At the most recent 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County quarterly meeting, the group voted on the recipient of the third set of donations. Out of 20 nominated organizations, the women chose New Opportunities to receive over $10,000.

New Opportunities serves the community by offering income eligible programs to those in need throughout Guthrie County. The organization holds back-to-school drives, creates Thanksgiving food baskets, and purchases Christmas gifts for kids. They also have a food pantry, facilitate a clothes closet, and offer mentorship programs for children.

The 10 Squared Women organization was founded by three area women after being challenged by the Men’s group on a Guthrie County Let’s Talk segment. Shannon-Neff Muell, Kristen Crouthamel, and Laura Smith spearheaded the efforts to recruit 100 Guthrie County women to offer their support through philanthropic means. The rules for nomination and selection are the same as the men’s group, and each member donates $100 per quarter to the selected charity.

The previous two donations went to BackPack programs in Guthrie County schools and Guthrie County Helping Hands, a sub-organization of Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity. For more information visit their Facebook page or email them at 10squaredgc@gmail.com.