EXPLORE: Making a difference
By Sofia Legaspi Dickens
Whether you’re donating your time and skills or simply your finances, explore these nonprofits in Des Moines that allow you to give back.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL IOWA
9051 Swanson Blvd., Clive
bbbsia.org
Mentor a child in the community and make a difference as a “Defender of Potential.” As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you’ll be paired with a Little for a minimum of one year. Opportunities include school-based programs providing help with school assignments, community programs doing fun activities, and mentoring a child as a Big Duo or Big Family.
DES MOINES AREA RELIGIOUS COUNCIL
100 Army Post Road, Des Moines
dmarcunited.org
As an interfaith organization, DMARC works to meet the basic human needs in the greater Des Moines community. Volunteers can support this mission by working the mobile food pantry, volunteering at various special events, or sorting, delivering and picking up food donations.
HOPE MINISTRIES
Locations in Des Moines and Urbandale
hopeiowa.org
Each year, Hope Ministries uses more than 2,000 volunteers across its many ministry centers. Bethel Mission provides shelter and essentials for homeless men. Door of Faith provides residential life recovery for men. Hope Center for Women and Children provides single women and mothers with compassion and safe refuge. Hope Cafe provides free meals 365 days a year. Finally, revenue from two thrift stores support the ministry’s programs.
MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines
mealsfromtheheartland.org
Since its inception in 2008, Meals from the Heartland has provided more than 183 million meals to the hungry worldwide. Meals packed by volunteers are delivered everywhere, from children in Haiti to those right here in West Des Moines. On top of packagers, those who wish to further their volunteering can join support staff as a Pack Master, Event Greeter or a member of the Bucket Brigade.
RONALD McDONALD
HOUSE CHARITIES
Two locations in Des Moines
rmhdesmoines.org
Through RMHC, families with sick children have a place to stay near the hospital. Volunteers can sign up to provide a hot meal for families, clean the facilities, fill freezers with casseroles, create holiday surprises and serve at fundraising events throughout the year. RMHC has locations with Blank Children’s Hospital and MercyOne Children’s Hospital.
YMCA SUPPORTIVE HOUSING CAMPUS
2 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
dmymca.org/locations/supportive-housing-campus
The YMCA works to eliminate homelessness by providing housing for 140 men and women. Their “Housing First” model helps people who are homeless, or at-risk, move into stable and secure permanent housing. Case management, transportation assistance, food/clothing/hygiene pantries, rental assistance and other services help residents meet their basic needs and reach their life goals. Volunteers can serve home-cooked meals, organize fun activities for residents or help with facility maintenance as a “Worker Bee.”
Whether you’re donating your time and skills or simply your finances, explore these nonprofits in Des Moines that allow you to give back.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL IOWA
9051 Swanson Blvd., Clive
bbbsia.org
Mentor a child in the community and make a difference as a “Defender of Potential.” As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you’ll be paired with a Little for a minimum of one year. Opportunities include school-based programs providing help with school assignments, community programs doing fun activities, and mentoring a child as a Big Duo or Big Family.
DES MOINES AREA RELIGIOUS COUNCIL
100 Army Post Road, Des Moines
dmarcunited.org
As an interfaith organization, DMARC works to meet the basic human needs in the greater Des Moines community. Volunteers can support this mission by working the mobile food pantry, volunteering at various special events, or sorting, delivering and picking up food donations.
HOPE MINISTRIES
Locations in Des Moines and Urbandale
hopeiowa.org
Each year, Hope Ministries uses more than 2,000 volunteers across its many ministry centers. Bethel Mission provides shelter and essentials for homeless men. Door of Faith provides residential life recovery for men. Hope Center for Women and Children provides single women and mothers with compassion and safe refuge. Hope Cafe provides free meals 365 days a year. Finally, revenue from two thrift stores support the ministry’s programs.
MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines
mealsfromtheheartland.org
Since its inception in 2008, Meals from the Heartland has provided more than 183 million meals to the hungry worldwide. Meals packed by volunteers are delivered everywhere, from children in Haiti to those right here in West Des Moines. On top of packagers, those who wish to further their volunteering can join support staff as a Pack Master, Event Greeter or a member of the Bucket Brigade.
RONALD McDONALD
HOUSE CHARITIES
Two locations in Des Moines
rmhdesmoines.org
Through RMHC, families with sick children have a place to stay near the hospital. Volunteers can sign up to provide a hot meal for families, clean the facilities, fill freezers with casseroles, create holiday surprises and serve at fundraising events throughout the year. RMHC has locations with Blank Children’s Hospital and MercyOne Children’s Hospital.
YMCA SUPPORTIVE HOUSING CAMPUS
2 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
dmymca.org/locations/supportive-housing-campus
The YMCA works to eliminate homelessness by providing housing for 140 men and women. Their “Housing First” model helps people who are homeless, or at-risk, move into stable and secure permanent housing. Case management, transportation assistance, food/clothing/hygiene pantries, rental assistance and other services help residents meet their basic needs and reach their life goals. Volunteers can serve home-cooked meals, organize fun activities for residents or help with facility maintenance as a “Worker Bee.”