Project Iowa

06/12/2026

Thank you to Telligen Community Initiative for investing in the future of Central Iowa families through a $150,000 grant from the Strengthening Families and Communities program.

This funding will support a trauma-informed Rooted job coach who will provide holistic workforce training and individualized coaching to women and their children. By helping participants overcome barriers to employment and education, this investment will create greater opportunities for economic stability, improved well-being, and long-term success for families across our community.

We are grateful for TCI's partnership and commitment to strengthening pathways to meaningful employment and brighter futures.

06/11/2026

What do you wish someone had told you before graduating high school?

Our YouthWorks interns spent a day Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for Postsecondary Wisdom with Professionals, hearing real stories, honest advice, and lessons learned from professionals who have navigated college, careers, and life after high school.

From building confidence and professional networks to overcoming setbacks and finding opportunities, our interns gained valuable insights they can carry into their next chapter.

The best part? There wasn't just one path to success. Each speaker shared a unique journey, reminding our students that growth often comes from staying curious, taking chances, and learning along the way.

Thank you to Nyra Bottley and the team at Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for investing your time, wisdom, and encouragement in the future workforce of Iowa. Your support continues to make a lasting impact on our YouthWorks interns.

06/11/2026

🔐 Save the Date: Locker Wars 2026 🔐

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, because Project Iowa's most mysterious fundraiser is back and we're planning our biggest Locker Wars yet!

What's in the lockers? You never know. Past lockers have held incredible prizes, unique experiences, hidden treasures, and plenty of surprises. One thing is certain: every bid helps support Project Iowa's mission of connecting people to purpose and helping them achieve meaningful, stable employment.

Whether you're a seasoned Locker Wars bidder or ready to experience the excitement for the first time, this is one event you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned for sponsorship opportunities, donation information, and event details. Until then, start sharpening your bidding skills and prepare for an evening of mystery, community, and impact.

The lockers are waiting...

06/10/2026

Our May Cultivating Careers cohort was filled with energy, determination, and meaningful growth. Throughout the program, participants invested in themselves by exploring career pathways, strengthening workplace skills, building confidence, and taking important steps toward meaningful, stable employment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of each cohort is watching individuals support and encourage one another as they work toward their goals. The connections formed, lessons learned, and progress achieved throughout May serve as a powerful reminder that growth happens when people are given the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

Whether participants were seeking a new career direction, preparing for employment, or building a foundation for future success, we are proud of the commitment and perseverance demonstrated by every member of the May cohort.

Ready to take the next step in your own career journey? Learn more about Cultivating Careers and discover how Project Iowa can help you identify your goals, build new skills, and move toward meaningful employment. Visit our website to explore upcoming opportunities and get started today.

06/09/2026

What does it take to help someone build a meaningful career and lasting stability?

In the latest episode of Ways to Work—Rooted for Success, Program Manager Lisa Juckette shares about the evolution of the Rooted Model. Learn how the program has adapted over the years to better support individuals facing barriers to employment by focusing on more than just finding a job helping participants build confidence, develop career-ready skills, and create a foundation for long-term success.

Tune in to discover how a holistic approach to workforce development is helping people grow, thrive, and achieve their goals.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/ubiV_LXQhos?si=bjCai7HR_f9a-A-j

06/08/2026

🎓 Celebrating a special milestone! 🎉

The residents and staff at Newbury Living recently gathered to celebrate YouthWorks intern Chgai and her graduation. The graduation party was a wonderful opportunity for residents to recognize her hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

Moments like these highlight the meaningful connections that can develop through YouthWorks internships and the supportive environments our employer partners create for young people to learn and grow.

Congratulations, Chgai, on your graduation! We’re proud of all you've accomplished and look forward to seeing you continue to make an impact at Newbury Living this summer.

06/03/2026

Thank you to TCI for investing in the future of Central Iowa families through a $150,000 grant from the Strengthening Families and Communities program.

This funding will support a trauma-informed Rooted job coach who will provide holistic workforce training and individualized coaching to women and their children. By helping participants overcome barriers to employment and education, this investment will create greater opportunities for economic stability, improved well-being, and long-term success for families across our community.

We are grateful for TCI's partnership and commitment to strengthening pathways to meaningful employment and brighter futures.

TCI is proud to support Project Iowa with a $150,000 grant through our Strengthening Families and Communities program. The grant will support a trauma-informed Rooted job coach providing holistic training and one-on-one coaching at The House of Mercy and The Village housing complex—helping reduce barriers to employment and education while expanding opportunities for women, children and families in Central Iowa. Learn more at projectiowa.org or telligenci.org.

05/28/2026

After 3.5 years of community-driven research, learning, and collaboration, UpLift is thrilled to share that our final study findings are here! 🎉

Join us at the Final Findings event to hear directly from the research team, celebrate the connections and impact this journey has inspired, and be part of this exciting milestone with the UpLift community.

Register today at UpLiftIowa.org — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the YouthWorks Class of 2026 interns on graduating from North and East High Schools!

We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what this summer at your internship brings. Here’s to an amazing season of growth, learning, and opportunity ahead!