Humeston, IA

When a group of students needed volunteers for a wilderness trip, Randy and Heather White volunteered. They hadn’t been youth leaders before, but according to all accounts, they were quick learners and stepped right into the role. The trip, school-sponsored but funded by the generousity of a local individual, brought together pre-teens, teens and adults spanning every economic level. They emerged as a team, and Randy White says the interaction between youth and adults and the team-building that occured formed a bond that will last a life-time, along with developing leadership and problem-solving skills.

When Humeston Horizons held community visioning meetings, the diversity of project ideas was only slightly less than the diversity of people participating. As each circle discussed what the future of the community should hold, action groups were formed to discuss–

• Business improvement/marketing
• Property/housing rehabilitation
• Industry recruitment
• Daycare
• Senior activities/Adult Assisted Living
• Teen Activities/Activity Center
• Swimming Pool funding

Each group developed their own plan of action, and it was interesting to observe the interaction of ideas among all ages and every economic status.

Due to the December ice storms and resulting power outages, some of the groups’ follow-up planning meetings had to be put on hold.

While we realize that not all of the programs can be fully completed, we look forward to working with new acquaintances on new and exciting projects.