July 2019
Expanding our Horizons
To respond to the growing needs of seniors in the community, we are pleased to announce that Horizons, A Family Service Alliance and Elder Services Inc. (ESI) officially merged on July 1. Both agencies have been serving senior clients through programs that maintain their health and wellness, including intergenerational and senior dining sites in Linn, Johnson, and Washington counties, Meals on Wheels, Caregiver Counseling, and Information & Referral Services.

That commitment only grows as ESI and Horizons are now one. By merging into one agency, we are able to decrease program overhead costs, having more funds go directly to client services. We at Horizons wish to invite our friends in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids to join us in the effort to provide Help and Hope to the Corridor's homebound senior population by making a donation to the nutrition program and/or contacting us about volunteer opportunities.

"We are proud to honor the legacy of service to seniors that has been paramount to both Horizons and ESI for decades," said Sofia Mehaffey, Community Health and Nutrition Director. "Our unity creates a solid foundation as we push forward in an evolving environment of challenges and opportunities."
Daily Lunch Club at Horizons

There’s a brand new address in Cedar Rapids for seniors to enjoy a nutritious lunch. Congregate senior dining is now taking place at Horizons through the Lunch Club, which is made possible with support from the Heritage Area Agency on Aging.

Service runs from 11:15 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, except holidays. Reservations are recommended for attending, and can be made by contacting Horizons Community Health & Nutrition at (319) 398-3574 by 3 p.m. the weekday before service. Visit our website to see the daily menu choices.

Under the federal Older Americans Act, adults older than the age of 60 can eat a nutritious meal on a donation basis. The suggested contribution is $5 per meal, but seniors can give what they are able to. Persons under the age of 60 are also welcome to join us, the cost is $7 per meal.
Summer Meals program continues through Aug. 23
It's the halfway point of summer break, and more than 17,000 children around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City may find themselves hungry. Horizons' Summer Meals program provides quality nutrition to youth in the summer who would normally rely on the school system to receive a meal.

Horizons is providing free meals to children through Aug. 23. Check out our full list of sites and volunteer opportunities for more information .
Date set for Survivors Benefit
The Survivors Program will host its annual fundraiser to match federal support it receives to address the immediate and long-term needs of violent crime victims and their families. The Survivors Benefit will be held Friday, Sept. 6 at A Touch of Class , 5977 Mount Vernon Rd. SE in Cedar Rapids; and include a dinner, auction, raffle, and program.

Purchase your tickets now for this event, which will allow Horizons to continue providing this vitally important service.
Celebrating Pride
Horizons is proud to broaden its presence with the LGBTQA+ community. Staff attended Pride festivals in Iowa City on June 15, Marion June 22, and Cedar Rapids July 6.

The Mental Health and Wellness team, meanwhile, has participated in training on clinical issues and treatment strategies to better help us serve this population. "We want to be sensitive, as well as more knowledgeable to better serve mental health needs," says clinical director Tim Griem.

We invite you to click the above links to view photos from our Pride events.
Activities & Events
  • Horizons Lunch Club, Monday through Friday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. RSVP by calling (319) 398-3574 by 3 p.m. the day before you wish to come. Click to see our menu for July.
  • Summer Food Service Program, continues through Aug. 23. Check our full list of sites and volunteer opportunities.
  • Survivors Benefit, Friday, Sept. 6 at A Touch of Class in Cedar Rapids. Tickets now available.
  • The Return of the Turkey Trot, Saturday, Nov. 16 at Marion High School. Registration for the 8K and 5K races opens soon.
  • Volunteer opportunities available for these events and other programs. Contact Sandy Rosenberger for more information.
Horizons, A Family Service Alliance