Des Moines Nonprofits and Charities

As a longtime former volunteer as well as employee and donor, I was all for supporting CISS. I accepted a job an a director-level employee and have never been treated worse in my life. Day 1 I knew I made a mistake. The turnover rate is excessive and not because of the nature of the work. The CEO is toxic - gaslights, openly gossips about current and former staff, purposely keeps the board in the dark about her poor behavior. I no longer support this shelter and am thankful for other organizations doing this work.

Our family has been involved with The Arc of Iowa, as well as the national and a local chapter. The Arc has been a partner with us for nearly 5 decades. It is a non profit that focuses its mission on helping every citizen with a disability live a full life. Without The Arc our daughter would not have enjoyed supports, advocacy and relationships that are so essential to every human being. The Arc also enables we, as family, to learn ways to improve services, connect to other families and to use our voices to make life better - for everyone. Since 1953 The Arc of Iowa has assisted, individuals, families and the general population to be more informed about disabilities, best practices and how we all have a place in the community. I am proud to serve on this board and to see the success of many individuals as they use new acquired skills and learn they have great possibilities in their home and community.

I have used this organization for many years and have consistently donated to it.

Dino and everybody at the national debate and speech association made us feel so comfortable and so welcome. They were able to help take us and the high school to another level. They were constantly warm, professional, an expert in the field. I have no idea what we do without them. Our son has become stronger and more effective because of this organization. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate the abilities and the care and concern of the folks at this group. Also shout out to their technology. The infrastructure is really easy to understand and helpful. Thank you so much!

People need to realize ARL is for people to drop off unwanted pets. These are not purebred kennel dogs/cats that you are spending thousands fir Yes they should be healthy but you should also have knowledge of what you are asking for and getting. I have adopted for 20 years here and love them x

What a fantastic organization! I am a lover of reading and literacy. This non-profit organization’s goal is to promote reading and getting books into the hands of children in the Des Moines Area. What a wonderful goal. This is definitely a meaningful group to donate your time or money. What a great way to make a long-reaching impact. <br>Way to go, Everybody Wins-Iowa!

I have been actively involved in supporting this nonprofit by translating essential documents from English into Burmese and Chin dialects. The materials I help translate cover a wide range of important topics, such as health awareness, vaccine information, voting guidelines, important education information, services available for people for a certain thing in the state, legal document and instructions on how to seek assistance from the community. Additionally, I act as an interpreter between parents and teachers, facilitating communication regarding their children's education.<br><br>This organization's impact is immense, as it serves a community of individuals who often struggle due to language barriers. Without the translation and interpreting services we provide, many people would find it challenging to access the help and information they need, leaving them vulnerable and without support. EMBARC plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for those who don't speak English and don't know how to navigate essential services.

This small shelter has a huge heart. They give all they have the animals in their care no matter how long they stay. Each one becomes family. <br><br>It is an honor to be able to work with such fine people and for a worthy cause.

<br><br> <br><br>"Cookie"I have been coaching at SDMGASA I just finished my 34th yrs, I've been on the voting board same amount of time. Every member of the executive board was not voted in by the membership. Dave Defino was appointed and has held the president position for 5 years violated the leagues constitution article VIII, ABCD violated IV, A-3 article C violated article V, A1&2 E&H article VI 2&5 C 3&4 D-1,3,5,6 & G-5. Article VII C, Article VIII A,B,C, D 1,2,3,4,5,6, & G, Article X D, article XI, article XII D<br>Executive board removed from bylaws 6 teams 3,4,9,2,A,B,C,4,6,7,8, registration 2,12 Junior division 2, 13-2 Managers ABC, player selection H,I,K, other tournament team's A, no voting board members was present for the removals of such I'm not concerned about my identity as the illegal board banned me from premises before my banned, I approach the executive board, the illegal board, questioned all members when did they last see a financial report, Answer was they haven't seen that report in, 3or5 yrs, ask the executive board the last time they seen minutes of the meetings, the answer was never, one member looked at his watch, there hasn't been a voting board meeting in the last 5 years nor a election as bylaws mandates a mandatory one only one per year <br> <br><br><br>

AYDE is a great local Des Moines nonprofit they are passionate about uplifting our youth and fighting for them to have better opportunity

I have been with Civil Air Patrol for around a year, and have found it to be amazing. I have gained more learning about aerospace than I thought I ever would. I currently serve as a Staff Sergeant and have met great colleagues in my squadron, and I plan to stay in for more years to come.

They helped me trap 10 kittens and 4 adult cats that I had been feeding! All the adults got fixed, vaccinated, and returned, and all the kittens got fixed, vaccinated, and adopted out!<br><br>Can't thank these volunteers enough for all their hard work

My name is Tammy markley and I was involved in a kidnapping by several people I had met at the downtown shelter.Wintertime came and I found myself on the street and was told about JOPPA.I connected with a gentleman who was head of the warehouse on EUCLID.I explained my situation to him during the interview and he furnished me with my own tent,heater, propane tank with replacements weekly,hot meals,and<br>Medical services that would come by weekly to check on me.In December it was 35 below zero and Joppa placed me in a motel for 2 weeks and then I was approved for my apartment.

OUR MISSION<br>Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.<br><br>OUR VISION<br>Safe homes and communities for everyone.<br><br>Rebuilding Together is the leading volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the homes of veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, and families with dependent children. There is no cost to qualified families for the services provided. Our office is located at 1111 9th Street #265, Des Moines, IA 50314. Our main phone number is 284-7403.<br><br>PROGRAM BACKGROUND<br><br>Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines has traditionally held its annual Rebuilding Together Day the first Saturday in May. Since our first Rebuilding Together Day in 1995, local volunteers have been renovating the homes of low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities. To date, we have revitalized over 3,750 homes and non-profit facilities utilizing over 300,000 hours of volunteer time and delivering nearly $8.9 million in market value. The benefit is that in the process, we transform lives.<br><br>Rebuilding Together began in Midland Texas in 1973 as “Christmas in April”, in the neighbor-helping-neighbor tradition of the old fashioned barn-raising. It is now a nationwide program with 160+ affiliates serving over 1,600 communities.<br><br>Rebuilding Together addresses the problems of affordable housing for families by revitalizing and preserving their homes. Through the repairs provided by our volunteers we can:<br><br>Maintain affordable housing for seniors, people with disabilities and families with dependent children<br>Address safety issues (falls being a leading cause of injury among older adults)<br>Enable families to remain in their homes in comfort and independence<br>Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines will provide programs which are accessible to people with disabilities and administer it’s programs/services in a manner that does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status.

Very disappointed that DMPA will not give refunds for the Home Free performance after the National Weather Service and state, county and local authorities highly recommended no travel due to the weather. DMPA is more concerned about trampling on people's rights by refusing admission to those who do not have a vaccine card, require a mask, and will not allow people to protect themselves - a right guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. They then censor their "customers" by deleting their posts when asked about refunds. Terrible experience and I will not return.<br>

Beware contractors!!!!! This company is extremely slow to pay you when all the work is done. All work was completed on my project over 2 weeks ago and i have yet to be paid. They don't seem to understand that it costs money to run a business or that it take money to get a project done. I will never work for them again.

IOWA Service Dogs raises and trains service dogs for our veterans as well as first responders (Fire, EMS and Law enforcement), and provides those dogs at no charge. Unlike some other organizations there are no hidden fees. Everyone involved truly cares and has a deep passion for what they do. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful organization.

I had heard from Paws & Effect from a client of mine, Max Garcia. He had explained to me about their work with service dogs, therapy dogs, and companion dogs. I was interested in their programs after I received my golden retriever puppy, and having him become a therapy dog. I reached out to Max with questions, and he directed me to Ashley Anderson with all of my questions.<br><br>In the fall of 2019, I signed up my golden retriever puppy for their puppy obedience class. I really enjoyed that the first session was solely with the owners, and not with the puppies. Ashley was completely transparent about what they would be teaching the puppies, and also implored that we continue the training between classes. <br><br>The puppy class was a blast! There were three other puppies in the class along with my golden retriever. Our class started with the basics, and Ashley took meticulous time with each owner and puppy to teach them. Ashley was very patient with each puppy, and gave thoughtful advice to the owners for them to apply them at home. Nearing the end of the classes, each puppy improved from the first session. There was even a short break for the puppies to play, and socialize with each other.<br><br>I had also continued taking a few classes from Paws & Effect. We signed up for Adult Manners II, and a nosework course. Ashley was our main trainer for these classes. If Ashley was going to be absent for the class, she would have a replacement to teach the course. If class needed to be canceled, Ashley was very prompt on notifying the participants. Very professional on her end. <br><br>The advanced classes were very challenging, but both myself and my dog learned so much. During one of the courses, I was going to be out of town, and I notified Ashley of my potential absence. She directed me to the syllabus, and said if I had any questions about the class I missed, to contact her. Luckily, I was able to make the class because I learn better with visual presentation. <br><br>Myself and my golden retriever have learned so much from the courses taken at Paws & Effect. Even though it has been over a year since our last course, we still implement and train what Paws & Effect has taught us. Due to Covid-19, we haven’t been able to certify my golden retriever as a therapy dog. However, Ashley always keeps me up to date with potential examination dates for certification. <br><br>The trainers at Paws & Effect truly care for each dog that walks into the door. Whether it be a service dog in training, therapy dog in training, or a companion dog, they build a relationship with each dog to get to know their personality and what they struggle with the most. They are throughout, and welcoming when we had behavioral questions about our dogs, and other inquiries. <br><br>I truly support the efforts of Paws & Effect and they do for service dogs in their care. The trainers have experience in dog behavior, communication, and general health. They truly care about dogs, and even more so, dogs in their programs. They are very professional, friendly, and transparent about their policies and syllabus. We still continue to implement the training techniques taught to us by the trainers, and hoping that when the virus is the thing of the past, I can certify my golden retriever as a therapy dog. That way, we can both help the community with what we learned!

As a volunteer and current board member, I have seen how hard this organization works to educate voters on Iowa's animal protection laws and keep fighting to improve those laws.

Creative visions has been an essential part of the community! They will continue to be the pinnacle to the neighborhood by providing emergency food threw out this crisis. We are very grateful!

My intend was not to train Baxter to be a therapy dog, but after puppy school, walking around my neighborhood, and playing at a local dog park, numerous people commented on how well he interacted with kids, adults and other dogs. Others said he would be a great therapy dog, so I decided to explore the concept. After much research, I found IHABS at the top of my list. I not only loved the class, Baxter did too! I was hooked! I love the mission and vision of IHABS and I highly encourage others to check it out! After a year of Baxter and I being a therapy dog team, I am taking on a role on the Board and looking forward to more volunteer opportunities for Baxter and I.

Iowa Voters for Companion Animals is the organization Iowa needs to better protect <br>our pets! They are committed and hard working individuals working with legislators of both parties to get meaningful laws passed. Their action alerts and timely information also makes it easy for individuals to get involved and help make an impact.

Mr. Murray: Veterans Empowerment Center has a passion to empower other veterans to come together. It is amazing how they are involved and the dedication they have put in for the veteran's in Des. Moines, Iowa.

Visited Light of Hope event in Cedar Rapids and they were very transparent, informative and I was extremely impressed with their work promoting CASA of Iowa throughout the state.

I first became aware of Orchard Place when a friend suggested it for a volunteer opportunity. Little did I know that over 10 years later I would still be engaged with the organization. It's because of the important mission, successful outcomes, corporate responsibility, and hard working and committed staff that I keep coming back. Orchard Place changes the lives of kids and families in central Iowa by providing high quality mental health services. The organization meets kids where they are whether that be in their school, through outpatient therapy or through the PMIC services for kids in crisis. This is a wonderful organization which I am proud to serve.