Rosa Gonzalez of Perry, Health and Human Sciences Educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, received two awards last week — the Excellence in Research Based Programming and the Reaching All Iowans awards — at ISU Extension’s annual awards ceremony.
“Rosa’s expertise and knowledge are immeasurable, and her dedication to helping Iowa families has made her a pillar in our community!” an Extension spokesperson said. “Thank you for all you do, Rosa! We are grateful for you and proud of the impact you make!”
The Extension website tells about Gonzalez’s work as a Health and Human Sciences Educator:
Tucked into the northwest corner of Dallas County, the fastest growing county in the state of Iowa, sits the quaint town of Perry, a culturally rich community whose strength has been tested this year by unimaginable events.
Multiple tragic events made national headlines in the early months of 2024. Though the community has been impacted both emotionally and economically, they are also a representation of resilience and recovery. The Dallas County Extension Council has been committed to supporting Perry as they rebuild.
Health and Human Sciences Specialist Rosa Gonzalez dedicated time to better understand community members’ needs and connect community partners. Working with Perry Chamber of Commerce, City Administration, as well as Hispanics United for Perry, Gonzalez was able to identify where council could best assist. In partnership with the regional director, she encouraged the council to reallocate fiscal resources to focus programming efforts and outreach to Perry.
Out of this, two ISU Rising Star interns were funded. These interns worked with the Perry Food Pantry and Dallas County Master Gardeners to support food insecurity programs like the New Opportunities Donation Garden. They also realized a need for communal spaces, or “third spaces,” and recognized the role these places played in the healing process. The work in third spaces was added to the city’s overall plan. The interns were supported by a network of ISU specialists and the regional director. The council worked in partnership with 4-H to provide summer programming at PACES (afterschool program), the McCreary Community building and Perry Public Library.
We are proud to be part of the progress being made to uplift the Perry community and grateful for the partners we have standing with us.
