OTTUMWA — During difficult times, it’s easy to be cynical, overly critical and just downright pessimistic about the world we live in.

But a new civic organization in town has reminded me that there is hope, good work to be done and that optimism will always prevail if we give it a chance.

I was fortunate to be invited to the charter presentation of the new Bridge City Kiwanis Aktion Club, a community-service group of adults living with disabilities.

During the meeting, Aktion club members were welcomed with certificates and pins from members of the Kiwanis Club of Ottumwa and HyNoon Kiwanis Club.

But this is hardly about ceremony; it’s more about what these new Kiwanians want to do.

Jo Williams, development coordinator for Tenco Industries and mentor for the new members, told me that the club offers them a chance to develop leadership skills and serve their community.

And hopefully, the Aktion Club’s formation will “demonstrate the dignity and value of citizens living with disabilities.”

We hope this will “change attitudes and will be a chance to celebrate our differences,” Williams said. “They still have abilities and talents to share.”

And these Kiwanians also have real heart.

The club’s new vice president, Patrick Durst, is sincere about their desire to help others.

“We’re trying to raise money to help other people,” he said. “At Oktoberfest, we’re going to try and sell some necklaces to help homeless people.”

Durst and his fellow Kiwanians are wanting to help the local Ottumwa Community Outreach Ministry, thanks in part to a recent trip made by Durst to Florida.

“I saw a homeless man with his son there,” he said. “It was sad.”

Williams said that sight touched Durst’s heart, which in turn developed into the club wanting to help others in need in Ottumwa.

The club, she added, “wants the chance to contribute” to the community.