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Spiritual Growth
Everyone at Crossroads looks forward to Wednesday mornings because this is when we have Spiritual Growth. Spiritual Growth is a time to renew our spirits. Area church Ministers and Pastors volunteer their time for a half hour or so and give a reading of scripture. Included in this half hour is time for singing and any prayer concerns anyone may have.

Especially uplifiting was a local Onawa Pastor, Arley Ellingson, who is from the United Methodist Church in Onawa. He brought with him some back up named "Jimmy and the Giants". This is a gifted group with Jim Shook on rhythm guitar, Leland Richabaugh on lead guitar, Barry Dumond on Bass, Charlie Davis on harmonica, and pastor Arley as vocals. This group shares their talents by praising the Lord and spreading his good word. It's hard not to tap your toes or join in song when they are playing. Thank you guys for the great start to our day!

If you are interested in helping out with Spiritual Growth in Onawa please call Miriam at 712-423-1477 or in Missouri Valley call DeAnn at 712-642-4114.

It Was a "Spooktacular" Evening
On October 30th the Council Bluffs Residential program (Pathways of Western Iowa) hosted a Halloween party for persons served and their friends. The night was filled with entertainment, food, and prizes.

At the Halloween potluck all the food was prepared either relating to Halloween or presented itself to be scary such as: blood rats (meatloaf), worm salad (pasta salad) and a Cauldron of warm chili and much more! It was fun to see everyone's reactions to the different foods.

After dinner and dessert we broke out the Halloween Jingo. Jingo is a game played like Bingo but Halloween clues are read and from those clues you have to figure out what to cross off your card. Prizes were given to those who were lucky enough to yell out "Jingo!".

Like any Halloween party everyone wore costumes. The night was ended by handing out prizes. The categories were as follows: Scariest Costume, Most Creative costume, Funniest Costume, and Best Costume Overall. The party was a huge success. Thank you to all the residential staff that made it possible.

10 Years of Service!
On October 17, 2008 Chuck Bettin was honored for 10 years of service to Casey's General Store in Onawa, Iowa. During his time at Casey's Chuck is responsible for a variety of duties such as sweeping, bagging ice, cleaning windows, keeping the freezer and cooler clean, and wet mopping. Area Supervisor, Sara Luebbert, and District Manager, Sue Allyn, presented Chuck with a cake and a clock for his years of service.

Apple Picking Season
On Thursday, October 2nd Onawa gathered for a ride through the Loess Hills endeding at the Small's Apple Orchard in Mondamin, Iowa. The beautiful weather and colorful scenery made for a wonderful drive.

Staff and Consumers were greeted warmly and treated to a tour of the orchard. On this tour we learned how to make cider and even got to sample some. We also got to see how the apples were hand sorted by the workers, leaving only the best apples for the buyers! (us!)

Next on the tour was a wagon ride out to the fields to pick our own apples. Inspecting the apples to make sure they were just what we wanted took some time! Picking out our own apples made us hungry and ready for a break. After lunch we spent some time in the gift shop and bought pies, jelly, cider, and more apples. The owners of the orchard were gracious enough to let everone choose a pumpkin to take home and enjoy. A huge thank you goes out to the staff at Smalls Apple Orchard for a wonderful fall day!

Bonus Trip 2008: Jay Novicki Day Camp
It was a beautiful fall day as seven people from Crossroads made their way to Ashland, Nebraska and the Jay Novicki Day Camp. We began the day with introductions and an inspiring Bible lesson from the camp staff. Next up was a ride and hike down to the lake for fishing and boat rides!

For Lunch the camp staff made sure everyone had a part in the preparation of Frito Pie, vegetable sticks, "dirt and worms", and baked apples cooked over an open fire outside.

After lunch everyone went back inside to work on decorating a picture frame with fall decorations. We we were done decorating, we went back outside to build our own paper rocket. We even got to launch them! The day ended with another short Bible lesson before we said our goodbyes and made our way back home. We were tired but very satisfied with the day's activities.

Achievement Day in Missouri Valley
Crossroads of Western Iowa's Achievement Day in Missouri Valley was held on Friday, August 22nd. We had approximately 120 family members and friends attend the ceremony. There were 7 categories that each individual was recognized for. Out of each category one person was chosen whose achievements were outstanding and this person received an "Oscar". Everyone received a certificate and a lanyard. After all the presentations were completed, everyone enjoyed refreshments. Congratulations to all for their great achievements!

Bonus Trips! Crossroads of Western Iowa / Pathways of Western Iowa continues to be committed to people receiving services. Through the years we have discovered there are people who have not had the opportunity to travel beyond their local communities. Because of this, Crossroads has made it a priority to offer annual “Bonus Trips” to all individuals receiving services. The trips vary from year to year, and are always focused on “having fun”.

Take a look at the trips being offered in the new bonus vacation flyer! Download Flyer

Awards Day Celebrated in Onawa
On May 9, Crossroads in Onawa hosted their Annual Awards Day. People were nominated by staff in 7 different categories. The categories were Personal Growth, Work Accomplishments, Residential Advancements, Reaching Goals, Self Advocacy, Meeting Challenges, and Motivator.
Every person that receives services from Crossroads received a reward. In each category a person that excelled in a particular area earned an Oscar. Everyone receiving an award was given a lanyard with Crossroads of Western Iowa on it.

Parents, guardians, case managers and community members were invited to watch everyone being recognized for their achievements over the past year. Pictures were taken and cake and punch was served.