Iowans Making a Difference
Across Iowa, individuals and organizations are stepping up to make a meaningful difference in the world. From the Des Moines Refugee Support group assisting immigrant families in finding stability to the Puppy Jake Foundation training service dogs for disabled military veterans, these efforts reflect the heart and determination of Iowans. Highlighted on our new series Iowa Life, these inspiring stories showcase the power of community and compassion, proving that even small actions can have a far-reaching impact. Watch full episodes of Iowa Life with these stories and more on demand via the PBS app.
The Lantern Center
After years of hard work and research regarding unmet needs in their community, the Sisters of the Presentation opened the Lantern Center in 2002 as the first and only language learning and welcome center for adult immigrants who live in Dubuque.
Des Moines Refugee Support
Many refugees struggle managing their trauma while retaining vital parts of their culture. Des Moines Refugee Support is a secular, fully-volunteer group that helps refugees and immigrant families get settled and establish their new lives in Iowa.
Greg Fier
Greg Fier is a singer/songwriter battling multiple sclerosis. With the help of friends and others affected by the disease, Fier started the Finch Fund to help those living with MS maintain their independence and quality of life.
Puppy Jake Foundation
Service dogs can be trained to support a person in a number of meaningful ways. The Puppy Jake Foundation trains and provides service dogs to assist disabled military veterans.
Groundswell Cafe
With a pay-it-forward system, Matthew 25 is reducing food insecurity by providing fresh, healthy food to those in need. Learn how the Groundswell Cafe and the Cultivate Hope Corner Store serve their Cedar Rapids neighborhood.
Herb Hazewinkel Jr.
Herb Hazewinkel Jr. has volunteered more than 2,000 hours designing and building Dubuque County parks elements to be safer and more inclusive. In 2022, Herb was selected to be in the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Lyceum Movement of Iowa
The lyceum movement is a revival of an old tradition of public learning. It creates a space where Iowans can meet face to face and have meaningful conversations.
Iowa Bird Rehabilitation
More than 40% of the world’s birds have declining populations. Jenni Boonjakuakul and her team of volunteers at Iowa Bird Rehabilitation hope to stave off that trend, one feathered friend at a time.
Horses Helping Heroes
Equine-assisted therapy can help military veterans and service members find a path toward healing. In Jester Park, participants gain self-confidence, improve relationship skills and learn emotional regulation.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer has destroyed much of Iowa's ash tree population. What are Iowans doing with the wood once the trees come down?
Irving Prairie
Just outside of Cedar Falls sits Irvine Prairie, a 292 acre prairie-in-progress on the farm of Cathy Irvine, in memory of her husband David. The land is being restored to an ecologically diverse tallgrass prairie that engages current and future generations of students and community members in learning about Iowa’s prairie heritage and appreciating the benefits provided by prairie.
Urban Bicycle Food Ministry
The Urban Bike Food Ministry travels on bicycles to deliver food and personal care items to people in need. Their mission: “to serve radical hospitality, one burrito at a time.”