DANVILLE, Ky. — At the end of this year, after almost 40 years, the Heart of Danville, one of the city’s leading nonprofits, will say goodbye.

What You Need To Know

  • The Heart of Danville is sun-setting its operations after nearly 40 years of service

  • A few of the Heart’s leaders reflected on its impact throughout the years

  • Executive Director Mary Conley is helping community members remember its efforts 

Mary Conley has been the executive director of the Heart of Danville for nearly two years.

As a staple initiative in the community, the heart and its team have helped Danville’s downtown preserve economic and historical beauty.

Executive director Mary Conley says she is thankful for the dedicated committee members who helped the service thrive throughout the years. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

“It’s not to put on every activity, but to see where there is a need and to foster those ideas and make them come to fruition and then let them move forward and create their own life,” Conley said.

Both Main Street America and Kentucky’s Main Street program are part of the accreditation process. With a shortage in funding, volunteers, and new accreditation requirements, the nonprofit has struggled to maintain its title. 

The Heart comprises a dedicated team of local merchants, community members and faith leaders. However, a shortage of volunteers because of COVID-19 challenged the foundation’s endeavors. 

Shana Followell, who helped the program hone in on the town’s COVID prevention and safety measures, says it takes extra work from already busy people. 

“A lot of us own businesses, and some of them have high-ranking positions at Centre college,” Followell said. “Some own multiple businesses, so to be volunteer-based and to have all of these plates spinning at the same time, it’s difficult, but we tried our best to make it work.” 

The Heart of Danville over the years has helped foster programs through services like its match grant program. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

The organization’s various programs will dissolve into several smaller nonprofits within the community that hold similar values. 

Although it is a bittersweet farewell for many boards and even community members, Conley remains grateful for their years of commitment. 

“Downtown is one of my favorite places to be,” Conley said. “I grew up downtown, I work downtown, and the people who have been affiliated with the heart of Danville, I want to thank all the committee members.” 

In 2001, the heart of Danville was awarded the Great American Main Street Award by national accreditors. 

The Heart of Danville is known for its match-grant and historic preservation programs and the many family-friendly events like holiday parades and more held throughout the years.