Spotlight

Spotlight on The River ARC

Project: The River ARC Health Equity Project

Award: $30,000

Social Driver of Health: Health and Health Care

Grant Focus Area: Health

The River ARC is dedicated to supporting African refugees and immigrant families in Iowa. Refugees and immigrants in Waterloo often face barriers such as language differences, limited healthcare access, and unfamiliarity with U.S. services. With a mission to empower individuals through access to culturally responsive resources, The River ARC helps newcomers navigate complex systems while honoring their cultural identity. 

With support from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, The River ARC offers programs that reduce healthcare disparities and strengthen well-being for African immigrant families. Funding sustains weekly walk-in clinics that provide navigation, interpretation, and advocacy support. It also supports wellness education through workshops and community events like the French Health Fair, which serves over 100 attendees and coordinates efforts with 10 local providers. In addition, the project advances food security by supporting culturally relevant farming initiatives that allow families to grow familiar crops while learning about nutrition. Together, these efforts promote healthier futures and build trust between immigrant families and local healthcare systems.

Spotlight on Love INC

Project: Home and Health in the Cedar Valley

Award: $25,000                                  

Social Driver of Health: Economic Stability

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

Love INC of the Cedar Valley strengthens communities by mobilizing local churches to serve neighbors in need. By connecting 43 partner churches and mobilizing 175 volunteers each month, Love INC maximizes gifts and resources to address challenges that range from housing and utilities to social, spiritual, and wellness needs. At its heart, Love INC exists to create a network of care that transforms lives while fostering dignity, compassion, and lasting community connections.

With support from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, Love INC meets gaps in essential services. Funding sustains home initiatives, providing critical assistance for water bills and housing needs, and health initiatives, including transportation, medical supplies, and mattresses for families. It also supports access to preventative dental care through Hawkeye Community College’s dental hygiene program, cost-sharing services so families can receive affordable care. By combining these efforts, Love INC provides practical, compassionate support that promotes stability, health, and hope for families across the Cedar Valley.

Spotlight on Lutheran Services in Iowa

Project: Black Hawk County Early Childhood Services

Award: $15,000

Social Driver of Health: Education

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) provides critical programs that support children and families across Black Hawk County. In particular, LSI provides Early Childhood Services to reduce chid abuse and promote healthy, safe, and self-sufficient families.

With support from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, LSI delivers early childhood services that reach hundreds of families each year. The HOPES Program offers in-home support to at-risk parents, preventing child abuse and promoting healthy child development. Last year alone, 118 families received 2,832 home visits, with 98% of children remaining free from abuse. The Baby Safety Project provides car seats, pack-n-plays, and other safety items along with education on safe sleep and proper use, helping families protect their infants. LSI also oversees our community's Coordinated Intake System, which connects families to early access resources in the community.  Together, these programs provide essential resources, education, and support that keep children safe and strengthen families across the Cedar Valley.

Spotlight on Iowa Legal Aid

Project: Operating Support

Award: $50,000                  

Social Driver of Health: Social and Community Context

Grant Focus Area: Human Services

Iowa Legal Aid brings hope, dignity, and justice to low-income Iowans by providing free civil legal assistance and education. Last year, they served 1,994 family members in Black Hawk County, protecting fundamental rights, securing basic necessities, and ensuring access to the legal system. Their advocacy challenges harmful policies, stabilizes families, and promotes economic opportunity.

With support from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, Iowa Legal Aid provides targeted services that address critical needs in Black Hawk County. Funding supports homelessness prevention, helping residents navigate evictions and related challenges to remain in stable housing. It also supports domestic violence services, assisting survivors with protection orders, custody, and access to safe homes. Additionally, Legal Aid addresses income stability, helping clients resolve issues with benefits, unemployment, and debt. These programs give families the resources and guidance they need to stay safe, maintain stability, and navigate the legal system with confidence.

Spotlight on Waterloo Urban Farmers Market 

Project: Growing Community: Cultivating Equitable Access to Fresh, Local Food

Award: $15,000                          

Social Driver of Health: Neighborhood and Built Environment

Grant Focus Area: Comunity Livability

Waterloo Urban Farmers Market (WUFM) provides a community space connecting residents with fresh, locally sourced food while supporting local producers, artisans, and small businesses. In Black Hawk County, 14% of residents live in poverty and 15% of children face food insecurity, particularly in neighborhoods near downtown Waterloo. The Farmer's Market addresses these challenges by improving access to nutritious foods and encouraging healthy eating.

With support from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, the Farmer’s Market and its partner, We Arose, offer programs and initiatives that reach more families. The market hosts 26 annual events, serving roughly 1,000 people each week. Key programs include Garden 2 Market 2 Table, which gives youth hands-on gardening experience and access to fresh produce, and Greens Together, which delivers free produce to families in under-served neighborhoods. In addition, the Farmer’s Market accepts food assistance programs, ensuring greater access for all. It also promotes sustainability through food rescue, composting, and reusable shopping initiatives. Together, these efforts connect families with healthy food, support local growers, and foster a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Waterloo community.