Welcome Speakers Allen Garner and Howard Penrod:

Allen Garner & Howard Penrod

In addition to sharing a Rotary connection, they were department directors for the City of Independence and currently are joined in service through the North West Communities Development Corporation (NWCDC) where Howard was the Executive Director and Allen was President of the Board. Today’s talk will give a glimpse of how the NWCDC continues to develop the northwest part of Independence & provide services throughout Independence.

NWCDC formed in 1997 and began the Fairmont Community Center in 1999. They received its first HOME funds in 2004.  The NWCDC provides neighborhood programs, Meals on Wheels, Job One, serves a noon meal five days per week, operates a bus service, builds and rehabilitates houses, hosts other organizations and activities including LINC, Social Services (proposed), Neighborhood Networks, health screenings, bingo, dancing, fitness equipment, a library, Kids Café, and numerous programs for senior adults.  Most recently, NWCDC became the sponsoring organization and host to Tabitha’s Closet- a ministry project providing clothes and reading material to qualifying families in the Independence School District.  NWCDC partners with numerous organizations and is supported by United Way, City of Independence & Jackson County.  Partners with  Truman Medical Center, St. Ann’s Parish and the local diocese, Catholic Charities, Independence School District, Bank of Grain Valley, Consumers Credit Union, and numerous individuals.

 

Howard has been a Rotarian since 1998.  Was sponsored by Lyn Crowley. His professional background includes Professional Engineer with a civil engineering degree and masters in business. Worked for Indiana Highway Commission for 14yrs before relocating to Missouri where he joined the staff of the Public Works Department for City of Independence in 1979 eventual become Director of the Department in 1986.  He retired from the City in 2007 and found post-retirement employment with the NWCDC.

 

Garner has been a Rotarian since1986 with the Jefferson City Rotary West Club. In 2003, relocated to Independence. Was sponsored by Larry Blick. Allen served as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and board member. Just completed his fourth year as Foundation Chair. Allen has been an Assistant Governor, a trainer for District secretaries, and a presenter at various meetings and training sessions.  His accomplishments keep going on and on.  He has continued to showed service above self and I don’t have enough room in this space to continue with all his good deeds, but as a licensed attorney, he is owner/principal at Allen Garner Law, LLC with a practice focused on local governments, nonprofit organizations & personnel.