Alta, IA

Terry Pollard, Alta Horizons steering committee chair, was invited to speak to a group of citizens in Correctionville, on Monday, October 28, meeting in the fellowship hall annex at Grace United Methodist Church.

This was the kick-off night for the study circle groups at Correctionville, which is just starting the Horizons program. There were approximately 40 people in attendance and a light, delicious meal provided by Horizons was served at the beginning of the meeting.

Terry was invited to share information regarding Alta Horizons that served as a point of encouragement to the Correctionville citizens as they kick off their Horizons program. He highlighted in his presentation the initial beginnings of Horizons in Alta and walked the group through the successful steps that were taken.

He presented a sample welcome kit to the group as well as pictures of the new Alta Resource Center in Alta. Several citizens asked questions regarding some things that were done in Alta. Terry encouraged the participants in Correctionville to remember that it’s challenging yet rewarding work, and in the end there will be a new opportunity for the community to work together and address poverty issues within the community in ways they haven’t done before.  He congratulated them on their fine start and looked forward to sharing any ideas that will assist them on their journey together.

Thanks to Correctionville and the Iowa State University Extension Horizons personnel for the invitation for Alta Horizons to share with another community - part of the networking!

From the Storm Lake Times - The Alta Horizons Steering Committee proudly announces the grand opening of the Alta Community Resource Center at 212 1/2 Main Street in Alta. The center was open to the public, Wednesday, September 10, and will be open on a regular basis on Fridays from 10am-12noon. It is intended to be a one-stop shop for people with questions about local services and a base to sustain ongoing Horizons activities. It will be staffed by volunteers.

“I’m happy we have a visible face in the community,” said president of the Horizons steering committee Rev. Terry Pollard. “Actually I’ve had a great team. I’ve delegated quite a bit of the work and I’ve been the ‘rah, rah man.’”

Other members of the committee are Cassie Bishop, Bonnie Hach, Don Binder, Bertha Carlson, Pam Henderson, Fred Maharry, Jim Black, Iris Halverson, Tom Huseman, Sandra Kuhn, and Carolyn DeRoos. Bishop, a registered nurse, is leader of the Horizons health care work group. She will provide blood pressure checks when she volunteers at the center.

The Horizons program is a community leadership initiative to reduce poverty and is funded by the Northwest Area Foundation, through the Iowa State University Extension. Alta qualified for the program for communities of less than 5,000 with a poverty level of at least 10%.

Horizons helps communities take charge and build stronger leaders to address poverty, economic decline, and the exodus of young adults in rural Iowa communities.

Note: The Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune also did a feature front page news story on the opening of the Resource Center. The local media outlets have given us great coverage.

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.

The Alta Horizons Steering Committee through its housing work group continues to promote affordable housing and encourage housing renewal in Alta.

In the past two months, the city council has approved a new housing development south of the Alta Middle School. Along
with the new housing, there is focus now on beautification and property improvement in Alta. Horizons is exploring ways to improve notification of available funds for greater local resident participation.

Currently, 8 houses in Alta are being selected to benefit from a recent HUD grant the city received.

Alta Horizons is currently active in recruiting some people within the community to  serve on the housing work group to be proactive in promoting housing goals within the city limits of Alta.