AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE
Mission: To help people resolve the conflicts that keep them apart, through advocacy, peace education, and immigrant rights. Volunteers are needed to do small or more extended research projects throughout the semester and to help with occasional mailings. This might also be a good site for an intern interested in working for a non-profit.
Contact: Kathleen McQuillin
Address: 4211 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-274-4851
Website: http://www.afsc.org/
ANAWIM HOUSING
Mission: To provide safe, affordable housing which assist in the stabilization of low-income families and the revitalization of the Des Moines Metropolitan Neighborhoods.
Volunteers needed for home improvement.
Contact: Julie Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator
Address: 921 Sixth Avenue, Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-244-8308 x19
Fax: 515-244-7977
Website: http://www.anawimhousing.org/
BIDWELL-RIVERSIDE CENTER
Mission: This outreach of the United Methodist Church operates a clothing/household closet that provides for people in need and also provides day care and before/after school programs. Volunteers are needed to sort and organize items as they receive donations, and to put together packets for those in need. Volunteers are also needed to serve the public through the food pantry and thrift store.
Contact: Bob Crandall, Director; Jasmine Miller, Director of Volunteers
Address: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: 515-244-6251
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Mission: The human services branch of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, which covers the southwest portion of Iowa.
- Counseling Services
Des Moines, IA 50315.
Telephone: (515) Fax: (515) - Hispanic Community Outreach
Adriana Cardona, 237-5047, acardona@dmdiocese.org
Kirk Martin, 237-5068
Des Moines, IA 50309.
Telephone: (515) Fax:(515)
http://www.dmdiocese.org/index.aspx?menuitemid=604 - Phoenix House Domestic Violence Shelter
IA 50309.
Telephone: (515) Fax: (515) - Refugee Cooperative Ministry
Contact:
3200 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311.
Telephone: (515) 271-7418 Fax: (515) 271-7479
Website: lsiowa.org - St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter
Contact: Pat Nestvedt
1535 11th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
Telephone: 515-282-1235 - St. Mary Family Center
Contact: Chris Rohwer, crohwer@dmdiocese.org
1815 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Telephone: 515-262-7290
Contact: Lora Holms, Volunteer Ministry Coordinator
Phone: 515-237-5025
Nancy Galeazzi, Director (Simpson Alum)
Website: http://www.dmdiocese.org/Charities.htm
CATHOLIC WORKER HOUSE
Mission: Today over 185 Catholic Worker communities remain committed to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the homeless, exiled, hungry, and forsaken. Catholic Workers continue to protest injustice, war, racism, and violence of all forms.
Contact: Carla Dawson or Fran Fuller
Address: P.O. Box 4551, Des Moines, IA 50306
Phone: 515-243-0765
Website: http://www.catholicworker.org/ or http://www.desmoinescatholicworker.org/
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
Mission: This is a volunteer program designed to give assistance, direction, recommendations and monitor cases of child abuse under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. The information provided by the volunteers helps the judges make the decision affecting these children.
Contact: CASA--Court Appointed Special Advocate Program
Address: The Lucas Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-6335
CITIZENS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT (DES MOINES CCI)
Mission: The mission of Iowa CCI is to empower and unite grassroots people of all ethnic backgrounds to take control of their communities; involve them in identifying problems and needs and in taking action to address them; and be a vehicle for social, economic, and environmental justice." CCI is about uniting and empowering people to create the positive changes they want and deserve. A staff of trained organizers provide resources and guidance to help our members organize to create these changes. Whether the problem is a negligent landlord, a bank that is redlining a certain area, or city officials who turn a deaf ear to citizens, CCI members know how to organize, take on the issues, and get results. In the words of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, "Without struggle there is no progress...Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will." CCI teaches people how to fight and how to win, how to make demands that get results and change communities.
Contact: Des Moines CCI
Address: 2005 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Phone: 515-255-0800 Fax: 515-255-1314
Email: desmoinescci@dwx.com
Website: http://www.iowacci.org/desmoines/desmoines.htm
COALITION FOR HOUSING AND HOMELESS (IOWA)
Mission: To develop statewide and local public policies designed to address the housing and homeless crisis in Iowa; to an build effective statewide and local coalition to focus on housing needs; to educate the public policy makers on the housing needs of homeless and low income individuals; and to provide technical assistance to member agencies on fundraising, capacity building, public policy and public education. Volunteers required in a variety of capacities to support the mission of the organization.
Contact: Mr. Jim Cain, Executive Director
Email: ichhjc@aol.com
Address: 713 E Locust, Des Moines, IA 50309-1915
Phone: 515-288-5022 Fax: 515-282-1810
CREATIVE VISIONS
Description: Creative Visions seeks to empower high-risk youth and young adults by giving them alternatives to their current lifestyles and creating a safer environment through jobs, education and support services. Programs include peer counseling, job training/education/placement, parenting support, community dialogues, drop-in center, a children's program held every Saturday from 2-5 p.m., and Sunday homeless meals programs.
Contact: Raymond Slater, program director; Ako Abdul-Samad, Founder and CEO
Address: 1343 13th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-244-4003 or 515-362-6177, FAX 323-3310
Website: http://www.creativisions.org/
DHS - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Mission: This office has two sides; one providing services to families in crisis and another providing income maintenance services. Volunteers are needed to do a little bit of everything around the office, from answering phones to record keeping. If a student can make a commitment to work on a regular basis, volunteers can shadow social workers, and after several months, they may be assigned their own caseload. This kind of work is often done for academic credit.
Address: 901 E. Iowa Ave., Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: 515-961-5353
GOOD SAMARITAN URBAN MINISTRIES
Mission: GSUM serves homeless, near homeless and low-income families. Services include: emergency, transitional and affordable housing; basic needs assistance (food, clothing, transportation, health referrals); crisis intervention; case management; Christian counseling; life skills education (parenting, nutrition, financial management); and tutoring, mentoring, recreational and developmental services for youth. Volunteer opportunities include but not limited to:
- Youth
- Tutoring (Whiz Kids) – weekly commitment throughout school year
- Mentoring (Hope for Youth) – weekly commitment throughout school year
- Game Room/Activity Center volunteers – as available
- Babysitters (Monday, Wednesday evenings Kid's Korner, periodic Saturdays) – monthly or bi-monthly basis
- Summer Camp (Counselors & Helpers)
- Community Works (work crews) – as available
- Painting, repairs, general clean-up, yard work, youth campus, work crews – skilled & unskilled laborers
- Other – as available
- Food pantry, Blessing Bin (annual Christmas event), furniture movers, computer techs, graphic design
Contact: Becky Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: bjohnson@goodsamaritan-dsm.org
Address: 1353 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50306
Phone: 515-283-0818
Website: http://www.goodsamaritan-dsm.org/
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (WARREN COUNTY)
Mission: To create a decent habitat in which to live and work and an environment of hope and dignity and to provide a truly human existence for all people. The Warren County Habitat affiliate works with the Simpson College campus chapter and other county affiliates. The Simpson campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity frequently participates in building and remodeling projects in conjunction with the Warren County chapter of Habitat. In addition to Saturday work trips and fundraisers, the chapter travels to a new location each year to build one or more houses over the week of spring break. Habitat is a great way to get involved, have fun and meet new people! Volunteers are needed to help with home construction, fundraising, publicity, membership and family support.
Contact: Simpson College Chapter through the RLC Service Chapter
Address: P.O. Box 444, Indianola, IA 50125
HAWTHORN HILL/ESL REFUGEE OUTREACH PROGRAM
Description: ESL classes Mon-Thurs 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Housed in St. John’s Lutheran Church), preschool/nursery for refugee children of ESL students, refugee advocacy office, transportation for refugee women, citizenship classes, etc. They present programs, workshops and lectures for immigrants and refugees. Topics may include employment, crisis intervention, parenting, women's and youth's programs.
Contact: Corliss Williams, program coordinator, Tim Shanahan, Executive Director
Address: 600 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA
Phone: 515-669-5859
Corliss’ Home (afternoons): 515-255-3004
williams_corliss@yahoo.com
HELPING HAND
Mission: A consortium of local churches and organizations that provide food and household items for the needy of Indianola. Volunteers are needed to help unload donated household items, cleaning and distribution.
Contact: Peggy Kruse
Address: 109 E. Clinton Ave., Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: 515-961-3864
HISPANIC EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Description: The mission of this agency is to improve the quality of life for Hispanics/Latinos in the Des Moines area. Comprehensive family-based services are provided in Spanish and English. Along with a multitude of other programs, the agency is home to a childcare center for toddlers and preschoolers at which Simpson students may assist. In addition to childcare on weekdays, there is a particular need for volunteers to provide childcare on Monday nights from 6:30-9 p.m. Some level of proficiency in Spanish is helpful, but not required since most of the children speak English.
Contact: Christina Fernandez-Morrow, Director
Email: cfernandez-morrow@herdm.com , ext. 11; Mary Jo McLain, ext. 12;
Rebecca Ramirez (runs programming with kids), ext. 15
Address: 828 SE Scott Blvd., Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-282-6542
HOME RECYCLING EXCHANGE
Mission: Home Recycling Association warehouses building supplies for low-income family home repair and improvement. Many of the materials are thus diverted from the landfills.
Contact: Lyle Ball, Email: lballHRE@aol.com
Address: 805 SE 14th Court, Des Moines, IA 50317
Phone: 515-282-9296
Website: http://www.homerecycling.org/
HOPE MINISTRIES
Mission: Hope Ministries was founded in July of 2000, the union of Bethel Mission and the Door of Faith. Behind the programs and vision of Hope Ministries are more than a century of combined service to the homeless and hungry of Central Iowa. The Informal Volunteer Program is designed for groups or individuals who are interested in learning more about homelessness and want to volunteer one-time or occasionally. Example: Saturday Night Street Ministry, sponsoring a fundraising event for Hope Ministries, conducts a drive for urgent needs
Contact: Joni Pine
Address: 1310 6th Ave., P.O. Box 862, Des Moines, IA 50304-0862
Phone: 515-265-7272
Website: http://www.hopeiowa.org/
HOUSE OF MERCY
Description: House of Mercy is dedicated to providing for the unmet health, wellness and human services needs of those most at risk in our society. The agency provides a residential facility for homeless, chemically dependent, pregnant and/or parenting women who have a substance abuse problem and are in need of assistance with recovery, self-sufficiency, parenting and life skills. Childcare is provided at the John R. Grubb/House of Mercy Child Development Center. On average, 20-30 percent of the children residing at House of Mercy have been affected by drugs taken by their mothers during pregnancy and as a result have special needs. Students may assist with nurturing and caring for children residing at House of Mercy.
Contact: Lynn McCormick
E-mail: lmccormick@mercydesmoines.org
Address: 1409 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-643-6512
IOWA HOMELESS YOUTH CENTER
Description: This agency provides transitional and independent living facilities for homeless adolescents and young families, a mobile outreach homeless and runaway youth street program, and a day shelter for homeless children. Students could interact with clients at shelter and participate in other programs including outreach to youth living on the street and Sunday homeless meal program at Creative Visions.
Contact: Mark Signs, Resident Counselor
Address: 1219 Buchanan St., Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone: 515-265-1222
MUNA LEGAL CLINIC
The MUNA Legal Clinic was created in 1997 to provide legal assistance for low-income immigrant survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Since its creation, MUNA has assisted more than 1,000 immigrant survivors with immigration, family, and domestic abuse matters. MUNA additionally provides community outreach and organizing support to local immigrant communities. Recommended for volunteers who are bilingual or have an interest in social work and law. Volunteers can translate, contact clients, file documents, and draft motions and letters. Contact: Andrea Diez, Attorney
Address: 515 28th St., Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-244-2117 x413
Website: www.icadv.org/pro_muna.asp
NEW IOWAN CENTERS OF IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Description: To offer workforce development services to persons who are new to the state of Iowa. The centers are designed to support workers, businesses, and communities with information, community service referrals, job placement, translations, language training, and resettlement assistance. Volunteer opportunities include: working with job-seekers to search for jobs, create resumes and cover letters, and fill out applications; assist clients with Rosetta Stone English and Spanish-language learning computer program; and potential for developing classes and programs to teach to clients.
Contact: Emily Mize, Director, New Iowan Center Iowa Workforce Development
Address: 430 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-281-9606; Cell: 515-681-3521
Website: www.iowaworkforce.org/centers/newiowan
OAKRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
Description: This agency provides numerous services to local residents, many of whom live in government subsidized housing. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring or “Homework Buddies,” helping with activities during morning daycare, and one time events such as the “Fall Fest,” which is an alternative to trick or treating. Also, ESL classes, Senior Bingo (3rd Thursday, 2-4 p.m.), and assisting in computer labs.
Contact: Esther Morris, 244.7702 x136; Cell: 515-418-4170
Address: 1236 Oakridge Dr., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-244-7702
emorris@oakridgeneighborhood.org
OUR LADY OF THE AMERICAS CATHOLIC CHURCH
Description: The church collects items for food pantry and thrift shops, holds citizenship classes on Sunday, provides visitation to housebound parishioners, helps people with immigration issues, etc. A bilingual community.
Contact: Father Kevin Cameron, Pastor
Randy Mudge, Business Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 266-6695 ext. 17, rmudge@dwx.com
Address: 1271 East 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone: 515-266-6695
Website: www.ourladyoftheamericasparish.org
PROTEUS
Mission: We provide farm workers, immigrants and others with a variety of services that improve their health, education and economic opportunities.
Contact: Proteus, Inc.
Address: 3115 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310-5307
Phone - 515-271-5303 or 1-800-372-6031
Website: www.proteusinc.net
REFUGEE COOPERATIVE SERVICES
Lutheran Services in Iowa/Catholic Charities
Mission: These two religious based welfare organizations have combined their efforts to ease the transition of refugees and new immigrants to Iowa. Opportunities include:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors and mentors (Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Teachers and assistants for early childhood rooms (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Youth tutor mentors (Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Apartment set-ups: assist with everything from moving furniture and other items to organizing dishes and making beds.
- Sorting and organizing donations
- Transportation assistant: provide initial transportation to appointments, safe, job interviews, grocery stores, etc.
Contact: Nick Wuertz
Phone: 515-271-7443
Email: nicholas.wuertz@lsiowa.org
Website: http://www.lsiowa.org/refugee_resettlement.asp
ST. PAUL A.M.E. TRANSFORMATION CENTER
Mission: To create a safe, supportive, environment in which families discover their potential and have access to the resources needed to be successful and pursue their life gial. Their goal is to serve families who are at high risk of homelessness in the city of Des Moines in the areas of housing, basic needs assistance, family stabilization, life skills coaching, and family menoring.
Contact: Carolyn Kirschbaum
Address: 1353 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-288-9841
YOUNG WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER
Mission: To support, educate and advocate for young women by providing free, voluntary, confidential and non-judgmental information and counseling as they experience life’s changes. Volunteers needed for child care, mentoring, food distribution, and clothing drive for kids.
Contact: Cheryl Jackson
Address: 705 E. 2nd St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-244-4901
Website: http://www.ywrc.org/
WeLIFT
Description: This outreach of Trinity United Presbyterian Church provides Workplace Essentials (job retention training), job search, and parenting classes, as well as a job search computer resource center to clients referred by Warren and Madison County public agencies or other non-profit and private assistance agencies. The resource center is open Tuesdays, 12-5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. Workplace Essentials classes are a five-day class held the last week (Monday-Friday) of each month. Parenting classes are held in six-week sessions. Please call to pre-register for classes, although late admissions are included at class times without registration. There is no cost for any WeLIFT classes. Use of the resource center is open to anyone who has completed one of the WeLIFT class offerings. Volunteers are needed to monitor the resource center. Paid instructors for WeLIFT classes are also needed.
Contact: Roxanne Rogers, Program Director, 515-710-8716
Address: 106 West 2nd Ave., Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: 515-710-8715
Fax: 515-961-6913
Email: welift106@yahoo.com