Vision Atlantic to Host Public Open House Showcasing New Homes

Vision Atlantic invites the community to a public open house on Sunday, April 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., offering a first look at several newly completed homes and short-term rental units.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour three finished single-family homes, each representing a different floorplan: the Kirsten, Conway, and Willett. The homes are located at 1804, 1806, and 1808 Camblin Drive. A Vision Atlantic board member will be present in each home to answer questions and provide additional information.

In addition to the single-family homes, several of Vision Atlantic’s tiny homes, currently used as short-term rental units, will also be open for tours. A board member will be available in that area to share more about the project and its impact.

“This open house is a great opportunity for community members to see the quality and variety of new housing options available in Atlantic in Camblin Hills,” said Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President. “We’re excited to welcome people in and share more about what Vision Atlantic has accomplished and what we are working toward.”

The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about available homes and lots, visit visionatlantic.org/move.

About Vision Atlantic
Vision Atlantic is a community-driven initiative focused on expanding housing opportunities and supporting growth in Atlantic, Iowa. Through strategic development and partnerships, Vision Atlantic works to attract residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and invest in the community’s future.

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 $34.2 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 $4.8 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.

Knights of Columbus Donate to Vision Atlantic

The Knights of Columbus have recently made a donation of $3,000 in support of Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion.

“The Vision Atlantic Project, involving building a child care center and renovating the YMCA, fits well with the Knights of Columbus’ principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity,” shared member Phil Hascall.

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 in 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 $34.1 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 $4.9 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: Doug Leonard, Trustee; Gary Richter, Treasurer; and Tim Ellis, Grand Knight.

Xi Beta Phi Sorority Donates to Vision Atlantic

Xi Beta Phi Sorority has recently made a donation of $1,900 from their holiday greens fundraiser in support of Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion.

“We are very happy to support Vision Atlantic,” Xi Beta Phi member, Sara Nelson said. “It’s an exciting and ambitious project for our community, and we truly appreciate our customers’ support, which allowed us to make this donation.”

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 in 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 $34.1 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 $4.9 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: Sara Nelson (Xi Beta Phi member) and Christina Bateman

J & R Tax Service Donates to Vision Atlantic

J & R Tax Service, owned by Jan and Becky, has made a generous donation of $20,000 in support of Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion.

“Our success has always been rooted in the support of this community,” expressed J & R Tax Service owner, Becky. “We believe every successful project takes a village, and this one will play a vital role in strengthening our local economy. Proper housing and expanded childcare are essential for a community to truly thrive.”

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 in 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 $34.1 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 $4.9 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: (back row) Christina Bateman, Nick Hunt, Melissa Ihnen, Debbie Waterbury
(front row) Cody, Jan, Becky

Cass County Animal Clinic Donates to Vision Atlantic

Cass County Animal Clinic, led by Dr. Erin Conrad-Schwarte, has made a generous donation in support of Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. As a trusted local business dedicated to the well-being of both animals and families, the clinic is proud to invest in the future of the community it serves.

“Small town. Big vision. Proud to support Vision Atlantic,” shared Dr. Erin Conrad-Schwarte.

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 $30.6 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 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, Melissa Ihnen, Dr. Erin Conrad-Schwarte and Staff

KJAN Donates $25,000 to Vision Atlantic

KJAN has generously donated $25,000 to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion.

“As a local business celebrating our 75th anniversary, our success is tied to community success,” expressed Jim Field, General Manager at KJAN. “Being a partner in this effort with Vision Atlantic is very important to us. We are all better when our community thrives.”

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 $28 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 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: Melissa Ihnen, Jim Field, Rod Christensen, Becky Christensen, Christina Bateman, and Debbie Waterbury.

Atlantic Dental Center Donates $25,000 to Vision Atlantic

Atlantic Dental Center, owned by Dr. Zack and Mackenzie Bandow, has generously donated $25,000 to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. Originally from rural Iowa and now proud to call Atlantic home for the past decade, the Bandow family is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen the community and create opportunities for families.

“Mackenzie and I are grateful for the opportunity to support Vision Atlantic,” shared Dr. Zack Bandow. “These projects will play a huge role in helping our community thrive for years to come. We’re so thankful for the people dedicating their time and energy to these efforts as community and economic development are vital to the long-term success of rural towns like Atlantic. Our family feels incredibly fortunate to call Atlantic home and to contribute in this way.”

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 $28 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 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, Dr. Zack Bandow, Mackenzie Bandow, and Jessie Shiels.

Tom and Dianna Williams Donate to Vision Atlantic

Tom and Dianna Williams have made a generous $1,000 donation to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. Having called Atlantic home for more than 45 years, the Williams family has seen firsthand how collaboration and community spirit can shape a thriving hometown. Their commitment reflects both a love for this community and a shared belief in investing in its future growth and vitality.

“Atlantic has been home to our family for over 45 years,” shared Tom and Dianna Williams. “Our children were born and raised here, and now two of them are raising their own families in this same community. Dianna’s work in elementary education for over 36 years has fueled her passion for providing the best possible care for children and families. We’re proud to be a small part of this incredible group of visionary leaders working to expand and strengthen Atlantic. Communities can only grow and prosper when we all come together to make positive changes for the future.”

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 $27 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 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 alongside Tom and Dianna Williams.

Dave and Barb Chase Generously Donate to Vision Atlantic

Dave and Barb Chase have made a generous multi-year pledge to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. As longtime Atlantic residents and dedicated community advocates, the Chases’ commitment reflects their deep appreciation for the community that has supported them and their desire to help ensure its continued growth for generations to come.

“The community of Atlantic and surrounding area have been very good to us,” expressed Dave and Barb Chase. “It has provided us with the opportunity to live, work, and play in an environment that truly fosters the ability to realize the American Dream.  In sincere appreciation of that, we want to give back now to help sustain that environment of opportunity for future generations to come.”

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 $27 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 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 alongside Dave and Barb Chase.

EF & Sylvia Schildberg Foundation Grants $11,000 to Vision Atlantic

EF & Sylvia Schildberg Foundation grants $11,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new child development center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“The Schildberg Foundation was started by my grandparents as a way to give back to the communities in our service areas. Childcare is a much needed cornerstone in building and maintaining a thriving community. Vision Atlantic is a perfect way to ‘pass it forward’,” expressed Mark Schildberg.

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: Mark Schildberg with Vision Atlantic board members and volunteers.