Waukon, IA

The Allamakee Community Partnership for Protecting Children (CPPC) is hosting a series of meetings called Live, Laugh and Love. This is an event for Parents to Learn How to Relax. Taking some time for yourself is an important part of parenting and is an important skill regardless of income level. Often financial problems increase stress in the home. We hope these programs will help reduce some of that stress.

Participants will learn about exercise and healthier food choices; massage /reflexology therapy; aromatherapy and laughter therapy in 4 different sessions. Doorprizes will include passes to the Wellness Center and for massages. The event is free to all parents and childcare will be provided during the event.

Many of the participants in the monthly CPPC meetings have participated in Horizons activities.

The Habitat committee of the Horizons project recently received $298 from the Allamakee County Community Foundation to purchase paint brushed, pans and other supplies for the next season of home repair. Last year two homes of low-income senior citizens were painted and winterized as part of the Action Forum. This year one house has been confirmed for painting. Other nominations are welcome.

The need for Free Tax Preparation and E-filing was identified during the Study Circle activities of the Horizons Program. Five volunteers were identified, trained and tested to man the newly created Waukon VITA site. Grant dollars were requested to buy a computer, printer, supplies and pay the mileage of those attending the training. The Allamakee County Extension office provided a room, desk and staff to take appointments and answer questions. The Waukon site was open Mondays, 9 AM - 4:30 PM, March through April 14th.
Outcome

The Waukon VITA site provided Electronic Filing for 25 local residents, recovering $7076 in Earned Income Credit; $18100 in Federal Refunds; and $2490 in State Refunds. With an average preparation fee of $100, the VITA site saved Waukon residents approximately $2500.

Forty-seven Senior Citizens sought help filing the 1040A required to be eligible for the Stimulus Payment. At $35 for filing, the VITA site saved Waukon residents $1645.

A total of 72 clients were served.

Monthly meetings have been setup at tha Allamakee Extension Office to provide residents help in managing their personal finances.

Some of the objectives are; setting goals, developing a spending plan, organizing personal records, how to manage credit,  identifying sources of financial information and much more.

A local landlord has offered the tenants a 25.00 discount on their rent if they participate. Also Horisons is helping provide day care to those that attend and the classes are free.

Volunteers have been busy working on two homes in Waukon this fall.  These homes were nominated and selected to be repaired and painted as a result of the Horizons Action Forum in March. 

The project has received funding from several local groups including the Waukon Lions Club, St. Paul’s Methodist Church and the Northwest Area Foundation.  The committee would also like to identify homes for future projects.