Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Rural communities have a hit and miss network of support services. Hours of operation are sometimes limited, locations may be difficult to reach, and available expert staff for specific problems can be limited. Individuals need to know where to find help and a local connection that can provide temporary reassurance that answers are available.

Response:
The Horizons Project allowed 35 members of the Corydon community to discuss their experiences with poverty and support services during Study Circle conversations. Several individuals expressed their disappointment when Job Service of Iowa eliminated a full-time office in the community. Lack of non-traditional child care, transportation availability, and a general inability to connect services to those in need was shared during the Action Forum held on March 3, 2007.

Community members proposed the formation of a local organization of volunteers who could provide a more personal support network to help address needs in the community and distribute information about resources. Horizons funds were added to community contributions, fund raising efforts, and grants to begin a non-profit organization know as Welcome, We Help Inc. Community members have given time and skills to its formation. ISU Extension staff have provided guidance about the roles of volunteers and have been asked to provide examples of policies and procedures.

Impact:
Welcome We Help, Inc. has a volunteer membership of 17 charter members and participation is growing. They are renovating a building in the community to become their home base. The group's vision includes a phone number available 24 hrs a day 365 days a week where a local volunteer can provide links to organizations and resources to help individuals in need. Meetings are held every Monday evening. Visibility for the organization has been built with participation in community celebrations, health fairs, and "Evening on the Square" cultural events. Families who are new to the community receive a Welcome Basket that contains items donated by local businesses and community resource materials. Funds to support their efforts have been generated with a "Dam Duck Race" and asking individuals and businesses to provide sponsorship funds. Volunteers from the group have lent a helping hand to "Meals on Wheels". Calls to the Welcome We Help,Inc. phone line have asked for assistance with financial challenges, legal issues, and home repair problems.

The volunteers have connected the individuals with support agencies, helped investigate options, and given guidance for what steps to take to resolve their problems. A volunteer tax preparation service is planned for the January thru April filing season; others would like to provide instruction in computer skills. Referrals to services and agencies will expand to include volunteers who can provide transportation, repair services, and other instruction services. The group seeks to build their volunteer network by asking those who take advantage of their assistance to return the favor by volunteering their own unique skills and time to the community.

Other Staff Involved:
Patricia Swartzlander Wayne County Extension Education Director 641-872-1755 pswartz@iastate.edu

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Corydon Steering Committee Members: Virginia Ireland; Marjorie Pyner; Dusti Relph; Jenny Ritneour; Belinda Willhite; Roberta Chambers; Chad Wilson

Contact:
Joyce Lash
Ringgold County Extension
101 North Polk
Mount Ayr, Iowa 50854
641-464-3333
lash@iastate.edu