Vision

Partners in Palo Alto and Kossuth (PAK) Empowerment Area believe that developmental opportunities for children ages birth to five play a critical role in establishing lifelong patterns. Children in this population groups are ready to learn and develop the perceptual framework that will guide their lives. Along with the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety, qualities such as family support, positive identity, social competency, and a nurturing environment are essential for lifelong healthy development.

History

(Palo Alto/Kossuth) PAK Empowerment is funded by a grant from the state of Iowa. It is a group of community agencies and citizens partnering together to help families.  The focus is on families with children ages 0-5 yrs.  The main goal is to prepare children with the skills needed so that they will enter kindergarten ready to learn.  In 1999, PAK Empowerment identified priorities developed an early childhood plan to address the needs of children aged 0-5 in Palo Alto and Kossuth counties. The priorities established center around the Empowerment goals of healthy children, secure and nurturing child care environments, secure and nurturing families, safe and supportive communities, and children ready to succeed in school.  In order to make a difference in the lives of young children, the community must work together with the same goal to achieve the same outcomes.  It is only by collaborative planning with parents, education, business, faith, health, human services and other community organizations that we will be able to assess and implement services to help young children achieve success in life. 

Mission

• Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all children age birth to 5.
• Provide training support to parents and other caregivers of the birth to 5 populations.
• Prepare children age birth to 5 with the skills needed to learn to be ready to take advantage of educational opportunities and learn to the best of their ability.

Contact
Paige Hollinger
Coordinator
Prairie Lakes AEA 8
119 S. Jones St.
Algona, IA 50511
Phone: (515) 295-7784 or
          (866) 540-3855
Fax:    (515) 295-3548
Email:  info@pakempowerment.com

119 S. Jones St.      Algona, IA 50511      Phone:  (515)295-7784 or (866) 540-3855      Fax: (515) 295-3548      Email:  info@pakempowerment.com