News

Bobbi Boze, Your Good Neighbor
Bobbi was presented the "Good Neighbor Award" by Woodmen of the World at a brunch held November 22, 2008. The Good Neighbor Award is presented to an individual that seeks out and helps others.

Bobbi has been employed at the Adult Day Program with Crossorads of Western Iowa for the past 5 years. As Lead Coordinator, Bobbi has many responsibilities that include developing and coordinating activities for individuals with disabilities. When you meet her you know right away that this is more than a job for her. Her dedication does not stop at the door at the end of the day. She truly cares about the families and all the people attending the program. She has gone out of her way to help the families when necessary to make their lives easier. Sometimes this means giving up her evenings, weekends, and even some holidays.

Bobbi has also organized and coached a baseball team and a Special Olympic team. Bobbi looks at an individual's abilities and not their disabilities. She functions with the heartfelt belief that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Bobbi is more than a good neighbor. She is a genuine caring person who is always willing to help those in need.

Crossroads of Western Iowa congratulated Bobbi on this well deserved achievement and extends appreciation for her being a part of the Crossroads team.

Bobbi Boze receiving her award

Leadership Training
There are three new "leaders" among the staff at Crossroads. During the months of May, June, August, and September, Kris Rotnicke (Onawa location), Kelly Smith and Krista Rife (both from the Missouri Valley location) traveled to Ames, Iowa to take part in the Iowa's Association Community Providers (IACP) Leadership Institute. This four month long training program offered two full day classes each month. The Leadership Institute is centered on developing leadership skills through formal instruction and active participation.

During the training the IACP Leadership Institute brought in professors, CEO's, people from the area marketing firms, lawyers, speakers, and the President of the IACP to discuss and teach us different techniques that make effective leaders. There were a total of 36 people at the Leadership Institute from across Iowa. This training was a great learning experience for all. Not only was the teaching beneficial, it was also fun! Kelly Smith said "We got to meet new people and hear some of the same challenges others in our same field face on a daily basis. We all brought back different ideas of how we would like to better ourselves and the people we serve".

Krista Rife, Kelly Smith, & Kris Rotnicke

A Big Thanks to the Knights of Columbus
The Onawa-Blencoe Knights of Columbus Council 6249 have presented the funds collected during their annual PID drive to Crossroads of Western Iowa. According to Knight Franklin Heisterkamp this PID fund raiser was meant to benefit persons with intellectual disabilities. Crossroads Director of Operations, Jamie Barnum, accepted this generous donation and thanked the Knights for their continuing dedication to helping those in need in our community. The money will be used to expand the programs available to the persons served at Crossroads. Thus fulfilling the mission statement to enhance the quality of life for the persons we serve. All the staff and consumers at Crossroads wish to thank the Knights for their generosity.

A New Addition to Crossroads
Onawa welcomes a new addition and no, it's not what you think! Staff and consumers have anxiously waited for the arrival . . . . of our new truck!

With the new truck, staff and consumers now have the ability to literally "move about" in the community and surrounding areas.Inclusion and ability awareness have been great as staff and consumers proudly work side by side with our local businesses picking up and delivering products.

The truck is a 2003 Ford E350 and has a slide out ramp and low rear height level which allows numerous people the ability to load and unload work. Just last Friday the truck was seen heading to Burgess Hospital, Family Medicine Clinic, Hoffman Agency, and then on to Western Iowa Coop in Sloan to pick up confidential paper tubs.

Recently a business partner supplying one of our favorite types of work (which comes from Apex Tackle Corp of South Sioux City, NE) congratulated and complimented Onawa on the truck. They have expressed that the room on the truck allows them to send larger work orders. We LOVE Apex and are excited about being given the opportunity to increase the amount of work, as well as providing a faster return time on the completed work. With wheels turning, Crossroads is rolling down the road looking for new opportunities for work expansion. Keep an eye out for us as we'll be driving your way soon!

2008 Special Olympics

On May 21st nine athletes and five coaches/Class A volunteers headed for Ames Iowa. They were all to participate in the State Summer Games. Two participants excelled in individual events at the local level and accepted the opportunity to participate at a higher competitive State level. Another individual who took first at the local level in the “developmental wheelchair race” was also invited to participate in her individual event at the State Summer games, but was unable to attend.

One athlete brought home the GOLD in the “50meter walk/race” with the other carrying the silver back to Council Bluffs in the “over 30 men’s 50 meter walk /race”.

Crossroads was represented by two teams in the Bocce competition. These athletes played a single elimination game. Both teams placed fourth in their division.

Crossroads of Western Iowa was well represented in Ames at the Special Olympic Summer Games. All athletes and coaches/volunteers actively participated in the opening ceremonies. This was an experience that neither the athletes nor coaches/volunteers will forget.

Athletes coach, Bobbi Boze stated “ I have never been prouder of a group of athletes. They are wonderful people and committed to excellence. I hope the Bocce players return next year. I know they have a real chance at bringing the GOLD home.”