It’s great to have sunshine today, isn’t it? I can sure tolerate cold temperatures much better when they are accompanied by clear skies!
I visited a friend & colleague earlier this week to discuss the idea of collaborating on some future Winterset Citizen posts (he agreed so stay tuned for that!). As I was explaining to him my aspirations for using this blog as a forum to promote people, businesses and organizations that demonstrate great citizenship and encourage greater community involvement he and I started brainstorming. In about 2 minutes I had a list of over 20 service organizations and cultural venues in Winterset alone, and I’m sure there are that many again in the other towns in Madison County.
Of course, I knew of all of these organizations already, but sitting down and putting them in a list was eye-opening and just plain up-lifting. There are so many citizens in this town who share of their time and talents through service to others and it’s just wonderful. So come along again as we celebrate what it means to be a Winterset Citizen!
Today’s Feature: Community Resources in Service to People (CRISP)
CRISP director Amy Nolan was kind enough to take some time to share with me recently.
Background
Megan: I’ve heard you say that CRISP isn’t a government agency. How did the organization get its start and where does your funding come from?
Amy: CRISP was started in 1994 by local teachers after they attended the Comprehensive School Health Training with school and community members. CRISP was developed out of recognition that children function better in school when basic needs are being met. We filed for nonprofit status in 1995 and created a board of directors. All funding for CRISP is from donations, fundraisers and a few small grants.
Service
Megan: Tell us a little bit about who CRISP serves and what kinds of services you offer to your clients.
Amy: CRISP serves Madison County families with children prenatal through age 18 struggling to provide basic needs for their children due to financial, emotional or health-related issues. We currently have approximately 150 families as clients. We have our basic programs each year: School Supplies for Kids, Winter wear for Kids, and Christmas for Kids. We also assist families with more emergent needs such as rent and utility assistance, gas cards, grocery gift cards, car repairs, etc. We work closely with other county agencies, such as MATURA, Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center and Madison County General Relief, to help resolve issues that a family might be facing.
Amy: Studies on Adverse Childhood Experiences (also called ACEs) have revealed how strongly negative experiences in childhood can derail a child’s development and lead to a host of health and social challenges throughout a lifetime. The ACEs score is based on yes/no answers to 10 questions such as “Did a parent or adult in the household often or very often push, grab, slap or throw something at you?” or “Did you often feel you didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes or had no one to protect you?”. A study done in Iowa from 2012-2014 shows that approximately 9.1% of Madison County adults report an ACEs score of 4 or more. The study gives us a new way to look at the health and social issues we are working to address in our communities. Emerging research shows that building caring connections promotes positive experiences for children from the start and helps those with a history of trauma heal. The outcomes we see in adults today won’t change in the next generation unless we take greater steps to intervene earlier. When we respond with compassion to those who have experienced trauma, and give families the tools they need to raise healthy children from the start, we develop systems that enable people to thrive, adapt and cope despite trauma. That is exactly what CRISP, our schools, and other local agencies are striving to do.
I found this video online about ACEs if you’d like to learn more.
Community Involvement
CRISP is now also accepting monetary donations for the Paw Pantry, another grassroots service started by teachers. Donations may be sent to CRISP at 210 W. Green St., with Paw Pantry noted in the memo line. Paw Pantry has been able to purchase food at cost from a local grocery store and use the purchases to put together food boxes for curbside pickup for families in need.
Local businesses and organizations are great supporters of CRISP as well. For example, Winterset HyVee and Fareway both used their round up programs this past fall and winter to the benefit of CRISP.
Here’s another great example of community involvement that I found on the CRISP Facebook page. The Jr. High textile classes (taught by Kim Patience) made 29 outfits for dolls and donated them, along with the dolls, to the CRISP Christmas for Kids program! (This was in 2019) This was part of a service learning project. Students from Mrs. Mapes’ child development classes also donated funds to help purchase the dolls.
How to Support
Megan: I find it amazing that this organization, that is so integral to our community, started from a very grassroots movement. No one in local government pushed for this, it was just a group of caring and concerned citizens who saw the need and felt compelled to do something to fill it. So, how can ‘average’ community members support the work of CRISP?
Amy: Community members can support the work of CRISP through donations, participation in our fundraisers (such as the Nuts & Candy sale each fall), or “adopting” a child or family for Christmas. Occasionally we will put out other requests such as snowpants, boots, gloves or winter coats. If you have gently used winter wear or find a really good sale, please contact CRISP to see if we could use the item.
Megan: What else do you want the community at large to know about CRISP and the work that you do?
Amy: I always knew there was a need in the community, but it was a real eye-opening experience when I came to work for CRISP. There really are families that are homeless or don’t have enough to eat right here in Madison County. Anyone can refer to CRISP. If you know of a Madison County family in need, please have them give us a call at 515-462-9400.
Thank you for reading The Winterset Citizen. All community announcements are provided at no charge, courtesy of our sponsors.
Forward this email to a friend who you think would enjoy being ‘in the know’ about community happenings!
And if you’re reading this post but it didn’t come to your inbox, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any more!
American State Bank
Anchored Walls
Ben Franklin
Blanchard Family Dentistry
Covered Bridge Realty
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Lowe Chiropractic Clinic
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
McGowen Hurst Clark Smith
Medicap Pharmacy
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department