Since its inception in 2011, Project IOWA has been on an incredible journey of growth and evolution. As we reflect on this time, we are filled with pride for the strides we have made and the lives we’ve touched. Our commitment to our three Pillars—Purpose, Career and Stability—remains unwavering as we continue to empower individuals to rediscover their purpose, excel in their careers, and create stability in their lives.

We firmly believe that when individuals are supported in these endeavors, they not only thrive personally, but also become valuable contributors to their communities.

Highlighted below are some of the key initiatives that have enriched our community over the past year.

Highlighted below are some of the key initiatives that have enriched our community over the past year.

• In an effort to foster greater understanding, we introduced Missouri Community Action Network’s Poverty Simulations to various groups within our community. These simulations offer participants a glimpse into the challenges faced by typical low-income families as they strive to make ends meet from month to month.

• Over the past few years, we've been privileged to collaborate with Central Iowa Works with CIRCA in offering programming to individuals currently incarcerated in Iowa prisons. Through tailored curriculum and support, we help these individuals prepare for successful reentry into society, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain employment. Our efforts have not only provided hope for brighter futures but have also contributed to reducing recidivism rates.

• Our longest-standing program, Cultivating Careers, continues to make a lasting impact on job seekers throughout Iowa. This comprehensive program, offered nine times a year, provides participants with 24 hours of curriculum over four weeks, and personalized one-on-one coaching sessions with a Career Coach. Coaching sessions continue beyond the four weeks to ensure that participants find the job they are looking for and feel accomplished in their goals!

• Project IOWA launched The Rooted Model in March 2024. We have seen that traditional models of service delivery, such as cohort models or in-house programming, are not always the best solution for addressing systemic issues. The Rooted Model proposes a new service delivery model: specialized nonprofit staff, known as “rooted individuals,” are embedded within organizations where people with similar needs converge. Rooted individuals bring their expertise to guide clients towards stability, much like tree roots sharing nutrients. This model recognizes the intersectionality of creating stability, understanding that food security is linked to workforce, housing, childcare, and more. By addressing multiple barriers simultaneously and providing resources where people naturally gather, The Rooted Model enhances stability outcomes.

  Project IOWA's Rooted Career Coach, Lisa, spends time weekly at the Urbandale Food Pantry and the DMARC food pantry to learn more about the intersectionality of workforce and food insecurity. Since March 2024, Lisa has spent just under 400 hours in the pantries listening to stories and connecting with visitors.

This year, we've witnessed incredible transformations and success stories that highlight the strength of our mission. By embracing our holistic approach grounded in dignity, hope, community, relationships, and integrity, we’ve fostered an environment where individuals can truly thrive. The positive ripple effects of our work is clear, as participants not only reach personal milestones but also contribute to the greater success of the community. The following stories offer a glimpse into the lives of our participants and the profound impact Project IOWA has made.

YOUTHWORKS

The YouthWorks internship program had a successful second year at East High School. Over the course of 11 months, five students participated in a 40-hour pre-internship training course and then worked a total of 2,427 hours at their job sites. In the process, they built skills, expanded their networks and earned over $32,000 collectively ($6,565 individual average). The interns graduated from high school this past May and are now going out into the world to conquer new challenges in college and the workforce.

Starting this fall, YouthWorks will begin recruiting students at North High School for the 2025-26 program year as part of the program’s plan to expand to all five DMPS high schools by 2029.

The Project Iowa Team (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024)

Brooklyn Andrews, Marketing Intern
Gaby Cox, Director of Programming
Julie Fugenschuh, Executive Director
Lisa Juckette, Rooted Career Coach
Selena Jachens, Wellness Facilitator
Mary Kelley, Director of Operations
Jamie Loggins-Evans, Director of Communications and Marketing
Lezly Marquez, Intern
Gabriel Moreno, Enrollment Specialist
Chris Noth, YouthWorks Director
Pablo Rodriguez, Intern
Zach Steele, Career Coach/Facilitator
Kim Stewart, Path to Purpose and Wellness Facilitator
Lance Webber, Career Coach
Tony Wilson, Path to Purpose Facilitator
April Wyett, Wellness Facilitator

Board of Directors (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024)

Larae Stinson, President
Brett Middendorf, Vice President
Alicia Leach, Treasurer
Rick Levi, Secretary
Noah Beacom, Board Member
Courtney Dufford, Board Emeritus
Kim Estes, Board Member
Caryn Evans, Board Member
Shilpi Singhal, Board Member
Jeff Smith, Board Member

Looking Forward

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and uplifting individuals on their journey toward meaningful and sustainable livelihoods.

As we move forward, we remain committed to our vision of a world where every person has the opportunity to advance, achieve, and contribute meaningfully. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for all.

Project Iowa is your community.
Once Project Iowa. Always Project Iowa.