There are many wonderful things in central Iowa.  We have good schools.  The local economy has been growing, drawing more people to the region.  Within the past year, the TODAY Show even proclaimed Des Moines as “America’s Wealthiest City”.   Overall, things are splendid.
 
However, despite our local accolades, there are those who don’t share in the wealth.  There are people who have faced awesome life challenges, who may not have had the support of a loving family or the encouragement of friends who cared when time got tough.  There are those who have, for whatever the reason, been left behind.  It is for these people that Joppa Outreach exists.
 
The Rotary Club of West Polk County was joined, at the invitation of Rotarian Larry Lyon (Mr. Fix It), by Ovie Palmer.  Mr. Palmer is a retired investment specialist and had been with RBC Dain Raucher for many years.  He currently volunteers his time with Joppa Outreach.  Joppa Outreach works to helps to find employment for homeless individuals and help them become independent.
 
During his presentation, Mr. Palmer posed the question “What if you were homeless?”  It’s a good questions, one that we all should ponder, because then we might better understand the plight of those without a home in our own community.  Because of his volunteer work, Mr. Palmer has had many experiences, and knows the stories of some of those homeless folks he has had the occasion to meet.  He shared the financial challenges people often encounter that result in homelessness, or keep them from a better life.  He also shared how it is not hopeless and how Joppa Outreach is providing resources that help people return to a more independent lifestyle.
The Rotary Club of West Polk County would like to publicly thank Ovie Palmer for addressing our organization.  Keep up the good work sir!
 
Learn more about Joppa Outreach on their website, which can be found HERE.