Extension sponsored the Growing in the Garden program at a local diversity
garden with the help of local Master Gardeners and horticulturists.
Education and caring equals community development
“The Lenox diversity committee spearheaded by Iowa
State University Extension has been more successful than others at raising
awareness and getting input from our Hispanic people,” said Rev.
Tim Maxa, Lenox Presbyterian pastor. “The committee chaired by Kim
Brantner has gotten the state Department of Latino Affairs on board and
they have made us aware of even more resources.”
Brantner, ISU Extension education director for Taylor County, has melded
Extension and other resources with some local people who have a dedication
and commitment to the community.
“The success of this committee comes from not ‘targeting’
any sector of the community, but providing events, education and services
to all races, all income levels,” Maxa said.
Educational opportunities and many dedicated people are two forces driving
community-building efforts.
Amy Pedersen and Lori Henrichs have been hired, through a grant secured
by Brantner, to provide home-based parent education, as well as resource
and nutrition education.
Brantner and the Department of Health worked together to organize a diversity
health fair last September. The fair immersed the community in health
education --through organizational booths -- and Latino culture, through
an evening meal prepared by local Latino women.
Pedersen and Henrichs also conduct parenting programs at the local preschool,
teaching parents about home projects that help children prepare for kindergarten.
They and Brantner are members of the Childcare Committee of Empowerment
that provides training for daycare providers and brings together the different
agencies that help children.
“Our preschool is the best, most sustained inter-cultural activity
in the community. It is the bridge that brings the community together,”
Maxa said. “It gives parents a chance and a reason to get together.
It’s building community.”
Latino and Anglo are finding that interacting through a variety of educational activities is strengthening their community.
Contact Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu.
Visit the ISU Extension homepage.
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Last update: April 2002