Siouxland Magazine - Volume 1 Issue 4

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 32
One Siouxland: Strengthening Siouxland Together
By Philippa Hughes
Two years ago as our community anticipated the
influx of hundreds of workers from across the
country and perhaps the globe to support our
growing economy, a group of about 30 community
leaders from all sectors and all sides of the rivers
came together to answer the question, “Are we
ready to welcome and support our new neighbors?”
While we certainly recognized we had challenges to meet,
we also agreed we are a resource-rich community. We are
rich in organizations that strive every day to fill gaps and meet
their clients’ needs, faith-based organizations that reach
into the streets to serve, businesses that focus as much on
their employees as their bottom line, and genuinely caring
people who want to help others in whatever way their time,
talents, and treasures allow.
What we also acknowledged was that our many programs,
initiatives, organizations, and resources are not always
meaningfully connected. Even in that room two years
ago, among a group of well-connected leaders, new
partnerships were forged, and a greater awareness of our
region’s resources showed attendees that the answer to
our question wasn’t to add a new program, but to betterconnect
existing ones.
And that’s how One Siouxland was born. We serve as
a connector of ideas and resources, be they nonprofit,
governmental, business, educational, or otherwise, in an effort
to help our community fill the gaps and expand the resources
that help newcomers feel more welcome and desire to remain
in Siouxland, and help long-time community members
understand and embrace our changing demographics.
Many of the vehicles (also referred to as initiatives, programs,
and partnerships) to achieve each pillar’s vision are underway.
One Siouxland’s role is different for each vehicle; for some, we
are leading the effort. For others, we are a convener, a funder,
or a voice for those not at the table. Always, we strive to
strengthen our community’s resources so that the newcomers
who move here for work will stay because they were welcomed
and provided the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to
the economic, civic, and cultural fabric of our community.