Tyndall, S.D., to evaluate anti-poverty initiative

Horizon's Report...

by Judy Mace

June 23, 2009 | Tyndall Tribune & Register | Tyndall. South Dakota

Committee members from several Horizon projects met June 16 with Kristina Erickson from the Center for Citizenship and Democracy of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Dave Olson from SDSU Extension Services. Erickson was contracted by Northwest Area Foundation to conduct an evaluation of several of the Horizons I and II communities in order to get a sense of how the Horizons program affected the communities and whether communities considered it successful.

Some of the questions asked of the attendees were: What worked about Horizons? What has been the role of the Youth? People who are poor? How effective were the Study Circles? Have any new political relationships been created such as with elected officials, city government or school?

Erickson also asked whether Horizons had been integrated into any existing efforts and the committee members felt that in a couple of instances it helped move some existing ideas along.

The Cavalier Corner, Bargain Shoppe and ultimately, the daycare project, have partnered as a result of the Horizons program. The loan on the Cavalier Corner has been completely paid off due to generous donations. The center continues to be used by the children and parents are welcome to come and see for themselves. It is also available for rent for meetings and parties by calling 589-3097.

The Bargain Shoppe continues its success with the guidance of dedicated volunteers and Board. They have begun to track their customers so that they can advertise in a more efficient manner. Bag sales have been very popular and nice donations have been received. A computer is needed for administrative purposes so if anyone would like to contribute towards that, it would be very welcome! Volunteers are needed all the time - stop in the shop during open hours or call LeAnn Kniffen.

The daycare project continues to be organized. The committee is now waiting for official word so building can start.

Frisbee golf is ready for play!!! The public is invited to stop in at the Tyndall park and try out the new nine-basket course. The committee is preparing scorecards and rules to be available for the public. (Golfers are reminded that trying to retrieve golf discs from the pond is not allowed - the pond is a no swimming zone.)

Tyndall Community Foundation has received donations so far just over $9,000, we have a ways to go! An alumni challenge is running now until September 1- all classes are invited to participate. The winning class will be honored at Homecoming in September. Donation coupons are available at the bank and at the Art & Antique Gallery in Tyndall. The Foundation is a community savings account. To see our page and other community accounts go to the website-www.sdcommunityfoundation.org.

Round-Up Program - it has been approved by the city council. Currently the software is being located. More information will be forthcoming.

LeadershipPlenty Program - hopefully it will be instituted this year for the juniors and seniors. The books are already here and two teachers are qualified to teach the program. Any questions about this- contact the superintendent's office at Bon Homme High School. This is a very effective program for young leaders.

The committee reported that as a result of the Horizons program, several workshops have been offered to the public such as "Money 4 Living" for adults and older students, two meetings on poverty and tax exempt program and new awareness of all the programs that Bon Homme Social Services office and the Extension Office have in place for residents.

Residents can check out businesses, organizations, and more at www.tyndallsd.com, another Horizon project. Any questions on this report, contact 589-4050.

http://www.tyndallsdnews.com/articles/2009/06/23/news/news3.txt

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