On Tuesday, August 10th, the United Way of Jasper County continued its efforts to provide leadership in the area of community impact in Jasper County at the third county-wide summit meeting. United Way Director Megan Crawford presented a proposal for an infrastructure to support community impact planning and implementation that would be a positive step forward for the United Way as an organization as well as the community in improving collaboration to meet the critical needs of Jasper County. This community impact plan was adopted by the summit participants.
The first component of this two-fold plan involves the creation of a Community Impact Council comprised of three community impact teams consisting of community members, United Way representation, and representatives from community organizations/groups/businesses interested in collaborating to address the top critical needs of Jasper County. Each team is charged with developing collaboration, programming, initiatives, events, and advocacy for the outcomes identified for each of the three top critical needs under the major categories of Health, Income, and Education. The second component of the community impact plan is the creation of a Community Investment Agenda by the United Way Board of Directors that focuses funding on the top critical needs of the county as outlined by the county-wide needs assessment conducted in 2009 and community member feedback at the three summit meetings held over the summer.
Click here to view the documentation from the third summit meeting, which includes the outcomes identified for each critical need.
As these groups are forming, it is imperative that individuals, organizations, groups, and businesses with vested interest in collaborating to address these critical needs participate in these three teams. All Jasper County residents are encouraged to attend a community impact team meeting that resonates with their interest, expertise, and experience.
The Education Community Impact Team will be addressing the needs of positive parenting and community support for parents. Its first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:30pm at the Newton Chamber of Commerce office.
The Health Community Impact Team will be addressing the needs of substance abuse and mental health. Its first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 14th at 5:00pm at the Skiff In-Service Room on the lower level of Skiff Medical Center below the ER.
The Income Community Impact Team will be addressing economic and personal financial stability. Its first meeting will be on Thursday, September 16th at 6:30pm at the Skiff Board Room, just inside the south entrance along N. 4th Ave. E.
If you have questions about the community impact teams or are interested in getting involved, please contact the United Way at 641-792-1684 or unitedway@iowatelecom.net