In late 2007 the Salvation Army soup kitchen closed to make way for the new community center. By January 2008 people regularly started showing up at St. John’s Parish asking for food and help in finding a job. St. John’s started filling these needs alone, but it soon became evident there was a tremendous need. Four churches and the Salvation Army began collaborating to provide a soup kitchen and a transitional work program. By August 2008 these groups joined forces to form an independent, non-profit organization to manage and expand these programs. In September 2008 a leadership team was appointed and an Executive Director hired. The team analyzed the needs of the Quincy community, drawing on their cooperation with the Salvation Army, the work of the soup kitchen and the jobs program, and the community data supplied by the United Way of Adams County, the Alliance for Building Community, and the Great Rivers Region Economic Development Foundation. With this analysis and an accompanying strategic plan, Horizons became incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in November 2008.