Elma, IA

Two community breakfasts were held at the Elma Elementary Charter School recently to bring students and their families together for food and fellowship. The events were organized by the Parents & Teacher Partnership group (P.T.P.), which recently formed as a result of a community involvement effort through the Horizons program. The first breakfast event, “Moms and Muffins” took place on April 23rd with 63 students and 36 moms/auts/grandmothers as well as student siblings and school staff attending. Participants received muffins, fruit, milk, juice, or coffee paid for through P.T.P. fundraising proceeds as they mingled in the school cafeteria. The second event, “Dads and Doughnuts” took place on May 7th with a similar menu and hosting 64 students, 41 dads/grandfathers/uncles as well as student siblings, teaching staff and even a few moms. Together the two events provided free meals to 204 community members.

Elma’s VITA program continues. Although the number of people using the service has not been large, the people that have not had to file in the past continue to come forward for the “economic stimulus” rebate.

During a conversation with one of the VITA participants, the subject of the 2006 telephone tax rebate came up. The people that have not been filing in the past may not have received the $30 or more rebate. Of the last 5 such returns, none of them had filed for the rebate.

The form is simple to complete. I went to the IRS website and downloaded form 2006 Form 1040EZ-T to complete the process.

The VITA program has been rewarding for me thus far in making a difference (financially) to my neighbors in Elma. The people served are generally very appreciative.

Thank you to ISU Extension and the VITA program for bringing this opportunity to our small, rural community.

A newly formed Parent-Teacher collaborative committee called PTP, is holding a community based rummage and bake sale on March 28th at the Elma School gymnasium. Parents, school staff, students and community members may drop off their clean, gently used items to be sold at this one-day fundraising event between the hours of 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-5:00 p.m. on March 25, 26, and 27th at the Elma School. All proceeds will be used to support family and community based projects as well as fund school field trips and recess equipment purchases. This event is open to the public for sales 3:00-7:00 p.m. on March 28th in the Elma Charter School gymnasium.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be offered in Waukon, Cresco, Mason City and Elma in 2008.

A collaborative effort between ISU Extension, the IRS, and Elma’s Horizons Program will provide the VITA program in Elma for the first time. The VITA program is an initiative to provide low and moderate income households help in preparing income tax returns for both the federal and the Iowa tax returns.

One major objective is to ensure those taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit will obtain the available benefits.

Elma is likely one of the smallest VITA communities. After completion of the project there will be a review of the project’s effectiveness.

Personal Financial Management Class

On October 15, 2007, over 25 people completed the “Planning to Stay Ahead” financial management class at the Elma Equity meeting room.

The course was a collaborative effort between Iowa State University Extension, Northeast Iowa Community College, the Elma Horizons Project, and Peoples Savings Bank. During the Study Circle phase of the Horizons Project, the need for personal financial management was identified as a need for Elma’s residents.

Based upon the success of the class in Elma, the class will be offered in Lime Springs during 2008.