Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
According to a survey by the Lake Research Partners that was commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation, “One in two Iowans say a lot of people in their community are struggling to get by, and nearly six in ten know of someone in their community who works two or more jobs and still struggling to get by." Those in rural areas (55%) are more likely to see a lot of struggling than residents of urban (46%) and suburban (39%) areas.

Response:
Poverty is a comprehensive and systemic problem that impacts many areas of living including: housing, career, health, childcare, education. In the 2006, poverty was identified as a priority for the ISUE Families Program of Work and ISUE began a partnership with the Northwest Area Foundation. Communities in Iowa with populations between 500 and 5000 and a poverty level of 10% or more were identified and invited to participate in the Horizons project. Wapello , IA qualified as a Horizon community and became one of the 25 Horizons communities and participated with the beginning stages of the Horizons project.

According to the Northwest Area Foundation Horizons Community Guide, “Horizons is a community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in small rural and reservation communities (population less than 5,000) faced with economic decline and demographic change. Our goals on poverty are for communities to identify it, commit collectively to do something about it and begin to take strategic action to change it.”

Impact:
Horizon Communities were invited to participate in a spotlight event in the fall/winter of 2006 and Study Circles in the beginning of 2007. Approximately 40 Wapello residents participated in the Study Circles and as a result of the program they identified many activities that they believed would help address and alleviate poverty in Wapello. Some of the activities include:

•  Sports Equipment Garage Sale – People are asked to bring their “gently used” or outgrown sports equipment to a garage sale. This allows low income families to purchase equipment at a reasonable price so that their children may have the opportunity to participate in sports.

•  The Whizbang group - A volunteer committee has organized transportation to the congregate meal site and activities for housebound seniors. They organize programs, activities, refreshments and door prizes for seniors who might not have the opportunity to leave their home.

Participant responses have been very positive about Horizons. As one Wapello resident said, “This has made me realize how important it is for people to volunteer their time and get involved. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share our talents”.

Contact:
Mary M. Weinand
Family Resource Management Field Specialist
2606 West Burlington Ave.
Fairfield , IA 52556
Jefferson County
641/472-4166