Celebrating the Dyersville area’s Voices of America: Cindy Oberbroeckling

This story is part of our Voices of America initiative. Learn about this initiative and read more stories here.

The Dyersville Area Community Foundation is proud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by honoring Voices of America.

Cindy Oberbroeckling is one of eight regional voices lifted up to share the stories of people who hold our community together two and a half centuries after our nation’s founding.

“What really matters to our citizens is at the heart of the Voices of America initiative,” said Mark Singank, Community Foundation Executive Director. “We value every voice as we work with donors, make grants and serve as a trusted convener addressing shared community needs.”

Oberbroeckling said, “Most recently, one of the biggest challenges facing our community, was the lack of daycare options. With the cooperation of several community organizations, including the Dyersville Area Community Foundation, Dyersville Economic Development and the City of Dyersville, we were able to build a new day care center. Through grant writing and generous donations, our new Mike and Jean Knepper Child Care Center now welcomes almost 200 children.”

She has also helped with writing grants for new trees to be placed around the Child Care Center and in local parks. Another challenge Oberbroeckling took on was welcoming new people into Dyersville. She said, “To help with that we started Welcome U. This is a four-week program where newcomers get together to learn about the community and get to know others new to town. This will be our fourth year and about 50 people have graduated so far. "

Voices of America events will be hosted by the Foundation and take place this summer. They will feature a six-foot tall American eagle. Look for the table, take a family photo with the American eagle, and help write the story of our community on America’s 250th birthday. Hearing directly from individuals will help the Foundation make decisions on grants and initiatives in the coming year.