Gregg Young Donates $25,000 to Vision Atlantic

Gregg Young of Atlantic, through its community impact program Gregg Young Cares, has generously donated $25,000 to Vision Atlantic in support of the nonprofit’s transformative development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion.

Matt Miller, General Manager of Gregg Young of Atlantic, helped spearhead the initiative to ensure Gregg Young’s support was directed toward Vision Atlantic’s efforts.

“This isn’t just where I work. It’s where I live, and where I’m raising my family,” shared Matt Miller, who has served as General Manager at Gregg Young of Atlantic for nearly three years. “Our donation is a reflection of the commitment we feel to this community. Through the Gregg Young Cares initiative, we’re proud to play a part in building a stronger future for Atlantic.”

This contribution from Gregg Young of Atlantic aligns with the program’s mission to support impactful, community-led initiatives across the Midwest. With Matt’s deep ties to Atlantic and his leadership at the local dealership, he recognized the Vision Atlantic project as a meaningful opportunity to give back.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed-unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26.5 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.5 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Gregg Young employees and Vision Atlantic volunteers.

Doug and Jill Leonard Family Donate $25,000 to Vision Atlantic

Doug and Jill Leonard Family have donated $25,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“We are very happy to support the goals of Vision Atlantic in Jill’s memory. She understood the value of quality childcare from raising our children Cooper and Reagan and her work with the Parents as Teachers program through Cass Health,” expressed Doug.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26.5 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.5 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Liz Reid, Christina Bateman, Reagan Leonard, Cooper Leonard, and Doug Leonard.

Vermeer Charitable Foundation Grants $20,000 to Vision Atlantic

Vermeer Charitable Foundation awarded $20,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“At Vermeer, we like to find a need and fill it,” shared Tricia Vermeer, Vermeer Charitable Foundation executive director. “When Vision Atlantic, in conjunction with the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, presented the need for a new childcare development center in Atlantic, Iowa, Vermeer Charitable Foundation was on board. The opportunity to partner in bringing a new childcare center to the Atlantic area resonated with our directors and we are delighted to be a part in making that vision a reality. This center will allow our team members, and the greater community, to do their work well, knowing their children are safe and well cared for.”

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed-unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26.9 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.1 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Dan Vermeer, Tricia Vermeer, Vicki Nordskog, and Christina Bateman.

Chris and Randy Blake Donate $10,000 to Vision Atlantic

Chris and Randy Blake have donated $10,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic. This gift was given in honor of Becker Blake.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Christina Bateman, Chris Blake, and Randy Blake.

Atlantic Rotary Donates $2,500 to Vision Atlantic

Atlantic Rotary has donated $2,500 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

Current Atlantic Rotary President, Michelle Andersen, expressed, “Rotary International’s specified areas of focus are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water (including sanitation and hygiene), improving maternal and child health, supporting education, and growing local economies. Vision Atlantic has provided a tangible way for anyone and organizations of any size to support a plan to grow local. Atlantic’s Rotary Club is pleased to contribute to this effort.”

Atlantic Rotary is made up of local business and community members who live the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” through local projects.

“Following a long-standing tradition of supporting local community projects, we want to express our gratitude to the Atlantic Rotary Club for its recent financial commitment to the Vision Atlantic initiatives. And, we look forward to its continuing support of this transformational project.” shared Dave and Barb Chase, Vision Atlantic Committee Members.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Michelle Andersen, Dave Chase, and Barb Chase.

Local Sorority Donates $500 to Vision Atlantic

The Omicron Zeta 13611 Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi have donated $500 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Terri Cook Thielen, Val Gifford, Barb Olsen, and Debbie Waterbury

Atlantic Kiwanis Donate $5,000 to Vision Atlantic

Atlantic Kiwanis has donated $5,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“Kiwanas envisions communities where ‘all children wake up in communities that believe in them.’ Vision Atlantic is reshaping Atlantic, driving growth, housing, improvements, childcare and community health, all aimed at creating a vibrant future. It is a natural fit between our two organizations and we are very happy to be able to support this important community initiative,” shared Kiwanas member, Carol Seddon.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Members of Atlantic Kiwanis and Vision Atlantic.

Cass County Community Foundation Grants $40,318 to Vision Atlantic

The Cass County Community Foundation have granted a total of $40,318 to Vision Atlantic over the course of three different grant cycles. These funds have been instrumental in moving the needle forward for Vision Atlantic’s multifaceted projects. The Cass County Community Foundation is an independent, county-level affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation with a focus on improving the community’s quality of life through grants and scholarships for projects in health, education, arts, human services, and more

“The Cass County Community Foundation is proud of the impact it has been able to make within the county, and we are honored to have the opportunity to support Vision Atlantic’s initiatives in Atlantic that will ultimately benefit all of Cass County in various ways,” shared Krisit Burg, Cass County Community Foundation Chair.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Camblin Hills Development Breaks Ground, Paving the Way for Future Growth

Vision Atlantic hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Camblin Hills Housing Development June 18th, drawing a large crowd to celebrate this historic feat for the Atlantic community.

The event included a brief program, with words of appreciation and excitement shared by Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic Board President; John Hoich, Vice President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation; Donna Dostal, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa; and Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

While the afternoon focused on celebrating Atlantic’s future, Vision Atlantic also took time to honor the past—specifically the lasting impact of late community leaders Bob Camblin and Don Sonntag. Their families were in attendance and shared heartfelt reflections on the incredible contributions both men made to Atlantic. Without their vision and dedication, much of the community’s housing and commercial development would not exist today. In recognition of their legacy, the Vision Atlantic Board of Directors presented each family with a Legacy Award, acknowledging the role their work played in making this new development possible.

Camblin Hills is located along Olive Street between 17th & 22nd Street and will add 142 new homes to the community over the next five years. The development is designed to meet diverse housing needs with a mix of single-family homes, condos, town homes, tiny homes and lots for custom builds.

In 2025 alone, 48 units will be built, including several single-family homes, multiple condos, and 10 tiny homes (which will be used as Airbnb rentals)—all aimed at revitalizing Atlantic and welcoming new families to the area.

This project is made possible through an incredible partnership with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. Together, they established a $23 million investment fund, which Vision Atlantic will borrow from to build all 142 units. As the loan is repaid, up to 5% of the fund balance will be donated back to Vision Atlantic to establish a long-term community endowment fund—supporting local needs such as affordable childcare.

For more information about the Camblin Hills Housing Development, visit www.visionatlantic.org or email visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

 

 

Cook Sanitation Donates $1,000 to Vision Atlantic

Cook Sanitation in Atlantic has donated $1,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project that includes housing development, a new child development center, and YMCA expansion, in Atlantic.

“I want to see the community grow and keep younger generations here for years to come. This project addresses these issues, giving current and new residents reasons to want to stay in Atlantic,” expressed Cook Sanitation owner, Dalton Cook.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Debbie Waterbury, Christina Bateman, Don Cook, and Dalton Cook.