NIPCO and North West REC Support Expansion of Life Skills Training Center in Le Mars

NIPCO staff presents a check representative of three individual donations of $15,000 each

North West REC Manager Lyle Korver and NIPCO's Manager Matt Washburn present a check to Life Skills

NIPCO and its member electric distribution cooperative, North West Rural Electric Cooperative (North West REC), have each chosen to support a Le Mars-based organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities. The Life Skills Training Center (LSTC) helps individuals achieve greater independence through personalized training and skill development, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and become active, contributing members of their communities.

LSTC operates with a person-centered philosophy, giving each individual the freedom to choose the direction and scope of their training. The center focuses on helping clients set personal goals and provides the support and education needed to reach them—all within an environment that honors dignity and self-worth.

Recently, LSTC launched an ambitious expansion and renovation project for its Day Habilitation program. By acquiring and renovating a new facility, the center aims to increase its capacity, enhance community integration, and offer more individualized services. The expanded program will accommodate a broader range of care needs and introduce new curriculum offerings, including physical activity, sensory expression, and nutrition education.

This expansion is expected to initially double the number of individuals served by LSTC, significantly increasing access to services for underserved populations in the region. The project is part of a larger capital campaign with a fundraising goal of $1.25 million.

Currently, LSTC serves individuals in Plymouth, Cherokee, and Sioux counties, with plans to broaden its reach in the future.

To support this initiative, member cooperative North West REC partnered with the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) to secure a $300,000 grant through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. North West REC then reloaned the funds—interest-free for ten years—to the Dayhabilitation project. In addition, North West REC contributed a $60,000 match from its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), enabling a total loan of $360,000 to Life Skills to help finance part of their building renovation. Additionally, North West REC provided a $750 donation to LSTC from its “Operation Round-Up” program. Operation Round-Up dollars are generated by member-consumers who opt in to the program, which rounds up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.

Further support came from NIPCO, whose Board of Directors approved a $15,000 donation through its Corporate Donation Program. This contribution was matched by both Basin Electric Power Cooperative and CoBank’s Sharing Success program, bringing the total donation to $45,000.

As member-owned cooperatives, North West REC and NIPCO are honored to support local organizations like the Life Skills Training Center, whose work makes a meaningful difference in western Iowa. Guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles—especially our Commitment to Community—we’re proud to contribute to the Life Skills Dayhabilitation Renovation & Expansion Project and help strengthen the communities we serve.