The Midwest is widely known as the Bible Belt. Midwesterners speak often of the importance of family, and are known for their work ethic. At the same time, those who live in the Midwest are also known for their love for their neighbor. Often, in the midst of a serious illness or other personal crisis, entire communities will show up on the doorstep of their neighbor and harvest a crop, tend the livestock, fill a freezer with casseroles, and lend a shoulder to cry on. It is that same love thy neighbor philosophy that motivated the opening of ATLAS in Rock Rapids. While people smile and wave at each other when the meet on the road, ATLAS staff knows that Lyon County also has a large number of people who are hurting. Many are struggling with relationship issues, and addictions including gambling and pornography. ATLAS staff walk beside them, encouraging them, praying with them, and helping them reconnect with Christ and the church. While the perception may exist that only people of certain income levels need ATLAS services, the reality is that those who contact the organization may be a grocery store clerk or the president of a company. The obstacles that cause mankind to fall away from their walk with Christ are common to everyone.

ATLAS of Lyon County is a Christ-centered, non-profit, interdenominational, community organization that exists to help those in Lyon County and the surrounding area who are hurting or are in need. Staff complete their walk with clients by providing a welcoming place of contact, assessing needs, providing resources to meet needs and develop life skills, referring to other professional services as needed, sharing Jesus as the way to life and lasting change, and providing a connection to a local church. At the same time, ATLAS of Lyon County works closely with local churches to select Christians who are willing to serve as mentors, to connect Christians with those who are hurting and in need, to equip, encourage and empower Christians to walk with others through life’s situations, and to provide the necessary support and resources to keep these relationships strong.

Much like an atlas is to a motorist on an excursion, ATLAS of Lyon County is a roadmap for life. Attaining Truth, Love And Self-Control are the words behind the acronym that represent the goal the organization has for those who access its services. By locating its office in Rock Rapids, the organization remains relatively close in proximity to those who live in each of the towns in Lyon County. Last year, staff took 360 appointments, and this year, the organization will have made over 370 appointments for residents of each town in Lyon County, as well as a few from Sioux County and towns in Minnesota.

The mission of ATLAS is "together touching lives for Christ." This is fulfilled through their strategy of reaching out to hurting people in the community and connecting them relationally to grow in Christ-likeness. ATLAS strives to assist the work of the Church in order to glorify God and make disciples in the community. ATLAS of Lyon County is a mentor based, prayer driven ministry that provides personal development services to individuals and families who are hurting for a variety of reasons. ATLAS of Lyon County is not a counseling agency but works with other professional counseling and support organizations in cases where professional assistance is needed. ATLAS of Lyon County works with churches and resource organizations to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of people. After an initial appointment, those who access ATLAS services in the desire to change their lives will either continue to work with ATLAS staff on their personal issues, or be referred to another professional agency to receive assistance beyond the scope of what ATLAS can provide. Maintaining a good relationship with its network of other helping agencies is crucial to its ability to truly meet the needs of those who are hurting.

Often, the organization sees an increase in calls in January, February and March when the realization occurs for people that certain aspects of their lives including their finances and relationships are in crisis. While the organization can offer limited, short term financial assistance in certain instances, ATLAS staff is aware that often those who access their services are struggling with deeper issues that may be revealing themselves in the form of financial concerns. ATLAS of Lyon County wants to help people address their deeper issues, learn about budgeting and money matters, and reconnect with Christ and the Church to achieve long term results.