“Until I started Project IOWA I felt stuck. This program has helped me realize that I’m not an addict or a felon. I am a person. When I take time to think before I speak and choose positive words instead of negative ones, eventually I’ll believe them. By changing the way I react and respond to situations, I can be in control of the outcome. I now believe by changing my vocabulary and removing negative self-talk. I can and will change my life. The power of words is strong. I can speak anything into existence.”

“When I discovered Project IOWA I was intrigued by their approach to job skills training with a focus on mental health. This is something I have never seen before. So I started my 12-week journey of self-discovery where I learned a lot about who I am and what drives me. I also made some really great friends along the way.”

“Before Project IOWA I was working at a company I had no interest in and I really wasn’t sure what position I was looking for. Since then, Project IOWA has really taught me how to look for careers in a different manner than traditional workforce centers. Project IOWA has helped me through my passion, sacrifice, and perseverance to really find the career that I want.” 

“I learned that I cannot control my circumstances, but I can control my belief system. This is not a new idea, but it is a new way of doing it in Project IOWA. Exploring Sanctuary and belief systems in a group setting led to self-reflection and growth.”

“Although I was a willing learner and open-minded, I only agreed to do Project Iowa because it was required, but during the last five weeks I’ve continued to find myself. I feel like I was in a good place when I began Project Iowa, and I’m in a good place now as well. That’s not to say I got nothing from the VIP class. I believe knowledge is power, and in this case, empowering!

Living my number has allowed me to remain more calm and collected than I have in my past. The example of “Home” has come to me several times, and allowed me to DECIDE just how far from Home I wanted to get. 

Overall, VIP has given me back some control over me. For that, I’d like to say thank you, but that doesn’t seem like enough.”