Collaboration Creates Impressive Community Center

Ripple Effect helped get the ball rolling in 2008 by awarding a planning grant to the Stanton Industrial Foundation to study the feasibility of building of a multi-purpose community center in the small southwest Iowa town of Stanton (population 664).

Then in 2010, Ripple Effect distributed a matching $30,000 in grant proceeds to Farmers Mutual Telephone Company (FMTC) which helped FMTC secure a grant from USDA to build the facility which includes a preschool, library, wellness center, walking track, gymnasium, community room and 625-person tornado shelter.

“Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in Stanton and Ripple Effect were our first partners, and most influential to get the Viking Center project off the ground,” says Mickey Anderson, President of the Stanton Industrial Foundation. “It’s an example of great people and great programs working together!”

The highlight of the Viking Center opening was a human chain of over 400 people passing books from the old library to the new Viking Center. The line of school kids, senior citizens, parents, teachers and others stretched six blocks. NBC Nightly News covered this accomplishment.

The facility was presented with the “2014 Best New Commercial/Civic Award” by the 1000 Friends of Iowa Committee. “The depth of collaborative, community impact resulting from the Viking Center project won over the jurors and exemplifies what these awards are all about,” said 1000 Friends of Iowa Committee Director, Siobhan Spain.

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