Watonwan County's war on poverty

from the St James Plain Dealer

By Mark Anderson, Staff Writer

For the second time in a month, Watonwan County had a chance to tell lawmakers how they can help us.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, state legislators held an early childhood hearing in St. James. A separate committee, the Legislative Commission To End Poverty In Minnesota By 2020, made a brief stop in St. James on Thursday, Jan. 10.

The End Poverty Commission is in a fact-finding mode, and just wanted to hear what is going on in St. James to end poverty. “We are here to serve the people of Minnesota,” said Gregory Gray, the commission director.

Mario Garcia of St. James told the commission that education is the most important aspect of solving the poverty issue. He said people in this area are looking for educational opportunities to improve their low-wage jobs, and spend more time with their families. Joining in with support for education were Martha Gracia and Ana Gonzalez, who told about the importance of the Family Literacy program in helping both parents and children improve their standing in the community. Maria Martinez gave herself as a living example of that change. She was a Family Literacy student 10 years ago, and now has gained citizenship, employment, and is a Family Literacy interpreter. “I spoke no English when I came here,” she said, “I feel good now.”

Their first stops were in St. Peter and Mankato, and three St. James representatives were able to talk to the commission members on the way here from Mankato. Sue Harris, Mario Garcia and DeeAnn Gieseke gave the legislators a St. James packet and presentation.

Part of the packet was an outline of what we are currently doing to combat poverty, and suggestions of what they can do to help.

That outline was drafted by Harris and developed on Tuesday, Jan. 8, by a few concerned citizens, Sharon Dexheimer, Kathy Carlson, Mario Garcia, Rich Collins, Don Crissinger-Clark and Mark Anderson of the St. James Plaindealer.

The outline shows that Watonwan County has three places that work on poverty issues every day: Human Services, schools, and the Minnesota Valley Action Corporation (MVAC). Other services are offered to aid people in poverty, such as food shelves and city programs.

Horizons is a new poverty fighter that emerged in 2007. It is attempting to raise the level of action for all citizens, and is specifically targeting residents from all areas of the population to get involved in the rising tide.

Other categories of fighting poverty are stopping racism and efforts in St. James to create new assets, such as the new hospital and clinic, new Human Services building, and library. Rural school districts, especially those in high-poverty areas like St. James, are still struggling to keep up with building needs.