Venango Heart & Soul

Franklin, Oil City, Cranberry, and the entire Venango area are incredible places to live, work, and play.

But what makes this place so special, and how can we build on those strengths to create an even brighter future?

That’s where Heart & Soul comes in. This initiative is all about uncovering what matters most to our community and using that foundation to shape a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow.

Who is Venango Heart & Soul?

We are your neighbors - dedicated local folks, with no political or ideological agenda, who have
been working together to shine a light on our beautiful rural community.
Some of us have lived here for generations and others for a few years.

Together we have been gathering YOUR stories, to highlight the things our community loves, and form connections among our neighbors here in the City of Franklin, City of Oil City, Cranberry Township
and our surrounding communities in the Venango Area.

We are eager to LISTEN and share what we hear.
Together we hope to inspire the entire Venango County to continue to be a place
where we are all proud to live, work, play, and be. Join us!

The 4 Phase Process…

Imagine
Get Organized

A dedicated group of local volunteers started working in 2023 with our sponsors and funders to bring this project to life.

We were awarded a grant from the Community Heart & Soul, and volunteers worked diligently to gather stories, engage residents, and uncover what truly matters most to our community.

These volunteers represent a cross section of our community, and are eager to connect with you to make the project a success.

Connect
Listen to the Community

We started this phase of the project in
Winter 2024.

Whether you’ve lived here a few months, or as long as you can remember, we are eager to hear YOUR unique story.

  • What brought you here?

  • Why do you stay?

  • What do you love most about this place?

  • When you think about the future here, what are your hopes and dreams?

Plan
Uncover Our Shared Values

There are things we all love about this community that are easy to identify!

But, among our many voices, backgrounds, and experiences, there are other common values we all share.

In this phase of the project we will study all of the information we’ve gathered by listening to the community’s unique stories, uncover our shared values, and lift them up as beacons for the future.

Act
Turn Ideas Into Action

Working together with local governments, businesses and fellow community groups, we will identify key opportunities for development and cooperation.

We will turn these ideas over to local government, businesses, and other local organizations for them to use as research and inspiration for their future planning.

We can’t wait to see where the journey leads our community.

Allegheny River - Applefest - Drake Well Museums - Trails to Ales Brewery - Freedom Falls - Oil Creek State Park - Barrow-Civic Theatre - Woods & River Coffee - Franklin's Historic District

Allegheny River - Applefest - Drake Well Museums - Trails to Ales Brewery - Freedom Falls - Oil Creek State Park - Barrow-Civic Theatre - Woods & River Coffee - Franklin's Historic District

Two Mile County Park - DeBence Antique Music World - Kennerdell Overlook - Graffiti Gallery - Rockland Tunnel -

Two Mile County Park - DeBence Antique Music World - Kennerdell Overlook - Graffiti Gallery - Rockland Tunnel -

Sense of Community - Affordable Cost of Living - Safe Communities - Great to Raise a Family - Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation - Artist Communities - Career Opportunities - Local History & Architecture -

Sense of Community - Affordable Cost of Living - Safe Communities - Great to Raise a Family - Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation - Artist Communities - Career Opportunities - Local History & Architecture -

Stay in touch.
Join the team.

Follow Us On Social Media

Upcoming events.

Stay connected with the heart of our community!

Here, you’ll find a calendar of events that celebrate Venango County’s unique spirit and showcase the ongoing work of the Venango Heart & Soul initiative.

From community discussions and local gatherings to outdoor recreation and volunteer opportunities, each event is an opportunity to get involved, share your voice, and help shape the future of our town.

Join us and be part of the movement to make Venango a place we all love to call home.

Join us every other Wednesday starting 1/29 over lunch from 12:00–12:30 PM for a Heart & Soul Huddle! This casual, online gathering is a chance to connect with fellow community members, share your thoughts, and hear updates about Venango Heart & Soul.

Whether you have ideas to share, questions to ask, or just want to listen in, grab your lunch and join the conversation. Together, we’re shaping the future of our community!