Success Stories 4-H Foundation Jenna Mowrey shared how 4-H has affected her in developing citizenship and teamwork skills. Jenna, who has held offices and served as chairman for her club’s community service committee for two years, and selected as 2003 Southern Iowa Fair Queen, said, “When we work together to plan and accomplish projects like landscaping the bike trail or improving the landscape around the front of the 4-H building at the fairgrounds, we not only learn teamwork but have an awesome feeling when we’re done. And I have been able to roll the leadership skills I’ve gained into my youth group, band, and choir.” Oskaloosa Free Clinic A 37 year old female who had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands earlier in the year came to the Free Clinic because of ear problems. She stated her husband had been laid off and had just started a new job, but health insurance was not available for three more months. She needed to see a physician but felt awkward about using the Free Clinic. The doctor found she had swimmers ear which was very easily treated. She was extremely grateful to the volunteers at the Free Clinic. Mahaska County Child Abuse Prevention H.U.G.S. Council One adolescent parent joined our group as a sophomore and stayed in the group for her final three years of high school. She was able to overcome tremendous obstacles, stay in school, and graduate with honors. She is now in college at Indian Hills Community College, studying to be a nurse, which has always been her goal. Crisis Intervention Services A woman came to our office to request assistance with a protective order. She was terrified of her husband who had threatened and attempted to kill her numerous times in their 15 year marriage. She was so terrified that her hands were visibly shaking and she could not even fill out the necessary forms. After filing for the temporary order, the woman went into hiding for safety. The abuser was determined that she would not leave him. He even went to the CIS office and drove by the shelter numerous times daily during the two weeks before the hearing. When the day of court arrived, the abuser violated the order by grabbing her in the courtroom and demanding that she not go further with the proceeding. The CIS advocate removed his hands from her and told him that he was violating a court order. The woman began to have a panic attack and ran from the courtroom into the judge’s changers, followed by the advocate. The judge called the sheriff to the courtroom. The woman was unable to calm down so the hearing was rescheduled for the following week. The abuser spent the night in jail and was released the next day. Legal Services was contacted as the woman realized that she would be too upset to repres4ent herself at the next proceeding and they agreed to represent her. The sheriff’s department provided a deputy for security during the hearing. As a result of our support, the woman was grated the protective order including her request to keep his guns away from him. We believe that without the protective order the woman’s life was definitely in danger. With the support of CIS, this woman was finally able to safely leave an extremely violent and traumatic relationship and start her life over. Agency on Aging One woman had recently lost her husband and was in a state of depression. A friend was able to convince her to attend the Senior Center for lunch. She has been there every day since and is now a volunteer at the Senior Center as well as a volunteer working with the seniors who have insurance questions. American Red Cross of Mahaska County As platoon leader of 1st platoon, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the boxes of snacks your Red Cross has sent our soldiers. Despite the intense heat, being away from loved ones and undertaking dangerous missions, our moral remains high. Our morale is high because of the support that we have received from the American Red Cross and the American people. I cannot express in words the appreciation soldiers have for the Red Cross. Your organization has provided assistance to several of my soldiers and has been a vital conduit of information between soldiers and their families. Once again, thank you for your unfailing support and dedication to the U.S. solder. Please keep us in your prayers. LOVE INC I would like to take a few moments and write about Love INC and the varied experiences and history that I have had with Alice VanWyk and the volunteers who give of their time and energy for the individuals who reach out for aid from this charitable organization. Before Love INC came into my life, I was always apprehensive when it came to asking for help. To say the least, my own past experiences dealing with groups or advocates had not gone well. Some would make you feel bad because you were in need, while others would treat you like a toddler and attempt to take over your life in its entirety. Hence, one could easily become cognizant as to why I would worry or be reluctant to make that first call to Love INC. Within a few brief moments, Alice VanWyk had eased all my fears. She truly listened when I spoke, and she was honest and forthright with what she and LOVE INC could do for me and what they could not. I appreciated her honesty and her patience as we went about getting to know on e another and discuss what my needs were at that time. Throughout the time that I have been a client, I have lost track of how much they have helped me. Many times they went beyond the call of duty in order to do so. One year, an older gentleman volunteer had come by to help with a furniture situation. Having noticed no holiday decorations, he asked how I was going to spend my holiday. I told him I would be alone because since my father passed, the family no longer gathered to celebrate Christmas. About three hours after he left, my doorbell rang. When I opened it, there were two gentlemen standing at my door with a live Christmas tree between them. I was touched to the point of tears at this gentleman’s act of kindness. It’s a memory I still cherish. Last year during the holidays, I was brought a huge box of food for the holidays. Another memory deeply cherished. LOVE INC is unique and very special. Alice VanWyk is professional and she helps and encourages one to work hard toward regaining their independence. I appreciate her honest and guidance. All of the volunteers at LOVE INC treat me with respect. I know that my life has been enhanced and grown richer due to my interaction with LOVE INC. Because of their help and guidance, my confidence and self esteem has grown stronger. In closing, I would like to say that the volunteers at LOVE INC have in many ways helped me help myself grow. My outlook on life and the role I play in said life is now once again important to me. And even though there have been many others who have helped me get to where I am at this point o f my life, I believe that being treated and respected as an equal by the volunteers of LOVE INC was where it started. LOVE INC reminded me that I had much to offer the world. Debbie Hols Mahaska Hospice Our Hospice nurse was so compassionate and helpful. She was able to make Mom comfortable, and was always available to the family. She was very caring and comforting. Our entire family was extremely pleased with our Hospice experience.” Girl Scouts of Moingona Council I love everything about Girl Scouting. I have learned many things about my future. Girl Scouts emphasize the fact that girls can grow up to be anything they wish to become. I have learned things to influence my decisions in life. For example, as a Brownie and a Junior, I was taught through Girl Scouting about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and other poor decisions. I also have learned how to become a better person in my community. Through Girl Scouts, I have participated in many community service projects. The Girl Scout Law taught me to respect my peers and my authority figures.