LEFT- Tama Early Childhood Iowa recognized- Front – Cathy DeBondt, STC-education-Citizen Representative; Trisha Kennedy, North Tama-education-Citizen Representative; Larry Vest, Chair-Board of Supervisor-Citizen Representative; Karen Christensen, Citizen. Back – Darla Thiessen, human services representative/Citizen; Deb Schlichting, Pied Piper; Richard Arp, Clergy-Citizen Representative. Not present; Mandy Lekin, Business & Industry/Citizen Representative; Jenn Stover, Consumer-Citizen Representative; Jill Herink, Meskwaki Settlement School/education representative; and Joyce Legg, health representative. -Photo provided

TOLEDO CHRONICLE – Tama Early Childhood Iowa (formerly Empowerment) Board Members were recognized for their dedication for being involved in the Tama County ECI Board.

Tama County ECI Board strives to assure that children, ages 0 – 5, in Tama County are healthy; ready to succeed in school; have a safe, secure, nurturing child care; and have a safe, secure, nurturing home.

May is Volunteer Appreciation month and Lori Johnson, ECI director, thanked her board for their willingness to participate on Tama County’s Early Childhood Iowa Board.

“There have been several “tough” meetings this past year with the State’s “Lean Design” and there will be more challenges and / or exciting endeavors in the coming year,” stated Ms. Johnson, “I wanted to thank them for their support and participation on our Board”.

We wouldn’t be able to provide the services that we do without such dedication.”

They will be collaborating with Benton County to become a joint Governing Board by July 1, 2012.

If you are interested in becoming involved in Tama County Early Childhood Iowa, contact Lori Johnson, ECI Director, at 641-484-4788.