Community Enrichment Center of Reinbeck Co-Director Lydia Robertson pictured this past August while standing in the entryway to her nonprofit organization located at 504 Clark Street in what was originally a Lutheran Church. Robertson, along with fellow co-director McKenzie Codner, assumed her role earlier this year. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

REINBECK – Belonging. It’s a feeling many people seek but don’t always find. That’s why the Community Enrichment Center (CEC) of Reinbeck formed back in 2019 and continues to expand its offerings. A nonprofit, it’s located at 504 Clark Street in what was first a Lutheran Church followed by a Baptist Church.

Inside its walls you’ll find the Reinbeck History Museum, curated by Raymond “Ray” Rannfeldt, The Community Closet, a sort of free thrift store, and space for hosting events such as private parties and public gatherings including farmers’ markets, Amigos Spanish Club, Midweek Mahjong, activities for students and more. If you can dream it up, the CEC will work to make it a reality. With no set hours, the place is open when volunteers are available. (This info is posted to social media).

Earlier this year, Lydia Robertson and McKenzie Codner assumed the role as co-directors of the CEC, bringing their unique talents to the table.

“Angie Thesing was really keeping it afloat for a long time,” Robertson said. “She stepped down (as director) and now runs The Community Closet…As far as Kenzie and I, we make decisions, decorate, come up with plans and ideas, field questions about rentals, and I run the Spanish club, Reinbeck Acts of Kindness and the Midweek Mahjong.”

Codner added that she’s also in charge of making flyers and running CEC’s social media. She assisted with painting and repair work, including carpet removal.

The CEC’s main room pictured in August. The space is used for hosting events such as private parties and public gatherings, including Amigos Spanish Club, Midweek Mahjong, activities for students and more. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“We’ve definitely been trying to figure out cost-effective ways (of running the CEC) and how a non-profit works,” she said. “We’ve talked about renovations and adding the accessible bathroom — just kind of making the space a bit more community-centered and cozy. We’re learning a lot about grants and nonprofits and fundraisers.”

Robertson said teamwork makes the dream work. The biggest fundraiser is for creating a bathroom on the main level (current one is in the basement) and new flooring. Estimates reach $30,000 but the final total may change. Private donors have provided around $6,000.

A recent rummage sale made $1,400, plus $2,500 was given by Spahn & Rose. A sum of $500 was from People’s Savings Bank.

“We did a Ragbrai fundraiser where I did henna and made buttons for donation as well,” Robertson said. “We raise money through free will donations during events. All money donated goes toward bills and upkeep, bathroom/flooring, and eventually front window repair (currently boarded up). JoLynn Ramsey has helped organize the building and fundraise, Wade VanHauen has done lots of maintenance and given lots of ideas, Tom and Diane Pippert have built a welcoming entryway and will be helping build bathroom walls. We got a free new front door donation and other community members have helped with that. Some Rebel athletes even helped tear out the stage. Reinbeck Acts of Kindness group helped organize our big community rummage sale.”

The future may include providing space for: cribbage, sewing group, support groups, soup dinner, book folding craft, scrapbook weekends and murder mysteries.

The front entrance to the CEC of Reinbeck photographed back in August. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The public can rent the space for $50 (half day) or $100 for the entire day. Thesing was part of the original group that started the CEC. She says she was instrumental in obtaining the building from First Baptist Church when it dissolved. A licensed Realtor, she toured the church and its now demolished annex building thinking either space could work for the future CEC. She settled on the church. She was encouraged to attend a church meeting to discuss the sale further.

In the end, the church was gifted to the CEC with the stipulation the space would remain available to the public.

“All I had to pay for was the 501(c)(3), title and abstracting, and then it became our building,” Thesing explained.

She said Robertson and Codner bring a fresh perspective to running the CEC.

“It’s been a huge blessing for them to be able to come in, get the donations, and get people with positive attitudes in there,” she added.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The Community Closet, housed in the basement, accepts clothing items for men, women and children. There are no income requirements for shopping there and all items are free of cost.

“This isn’t just for people in need; it can be for changing sizes, something you need for a specific event, gardening clothes,” she noted.

The closet is currently seeking prom dresses, fall and winter clothing of all types (including formal) plus accessories like shoes, jewelry, purses and bedding and towels. Only drop off donations when the CEC is open.

Thesing added that Becky Billerbeck is crucial to the running of the closet. To schedule an appointment for drop off, text Angie Thesing at: 319-231-0326.

The public is welcome to attend the Handmade Holiday Extravaganza at the CEC from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 28 (Small Business Saturday). Cost is $20 per vendor spot and all proceeds go toward the care of the CEC.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

People can learn more by following the Facebook pages: The CEC of Reinbeck; Reinbeck Iowa History Project; and The Community Closet of Reinbeck.

To learn more, Robertson may be reached at: 319-404-2364 and thececofreinbeck@gmail.com.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER