Spotlight

Spotlight on House of Hope

Project: Extending Hope, House of Hope’s Empowerment Center

Award: $750,000

Social Determinant of Health: Economic Stability

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

House of Hope is expanding its mission to serve even more single-mother families by opening its new Empowerment Center. House of Hope's holistic support program and transitional housing have primarily served single mothers experiencing homelessness & young women aging out of the foster system. With the launch of the Empowerment Center, these transformative services will be available to far more single mothers in the Cedar Valley community, regardless of housing status or income level.

The new 6,200-square-foot Empowerment Center will allow House of Hope to serve an additional 60-80 families. Designed with a kitchen/community room, multi-purpose room, and children's space, the center will host a wide range of programs, from life skills classes to children's social-emotional learning activities. The space will allow for community meals, fostering a sense of connection and support among participants. By addressing both the immediate needs and systemic causes of homelessness and poverty, House of Hope’s expanded facility will empower single mothers across the Cedar Valley to build secure, independent lives for themselves and their children.

Spotlight on RIYO | Refugees and Immigrant Youth Organization

Project: Operating Support

Award: $25,000                                  

Social Determinant of Health: Education

Grant Focus Area: Education and Development

RIYO, a grassroots refugee and immigrant-led youth organization, addresses the unique challenges faced by newcomer communities. Through youth-driven, culturally-specific programs, RIYO empowers young people with the tools and support to overcome obstacles, reach their potential, and become community leaders. With a peer-to-peer model blending leadership development, service learning, and a sense of belonging, RIYO fosters academic success, career awareness, and well-being. Amidst high rates of trauma and stress, RIYO offers a vital space where refugee and immigrant youth feel supported to thrive in Waterloo and Cedar Valley. “[RIYO] is the only place where I don’t feel stress in life,” said one participant. “It’s the only time I had a person to talk about the future.” RIYO is not just a support system; it's a place where refugee and immigrant youth can find hope, connection, and the courage to envision a brighter future.

Spotlight on AFIL | Americans for Independent Living

Project: Veterans Resource Center

Award: $100,000

Social Determinant of Health: Social and Community Context

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) is dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families by providing housing, home modifications, furniture, household items, and clothing. AFIL also offers assistance to Veterans facing challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. The new 30,000 sq. ft. Veterans Resource Center will allow AFIL to serve an additional 140 to 170 Veterans and their families each year, bringing the total to 340 to 370 annually in Black Hawk County.

The facility features offices, program space, and storage for donated goods. Veterans and their families also have access to a community room with a full kitchen, a workshop equipped with woodworking and metalworking tools is envisioned for the future. Additionally, there are private offices where Veterans can meet with counselors for support.

By providing critical resources and support through this new center, AFIL will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Veterans and their families in the community.

Spotlight on Waterloo Housing Trust Fund

Project: Waterloo Housing Trust Fund

Award: $25,000                  

Social Determinant of Health: Neighborhood and Built Community

Grant Focus Area: Housing

The Waterloo Housing Trust Fund (WHTF) addresses the urgent need for housing assistance in our community. With rising inflation, low- to moderate-income households struggle to cover essential expenses like food, gas, and utilities. Many families lack funds for necessary home repairs, rent increases, or accessibility improvements, such as installing ramps for disabled members. To meet this need, WHTF provides funding to local agencies working to improve housing stability in Waterloo. By partnering with organizations like Operation Threshold, Salvation Army, Cedar Valley Friends of the Family, Habitat for Humanity, and more, WHTF helps provide critical home repairs, emergency shelter services, and modifications for accessibility. This collaboration allows each agency to focus on its specialized services while expanding its impact to reach more people in need. The program has consistently grown, aiming to assist over 130 low- to moderate-income families, with 30% of funding reserved for those earning less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The ultimate goal is to ensure every family in Waterloo has safe, stable place to call home.

Spotlight on SuccessLink 

Project: Success Street

Award: $75,000                          

Social Determinant of Health: Health and Health Care

Grant Focus Area: Health

Success Street, facilitated by SuccessLink, increases access to important health services for youth through school-based clinics. Servicing approximately 3200 students annually from all 28 schools in both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls school districts, Success Street provides health information and an accessible safety net of services. These include substance use education & counseling, violence & sexual assault advocacy, sexual health & pregnancy prevention education, and mental health counseling. Additionally, Success Street serves as a connector for youth and their families to medical clinics and other agencies of support such as Peoples Community Health Center, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Young Parents Together, and child abuse prevention organizations. Through these vital connections and services, Success Street helps build a healthier, safer, and more supportive community where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque

Project: Immigrant Legal Services

Award: $25,000                  

Social Determinant of Health: Social and Community Context

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

Catholic Charities has been a vital social service organization for 91 years, with a focus on ensuring every person has a safe home and access to economic security. In the Cedar Valley, Catholic Charities provides affordable immigration legal services to help reunite families and guide immigrants towards self-sufficiency, regardless of their legal status.

Last year alone, Catholic Charities served 845 local residents through education and outreach and provided legal consultations to 251 immigrant families. By offering free consultations and significantly reduced fees compared to private attorneys, Catholic Charities removes barriers that prevent families from accessing critical legal support, empowering them to pursue work and education. The organization also plays a key role in educating the community about immigration reform and dispelling myths surrounding immigrants. 

Catholic Charities removes barriers to legal assistance. Through advocacy and education, they are working to reduce the fear and stigma faced by immigrant families and improve the well-being of the broader community.