MUSCATINE, Iowa — It’s been nearly 10 years since Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack announced the opening of Muscatine’s New Iowan Center.

Since then, this state agency has changed locations and added programs, but one thing remains the same: The staff is dedicated to helping new Iowans make the most of their lives in Muscatine.

On Thursday, the New Iowan Center staff and advisory committee welcomed Muscatine residents to an open house at the 2215 Grand Ave. office to celebrate the Center’s 10th anniversary.

David Utley, a member of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took the opportunity to visit the Center and learn more about the free services provided there.

Utley is retired from Bandag in Muscatine and now works with his son, Craig Utley, who owns Team Staffing in Muscatine.

“We’re very interested in how the New Iowan Center assists people in getting acquainted with the area and finding jobs,” said Utley. “They have some good services.”

All the New Iowan services are free and include language lessons with the Rosetta Stone computer software program; assistance in finding work and  becoming a U.S. citizen; online learning programs and community outreach education.

The Center’s staff also educates individuals and business representatives on immigration issues including work force development, cultural diversity and small business programs.

Mary Bolton, coordinator for the New Iowan Center, told visitors at the open house that the Muscatine office served more than 7,400 people during its last fiscal year, which ended on July 31.

Muscatine and Sioux City were the sites of the  first two New Iowan Centers, which were established in 2000 to attract and retain immigrants and refugees.

Vilsack said the Centers could help bolster Iowa’s declining population.

Today, there are 12 New Iowan Centers across the state.

Details

What: The New Iowan Center/Workforce Development office

Where: 2215 Grand Ave., Muscatine

Contact: Phone, 563 264-6014

E-mail: Marco.Adasme@iwd.iowa.gov

Staff: Marco Adasme, regional supervisor; Mary Helen Bolton, coordinator; Maria Gonzales, Workforce Associate

Online

Learn more about the New Iowan Centers online at: http://www.iowaworkforce.org/centers/newiowan/