| This paper elucidates the value of the asset-based community development method as it contributes to the advancement of well-being for individuals and families. The research purpose was to initiate a community inventory that qualified the community assets of lower-income neighborhoods of a medium-sized industrial city. Through in-depth interviews with city residents, this paper examines the degree to which key stakeholders' identify, access, and utilize local assets existing in the community. Analysis of the community's assets was compared with the interview results to allow for a better understanding of the community's condition.;Community mapping revealed the key informants' reflections of assets were somewhat validated. In each neighborhood, there were more assets mapped than reported in the interviews. Another chief supposition drawn from this study was the identification of key development partners and social networks that offer the potential to facilitate locally driven community development. Overall, the participants provided invaluable local knowledge of the perception of neighborhood assets, regional social capital and well-being in relation to community resources, and suggestions for responding to the challenges of the entire community in order to mobilize the present assets and networks. |
