president of his neighborhood association however his commitment to neighborhood improvements is as strong as ever. Beautifying and properly identifying the city’s gateways happens to be John’s focus as of late. He is proud to live in Fort Wayne and knows of its rich history and opportunities for business and families. John believes no opportunity is too small when it comes to luring potential businesses and visitors to Fort Wayne.
“Without a vision the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18. Thanks to John Meinzen, the residents of Spy Run Neighborhood, and members of the CORE neighborhoods continue to benefit from his vision that will undoubtedly improve their quality of life for many years to come.
John Meinzen has served as neighborhood president of the Spy Run Neighborhood Association for approximately twenty years. He has worked tirelessly organizing neighborhood cleanups, neighborhood watches, and garage sales. John also took on the task of writing and distributing a neighborhood newsletter the entire time of his tenure. And while these accomplishments are to be heralded, what sets John Meinzen apart from other neighborhood leaders is his ability to share his vision and to set his vision in motion.
John has always been outcomes-focused stating, “I have a strong desire to improve a situation.” One example of John’s vision being transformed into a solution-focused plan was the creation of the CORE group. The CORE group represents several central city neighborhoods in Fort Wayne that share unique challenges due in large part to aging infrastructure, etc., unlike their suburban counterparts. Not only did John realize that several of the central city neighborhoods share common concerns, but he knew it would take an organized effort to achieve the much needed resolution the group so desperately sought. After hosting several meetings identifying what issues to tackle first, John and the CORE group began to meet regularly with the Mayor. Soon after, results started to take place. One neighborhood no longer had sewage backing up in their homes after several years of complaining to officials, while another saw progress being made in cleaning and separating their sewer lines.
John now serves as vice president of his neighborhood association however his commitment to neighborhood improvements is as strong as ever. Beautifying and properly identifying the city’s gateways happens to be John’s focus as of late. He is proud to live in Fort Wayne and knows of its rich history and opportunities for business and families. John believes no opportunity is too small when it comes to luring potential businesses and visitors to Fort Wayne.
“Without a vision the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18. Thanks to John Meinzen, the residents of Spy Run Neighborhood, and members of the CORE neighborhoods continue to benefit from his vision that will undoubtedly improve their quality of life for many years to come.