Atlas Group was founded in Sioux Center in 2000 and has since planted nearly two dozen independent Atlas organizations across the nation. Atlas of Spencer began serving clients in Spencer in 2010 and in 2020 sponsored the new Atlas of the Lakes Area ministry. In February, 2021, the new ministry officially became a 501(C)3 non-profit ministry.
First Presbyterian Church is tied closely to this new ministry through Dave Butterworth, who is the founder and first Executive Director. He considers Atlas a ministry that has been planted in the Iowa Great Lakes area by this church, which has been his 45-year long church home and the foundation of his Christian faith.
The Atlas of the Lakes Area Mission is to guide CHANGED LIVES THROUGH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND ADVOCACY. Daily, the Atlas staff seeks to be mentor-advocates by providing relational, emotional, physical, financial, and/or spiritual support and guidance to those seeking help. The Atlas staff strives to become a non-judgmental presence in lives while demonstrating the unconditional love of God, offering a relationship with Jesus Christ, and encouraging participation in a local church.
The Atlas of the Lakes Area Vision is FOSTERING COMMUNITY AWARENESS, CONCERN, AND RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF AREA RESIDENTS. In the broader community, Atlas desires to serve as a catalyst to promote an expanding ministry of caring people across the community. Working collaboratively where God positions us can provide for changed lives through the cooperative investment in others.
As Atlas seeks to provide assistance to the less fortunate of our community, our ministry welcomes people from area churches who will willingly share their lives with and reach out to others traveling rough spots on their journey through life.