12 Month Review

This year, Project Iowa supported hundreds of individuals in finding purpose, building skills, and pursuing meaningful careers. Together with our partners, participants, and community supporters, we strengthened programs, expanded opportunities, and continued to foster a sense of belonging and hope.

Across our work, growth took many forms. YouthWorks guided high school students as they explored career paths and built confidence for the future. Cultivating Careers supported adults navigating change and finding renewed purpose. Thursday Thrive and other community gatherings strengthened connections among graduates and participants, while Poverty Simulations invited local partners to better understand and address barriers to economic mobility.

Even as community needs evolved, one thing remained clear: progress happens when we come together. Each person who engages with Project Iowa—whether as a participant, partner, or supporter—contributes to a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Rachel Manna

“Deep down, I craved something better. A “real” job, a “good” job, a career that matched the potential I didn’t yet see in myself. But back then, I believed the life I was living was all I deserved.

That’s when I discovered Project Iowa and decided to take a leap of faith by joining the Cultivating Careers program.”

This year, Project Iowa continued to walk alongside individuals as they discovered purpose, built confidence, and pursued meaningful, stable employment. Across our programs, participants gained skills, explored new possibilities, and connected with a community that believes in their potential.

Together, we saw stories of growth and resilience unfold—people taking steps toward stronger careers, greater stability, and renewed hope for the future. The impact of this work can be seen in the numbers that follow, each representing a life moving forward with purpose and possibility.

Sabirin Aden

Sabirin joined YouthWorks with a clear goal: to gain professional experience, step outside her comfort zone, and try something new. From day one, she embraced the opportunity, bringing creativity and curiosity to every task.

This year, Project Iowa brought people together to celebrate growth, connection, and impact through two signature events.

The Growth Gala celebrated the incredible achievements of Project Iowa participants and partners—each story a testament to resilience, hope, and possibility. The evening also introduced the inaugural Tony Wilson Legacy Award — You Are Enough, created to honor leaders who embody the empowerment and community spirit Tony poured into Project Iowa. In a meaningful full-circle moment, the first award was presented to Tony Wilson himself.

In the fall, we introduced Locker Wars, a lively new fundraiser blending friendly competition, music, and networking—all in support of career development and economic mobility. The event’s energy and creativity reflected what drives Project Iowa every day: people coming together to open doors and create opportunity.

 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports Project Iowa—through financial gifts, event participation, engagement in our programs and services, and by sharing our mission with others. Your generosity makes our work possible and helps change lives across our community.

View a list of grantors, sponsors, donors, and supporters!
 
 

Staff - July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025

Gaby Cox, Director of Programming
Julie Fugenschuh, Executive Director
Selena Jachens, Facilitator
Lisa Juckett, Career Coach
Mary Kelley, Director of Operations
Jamie Loggins-Evans, Director of Communications & Marketing

Chirs Noth, YouthWorks Director
Zach Steele, Career Coach, CIRCA Facilitator
Kim Stewart, Facilitator
Torrie Townsell, YouthWorks Coordinator
Lance Webber, Career Coach
Hilary Wieck, Office Manager
April Wyett, Facilitator

 

Board of Directors

Brett Middendorf, President
Larae Stinson, Past President
Noah Beacom, Vice President
Alicia Leach , Treasurer
Rick Levi, Secretary
Noah Beacom, Vice President

 

Kim Estes, Board Member
Caryn Evans, Board Member
Shilpi Singhal, Board Member
Jeff Smith, Board Member
Niki Hinton, Board Member
Kelly Woerdehoff, Board Member
Ana Luong, Board Member