Community Partners

ACE-SAP aims to enhance health outcomes among disadvantaged populations in Waterloo. It offers comprehensive services including preventive, acute, and mental healthcare, chronic disease management, diabetic screening, foot care, employment/school physicals, immunizations, prescription medications, health education, and social service referrals. In 2021, nutritional counseling and dental services were added. The clinic also involves nurse practitioner students in clinical rotations, fostering professional growth and cultural competence. Since inception, ACE-SAP has served over 4,900 individuals, delivering services valued at over $1.5 million. In 2023, it provided care for 356 patients in 599 visits, issued 666 prescriptions, and offered dental services to 61 individuals. ACE-SAP also conducts community screenings and provides translation and community referral services to address social determinants of health.

The Red Cross responds swiftly to disasters, including home fires, by deploying trained Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers who assess families' immediate needs and provide prepaid debit cards for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter. They collaborate with first responders to ensure timely assistance. Additionally, the Red Cross evaluates if further recovery support is necessary and coordinates with partners to meet ongoing needs. For services outside their scope, they refer survivors to appropriate organizations for specialized assistance.

AFIL focuses on improving the quality of life for Veterans through programs like Veteran Housing, Home Modifications, and Furniture for Veterans. The Veteran Housing Program offers transitional and permanent housing solutions, including supportive services to foster financial stability and independence. Participants receive weekly case management to set and achieve personal goals, such as financial literacy and job readiness. The Furniture for Veterans Program assists low-income Veterans with household items for new permanent residences, while the Home Modifications Program adapts homes for disabled or elderly Veterans, enhancing accessibility and independence. Home Modifications are personalized home assessments to tailor modifications that maximize each Veteran's quality of life and participation in daily activities.

Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center, a 4 Star QRS rated facility with 53 years of service, offers a comprehensive program for children of all ages. Key features include a dedicated and well-trained staff, a Visiting Curriculum enhancing education with music, storytelling, pet therapy, and character development shows. The center boasts the only Certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom in Black Hawk County, enriching learning through nature-based activities like gardening and bird watching. The program collaborates extensively with community agencies to support child development, safety, and health. A Kindness Curriculum emphasizes communication and friendship alongside traditional subjects like motor skills, social development, science, math, and art. Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks are provided daily, incorporating garden-grown vegetables. The center aims to foster children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth, honoring their unique strengths and talents to help each child thrive.

Unity Square’s Adult Education and Advancement program empowers low-income residents by focusing on three core areas: employment and career advancement, financial coaching, and accessing income supports. These services are provided on-site at no cost, eliminating barriers related to finances and transportation. The program is facilitated by Unity Square’s Advantage Services Coordinator, who builds trusting relationships with residents to guide them towards stability and independence. Stable, affordable housing serves as a foundation, allowing residents to concentrate on achieving financial stability and building assets. The program offers personalized support and integrates services to help residents and their families steadily progress towards a stronger financial future. By supporting residents in achieving financial stability and independence, Unity Square’s Adult Education and Advancement program aims to enhance the quality of life for its participants.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) provides permanent housing with support services to chronically homeless individuals with disabilities, including mental illness, substance abuse, chronic health issues, and other barriers to housing stability. Operated under the Housing First model, CHI offers housing without imposing conditions like sobriety or participation in services, allowing tenants to engage on their own terms. Participants receive assistance accessing and maintaining benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, TANF, and SNAP. CHI covers security deposits and provides rent assistance, with participants contributing 30% of their income once financially stable. Tenancy is indefinite, aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and housing retention. Each participant works with a case manager to identify needs, goals, strengths, and weaknesses, receiving assistance in accessing employment, food, medical care, behavioral health services, and public transportation through community collaborations. The program aims to enhance long-term stability by addressing individual needs comprehensively within a supportive housing framework.

The Waterloo ICAB Programs recruit and train community volunteers appointed by juvenile court judges to serve as Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) members or Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). FCRB members convene monthly to review foster care cases, collaborating with families, foster parents, and providers to compile reports and recommend safe, stable permanency solutions like reunification or adoption. CASAs advocate for children's best interests in court, offering consistent support and gathering crucial information to inform judicial decisions. They meet with children monthly, striving for safe, permanent placements under program guidance. Effective volunteer recruitment, training, and support are crucial for ICAB's success in ensuring every child in the system finds a nurturing, permanent home, contributing to community safety and family resilience.

IHHFH is dedicated to empowering low- and moderate-income individuals and families through comprehensive financial education, particularly in preparation for homeownership. Our programming includes a mandatory series of 10 homebuyer education courses taught by financial professionals. These courses cover essential topics such as personal finances, mortgages, homeowner's insurance, estate planning, home maintenance, and career planning. In addition to homebuyer education, our "Blueprints" program, launched in 2021, offers intensive credit and financial counseling aimed at qualifying participants for conventional mortgages within 24 months. Our approach emphasizes personalized case management to ensure participants are well-prepared and equipped for successful homeownership. We believe that by imparting key financial planning concepts and offering robust counseling, individuals and families can achieve their goal of homeownership with confidence and stability.

WE Build Waterloo is a transformative workforce education program launched by Hawkeye Community College in June 2020. It addresses critical community issues such as minority underrepresentation in construction trades, affordable housing scarcity, and systemic poverty in Black Hawk County. The program offers a 12-week, no-cost competency-based education focused on construction trades to individuals facing employment barriers. Participants gain industry-recognized skills and certifications while working on residential construction or rehabilitation projects, which are later sold to families partnered with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Beyond workforce training, WE Build Waterloo serves as a community development initiative, establishing a talent pipeline for local registered apprenticeship employers and revitalizing neighborhoods by providing quality affordable housing.

Since 2004, iJAG has implemented evidence-based strategies in Waterloo schools to foster community, build workforce and life skills, and provide real-world experiences preparing students for success. Program Specialists act as mentors, using Healing Centered Engagement principles to build trust and empower students based on their strengths. Students engage in project-based learning and connect with local employers for workforce skills and certifications. iJAG ensures readiness by offering work-based learning, internships, and support for continuing education or training. Specialists assist students with applications for post-secondary education and financial aid. Overall, iJAG helps students feel valued, develop essential skills, and gain practical experience, preparing them for future careers and education.

Iowa Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm, has served low-income Iowans in the Cedar Valley since 1977, offering crucial legal assistance on issues like eviction, foreclosure, debt, abuse protection, and public benefits. In civil cases where there's no guaranteed right to an attorney, outcomes profoundly impact housing, safety, and financial stability. Legal representation ensures fairness and empowers clients with knowledge to navigate their challenges effectively. Iowa Legal Aid's services extend to negotiation and court representation, and through the Volunteer Lawyers Project, private attorneys contribute significantly. By addressing legal issues, clients achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and improved living conditions, benefiting the entire community through increased contribution and wellbeing.

No One without a Home is a self-sufficiency program designed to educate and provide tools to strengthen family structure: The Crisis Management and Senior Community Engagement(which includes later in life elderly abuse programing). The programs are designed to reduce barriers, reduce homeliness, food dessert and nutritional needs and families directly or indirectly affected by crime and who maybe experiencing trauma in their lives. Jesse Cosby will be collaborating with Black Hawk County Health Department to provide youth services.

The Job Foundation provides comprehensive financial literacy education and incentivizes student learning with conditional cash earnings based on academic performance, attendance, and behavior. Students learn essential financial skills such as budgeting, banking, debt management, and investing through age-appropriate programming. They earn money which must be partially saved during school years, with goals set to accumulate at least $3,400 by graduation for financial independence. Elementary and middle school students manage their earnings through supervised shopping trips, while high school students gain independence in managing their finances with oversight. Volunteer mentors support students monthly, fostering cross-class friendships that can help break the cycle of poverty. Graduates of The Job Foundation have achieved financial milestones, including attending college and securing employment, using savings for vehicles, education, and rental deposits.

Leader in Me is a school initiative focusing on equipping middle and high school students with leadership and employability skills crucial for their future success. Partnering with schools, the Leader Valley team integrates Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and social-emotional learning into the curriculum. This approach empowers students to set goals, take ownership of learning, participate in school decisions, and gain practical career insights. The program fosters essential skills like work ethic, time management, teamwork, and communication, benefiting students from diverse backgrounds, including those at Expo Alternative Learning Center. Positive outcomes expected include enhanced leadership capabilities, improved school culture, and academic engagement, narrowing the achievement gap.

SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance and Information Program) is a free service provided by trained volunteers to help resolve Medicare related issues. There are no income restrictions for this service. MercyOne hosts monthly Welcome to Medicare seminars for those reaching the age of 65 to provide information and assistance in learning more about Medicare.

NAMI is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness through education and community. We emphasize lifelong management and coping strategies, providing education to enhance understanding of mental health conditions. Through support groups and classes led by trained volunteers, we teach coping skills, foster peer support, and combat stigma. Families and partners learn effective communication and support techniques, crucial for aiding recovery. Our programs, including NAMI Basics, Family-to-Family, and Peer-to-Peer, offer structured learning and sharing environments. We also host educational events, provide resources, and offer personal support through various channels to ensure individuals and families have the tools and community they need for better mental health outcomes.

Supported Community Living (SCL) programming aims to enhance self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities through tailored support services and education. The program focuses on achieving personal goals such as community inclusion, self-advocacy, and independent living skills. It prioritizes health and safety, aiming to reduce hospitalizations by promoting preventive healthcare and assisting with medical appointments and medication management. SCL provides essential transportation for daily needs and community activities, addressing gaps in public transport accessibility. By fostering independence and well-being, SCL enables individuals to live safely and inclusively in their communities, supporting them in achieving their aspirations and leading fulfilling lives.

The Assisted Transportation Program offers essential transit services for seniors, facilitating access to medical appointments, pharmacies, shopping, nursing homes, and senior centers. Information about these services is disseminated through word-of-mouth, Lifelong Links, NEI3A programs, and partnerships with agencies like 211. Upon completing registration forms, individuals undergo a needs assessment and are provided with transportation tickets by NEI3A staff. Riders can contribute to ticket costs and arrange rides directly with MET, which offers ADA-compliant door-to-door service from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. This program supports seniors in maintaining health, independence, and social connections within their community.

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank's mission is to provide nutritious food and grocery products to individuals and nonprofit organizations in Northeast Iowa, while also offering hunger education programs to the community and those in need. In Black Hawk County alone, Feeding America identifies 11,660 food insecure individuals, including 3,980 children. Beyond meeting basic meal requirements set by Feeding America, our goal is to ensure equitable access by providing 259 additional meals per food insecure individual annually, representing 25% of their needed meals. To achieve this, we focus on advocacy, donor relations, and community involvement, increase meal distribution, strengthen staff and volunteer capacity, and enhance the Food Bank's operations. The Cedar Valley Food Pantry, providing nearly 2.6 million meals last year, now offers more frequent and comprehensive grocery distributions to meet increasing demand, aiming to improve health outcomes and alleviate financial strain for those we serve.

SHIPHT's mission is to empower the next generation of diverse leaders in career technical education and entrepreneurship with strong partnerships, wrap-around support, intention and resources. Now entering its fourth year, SHIPHT has engaged over 300 youth through outreach efforts, providing direct services to more than 150 young individuals aged 12 to 24, with 90% from minority backgrounds. Notably, 85% of high school students supported by SHIPHT have successfully graduated and are either pursuing higher education or have secured fulltime employment. Formerly under SuccessLink's fiscal sponsorship, SHIPHT is now part of ONE Cedar Valley, aligning closely with shared goals. Recognized by the Waterloo Career Center for increasing diversity in their training programs, SHIPHT offers internships to middle and high school students, particularly those at risk of not graduating or facing barriers to career advancement. These internships prepare youth for high-demand careers, emphasizing both work experience and essential personal skills.

The Momentum Urban Employment Program prepares participants, regardless of their past, for gainful employment. Many face significant barriers, so Momentum customizes support to eliminate these obstacles through a comprehensive 6-week training program. This includes 100 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of volunteer work to enhance job readiness and life skills. Led by skilled volunteers and tailored to local employer needs, the curriculum focuses on soft skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and conflict resolution. The program builds strong, trusting relationships with participants, fostering accountability and long-term success. One City United supports participants by connecting them to wrap-around services like transportation, counseling, housing, and childcare. Adding key roles like a Classroom Coordinator and Support Services Coordinator enhances Momentum's ability to support graduates and expand enrollment in educational and workbased learning programs.

Riverview Center provides specialized crisis intervention services to meet the unique needs of survivors of sexual assault/abuse, offering 24-hour hotline and in-person response services. They provide trauma-informed support to enhance coping skills, reduce self-blame, and provide information on medical, legal, and advocacy options. Crisis counseling aims to stabilize survivors, improve functionality at work or school, and evaluate service outcomes for holistic support. Their primary goals include de-escalating crises, enhancing coping skills, and preventing long-term mental, physical, and social issues associated with trauma. Without such intervention, survivors risk developing chronic health issues, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, PTSD, and impaired social and academic functioning. Riverview Center ensures ongoing support, addressing immediate and long-term needs to promote survivors' quality of life and recovery.

RIYO, is a grassroots newcomer and youth-led community-based organization with a mission to help newcomer youth embark on a journey of connection, growth, and empowerment. Founded by former West High ELL program participants and educators, RIYO expands on EMBARC's youth programming to support newcomer youth in Waterloo. Through its Youth Navigator & Community-Based Support Program, RIYO offers comprehensive aid including after-school English learning, 1:1 future-ready coaching, leadership training, summer literacy programs, and parent involvement. This initiative fosters leadership skills and enhances academic performance while promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment among participants. RIYO's peer-to-peer model empowers youth to tackle community issues and integrates culturally sensitive support, aiming to enhance well-being and integration. Key activities include engaging 120 youth in after-school programs, training college students to mentor high schoolers, and organizing summer literacy activities like the Summer Kids Club. Collaborators include UNI departments, West High School, Bunger Middle School, and the WCSD, strengthening RIYO's impact on refugee and immigrant youth.

Success Street is made up of caring people from local agencies who work directly in all Waterloo & Cedar Falls community school to provide crucial services directly to students. These include health, mental health, parenting, substance use, and more, aiming to enhance student well-being and academic success. By addressing issues like health, mental health, substance use, hunger, legal challenges, domestic violence, sexually transmitted disease, dental and vision issues within the school setting, Success Street supports students in achieving higher academic levels. Key services are provided by partners like Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center, Pathways Behavioral Services, Riverview for sexual assault support, and others offering health care referrals and advocacy. Since its inception in 1999, students benefiting from multiple Success Street services have shown improved attendance, GPA, proficiency scores, and reduced behavior issues, reinforcing its impact on student success and community contribution.

Try Pie Bakery hires a diverse group of young women in the Cedar Valley for a meaningful first job experience, focusing on more than just baking pies and serving customers. This social enterprise nonprofit empowers teens through a holistic approach that includes financial literacy and job readiness programs. Starting in 9th grade, students engage in three years of intentional programming aimed at building trust and meaningful skills. Mentoring sessions with local leaders occur monthly, setting goals for work and financial management. Leadership roles within the bakery and on business committees allow teens to develop practical skills in marketing, finance, and community engagement. Monthly Classroom Workshops cover topics like financial literacy and job readiness, taught by local experts. Students also earn a paycheck, and are encouraged to start a college savings account with a 3% match towards a SIMPLE IRA, ensuring immediate application of financial learning. This comprehensive approach equips Try Pie teens with essential skills and confidence for future success in employment and financial stability

For seven years, Veggie Vouchers has provided fresh foods to low-income and underserved individuals in Black Hawk County while supporting the local food economy. Host sites distribute cash vouchers redeemable at farmers markets and produce stands, capped at $120 per household monthly. Originally launched with MercyOne for pediatric patients, it now serves diverse populations across Waterloo through seven strategic sites. Waterloo Urban Farmers Market is the primary redemption site, alongside others like Cedar Valley Farmers Markets. Demand, especially from post-COVID-19 homebound seniors, has surged, prompting partnerships with programs like We Arose Greens to Go.

The Reading Buddies program aims to enhance elementary students' reading proficiency through one-on-one sessions with dedicated adult volunteers. Targeting students identified by the school's Literacy Coach as needing support, certified volunteers engage them weekly. Activities include reading aloud, summarizing plots, discussing themes, and practicing fluency and word pronunciation. Improved reading skills correlate with better academic performance, increased reading for pleasure, and higher graduation rates. Beyond academic gains, volunteers foster supportive relationships with students, making impactful contributions like encouraging participation in school events and donating books. Teachers highlight the program's positive impact on students' confidence and academic engagement. The Reading Buddies initiative not only improves literacy but also enriches students' lives through mentorship and personal connections, reinforcing its value within the Waterloo community.

Waypoint's Domestic Violence Victim Services Program provides comprehensive services to individuals who have experienced violence and/or coercive control from an intimate partner. The goal of the program is  to reduce domestic violence by enhancing the overall health and well-being of survivors through a range of supportive services. These include peer counseling, legal and medical advocacy, financial literacy education, housing support, safety planning, and support groups. The program seeks funding for a full-time Victim Advocate in Black Hawk County. This advocate will offer free, confidential services such as emotional support, safety planning, and community education on domestic violence dynamics. Goals include addressing barriers to employment, transportation, childcare, housing, and education, empowering survivors toward self-sufficiency through budgeting tools, and implementing the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead Curriculum to promote financial independence. All services are client-driven with the ultimate aim of achieving stability and safety for survivors and their children.