The Des Moines Register and the charity Embrace Iowa initiative have been collecting money to support Iowans in their most dire circumstances for more than 40 years.
This longevity has allowed a number of candidates over the years, such as Ashley Voorhees, a single mother, to apply for a second opportunity at a short-term financial boost.
Voorhees was unable to work full-time at her restaurant job in 2024 due to medical issues during her pregnancy. She slept on her uncomfortable, damaged couch and a failing air mattress because she was pregnant, had no money, and had three little children to take care of.
She worked with the Embrace Iowa program eleven years ago to help pay for her kids’ bunk beds. Vorhees wondered, “Even though I received assistance eleven years ago, could I try again?” in a circumstance that was equally challenging. And it was successful.
The annual Embrace Iowa campaign is run by the Iowa Community Action Association and is supported by donations from Register readers.
Up to $750 in aid is available to each application for immediate needs including medical expenses, wheelchair and car maintenance, or furniture for young families.
All 99 Iowa counties are covered under Embrace Iowa. Voorhees reached out to Sieda Community Action, a bustling support center serving Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren, and Wapello counties, and one of the 16 agencies in the program located around the state.
Voorhees commended her experience’s timeliness and effectiveness, as well as the staff member Kim Fletchall’s informed advice at the regional outpost. She submitted the form after I completed it in the Keokuk office.
Within a month, Voorhees explained, she found out she had been selected. The purchase of a new mattress, box spring, and metal frame was authorized by Fletchall.
The bed was then delivered straight to my house, which took a week. They set it up after bringing it inside. Later in the year, she found a used couch, demonstrating her resourcefulness, as she put it.
Similar to Voorhees, Embrace Iowa disburses all award funds straight to the creditor, which may be a retailer, a landlord, or a healthcare provider.
The straightforward procedure inspired Voorhees to urge friends and coworkers to apply for aid with their own financial challenges, even though applicants must prove they live in Iowa and have a gross yearly income of 200% or less than the federal poverty level.
She assured me that she would unquestionably suggest the program to anyone experiencing difficulties. Our neighborhood has an incredible and quite unique initiative.
How you can help
The campaign will end on January 31, 2025. Generous Des Moines Register readers have contributed $350,607 as of December 31, which is 87% of the ambitious $400,000 donation goal and almost equals the final amount of $381,256 from the previous year.
Embrace Iowa would be able to assist more than 500 individuals and families throughout the state if they were to surpass that record target.
Donations can be made via direct bank deposit, credit card, or the safe and easy online atiowacommunityaction.org/donate-embrace-iowa.
Additionally, the campaign still accepts checks delivered by mail, unlike some nonprofits. At Embrace Iowa, P.O. Box 10611, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0611, they will be cordially welcomed.
RESOURCE
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.