Grand Opening for Alta Resource Center
An open house to kick off the new Alta Community Resource Center was held on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, as a crowning achievement to the nearly tw0-year long Horizon development program.
The Resource Center is located at 212 1/2 Main Street, and will be one-stop shop for everyone who may be new to the community or is in need of information or assistance programs or referrals to a variety of northwest Iowa services. Volunteers will staff the office.
Rev. Terry Pollard is leading the Horizons committee, with Bonnie Hach as secretary.
“Every day there are low income, frail elderly, new residents and people whose life situation has changed that have questions about where to find help for financial assistance, housing needs, available childcare, health services, and transportation,” said Kris Shannon, a Horizons participant and a resource center organizer. “This center is conveniently located on Main Street and will have answers to those questions. In small rural towns, the strength has to come in a good people network.”
With a steering committee in place and an agreement formed with the city to manage grant funds, Alta has fulfilled all its responsibilities in the program. Alta will soon receive the additional $8,500 of grant money promised by the Northwest Area Foundation.
The program in Alta began with more than 40 people involved in study circles in 2007, followed by 6 weeks of guided community discussions, and 26 volunteers completing a nine-week leadership course. Three Altans have additionally earned certification as trainers in the course so that it could be conducted in Alta - and could be shared with other groups in need of leadership development in the future.
“Horizons is working here. It’s bringing people together, helping us identify the needs and resources within our town,” said Pam Henderson, Alta City Council member.
After 18 months of effort, the Horizons program is paying off for the community. “It’s like a dream come true,” said Rev. Terry, Pollard, Alta Horizons chair. “We’ve had lots of help and lots of people take interest to see this through. We are glad to now have a very visible “face” for Horizons on Main Street in Alta. My hope is that the program in Alta will still be alive and well years into the future and making a difference in the lives of people who need it most.”
Horizons in Alta began in the fall of 2006.