To the editor:

I would like to ask you to join me in investing in our community. One of the reasons why Fort Dodge is such a special place to live and work is we take care of each other. We develop meaningful partnerships to help each other grow. When one project is successful, it in turn helps us all succeed.

That is why I am asking you to support Iowa Central’s upcoming bond project. For 50 years Iowa Central has been a driving force behind preparing a work force to support Fort Dodge. Here at Friendship Haven we rely on their educational opportunities to develop and prepare workers to serve our residents.

It’s critical that Iowa Central remain a learning institution of choice for today’s young people who will eventually work for employers like Friendship Haven. We need talented caregivers, nurses and health care professionals. Iowa Central supports not only new high school graduates but older adults who would like to make a career change. It’s this type of flexibility and offering that makes Iowa Central thrive. The upgrades included in this bond project will ensure that Iowa Central will continue to be able to provide us with this necessary workforce.

The upgrades proposed in the bond project are important in order to keep Iowa Central growing and flourishing in a time that is challenging for community colleges. Supporting Iowa Central is the right thing to do because in many ways they have supported us.

Don’t let Dec. 6 pass without supporting this needed project for our greater community.

Julie Thorson

President/CEO

Friendship Haven

Fort Dodge