Pella Community Foundation hosts nonprofit showcase

The Pella Community Foundation will host a Nonprofit Showcase Tuesday afternoon from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pella Opera House. There are at least 36 organizations being represented, with the vast majority centered on Pella – with some that serve the entire county. 

“We did a brochure,” Susan Canfield with PCF said. “We got branded bags that we'll have. I've also prepared a list of all the people that are participating with their websites and contact information that'll be in the bags for everybody.” 

One of the goals is to help educate the community about what PCF can and has done for the community, as well as the many opportunities to plug into Pella. 

“Because one of the things we've learned over the last year and even before that is, we find that people that have moved to Pella want to get involved in the community from a volunteer standpoint, but don't know all the different nonprofits that are available in Pella, so we're hoping that this also provides a platform, so anybody can come and learn about a nonprofit before they actually need to feel like they need to commit to,” PCF President Mark Wiskus said. 

This is the second such event for the foundation. They hope to continue to do it every year. 

The foundation is trying to be an organization that people can use to come for opportunities other than donating. Volunteerism helps any community thrive, especially in Pella. Some longtime volunteers are aging out of the ability to give so much time to the community. 

“Finding new volunteers, I think, is important,” Canfield said. “What I've seen is, like when we were having our meeting with our the people for the information windmill, a lot of people moved here because of they had heard about the community in different ways, and they want to volunteer. This will give them some avenues to figure out, ‘Oh, I could go volunteer here and not have to commit hours and hours and hours.’”

Volunteerism in Pella is not specific to a single generation, as Canfield’s experience has shown an array of age groups represented when trying to help the community. 

Organizations may also be able to connect with each other to share volunteers, even young children. Getting involved in the community leads to becoming vested in it, which can also lead to community pride. 

“We all have a choice. We all chose to be here or move here, and then it's up to you what you want to make it, what you make want to make this community,” Wiskus said. “Simply, it feels good to give back, so it feels good to get involved and to work for, volunteer for a nonprofit organization that you care about is rewarding.” 

Close friendships can also be formed through sharing common goals of serving an organization. Being on the same board gives one an immediate common connection. 

Organizations and contact information: 
- 100+ Men Red Rock, Kevin Stittsworth, https://100menredrock.com, 100menredrock@gmail.com.
100+ Men Red Rock is a group of men committed to giving back to the Lake Red Rock area by financially supporting the charitable organizations that serve the region. We hold quarterly meetings using a simple model: 100+ participating men x $100 contribution = $10,000+ to local charities.

- 725 Ministries, Kristi Pinegar, www.facebook.com/725ministries, 725ministries@gmail.com, 641-780-7868
Throughout every week of the year 725 Ministries is consistently, dependably: showing up, feeding relationships, and running into storms for higher-risk and lower-income kids and their households in the  Pella community.  Matthew 7:25

- Awakening Grace, Amber Beyer, awakeninggracefoundation.org, awakeninggracefoundation@gmail.com, 641-204-2801
To provide support and resources for families who have experienced the death of a child during pregnancy or infancy

- Bridge of Faith, Zach Ruiter, www.bridge-faith.org, zach.ruiter@bridge-faith.org, 641-230-9060
Bridge of Faith is dedicated to delivering compassionate, 24/7, person-centered care for adults living with a disability. Our approach is designed to uphold dignity, promote independence, and foster meaningful personal growth. Guided by the principle of Micah 6:8—‘to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God’

- Central College, Carol Williamson, www.central.edu, williamsonc@central.edu, 641-628-9000
Central College is dedicated to fostering responsible citizenship through values such as acceptance, mutual respect, justice, compassion, and service to others. This mission reflects the college's commitment to inclusivity and personal excellence within its community. 

- Christian Opportunity Center, Amy Zuck, https://christianopportunity.org/, azuck@christianopportunity.org, 641-628-1162
COC provides services and support to people with disabilities in Pella, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Indianola, and Des Moines communities. We offer services ranging from 24/7 residential, to weekday programs, to a few hours per month of vocational support.  Our services are designed to address the needs of the whole person.

- Dottie's Attic Costume  Shop, Kate Kanne Smith, https://dottiesattic.com/, 641-628-1454,
Providing support to live theatre arts, fine arts, and culture in rural Southeastern Iowa through affordable costume rentals, fostering art education, community development, and environmental sustainability.

- Families First of Pella, Allison Kerndt, www.familiesfirstofpella.org, familiesfirst94@gmail.com, 641-780-5741
Since 1994, Families First of Pella has existed to strengthen families in the Pella community. We offer free parenting classes online and in-person (including free in-person meals and childcare). We host family-bonding activities throughout the year and promote early literacy through our Early Literacy Mentoring Association (ELMA) programming.

- Forward with Faith, Alicia Vander Wal, www.forwardwithfaith.org, alicia.vanderwal@forwardwithfaith.org, 641-629-6632
We are driven by a single goal: to do our part in constructing homes where adults living with disabilities have “a place they call home”.  A home that displays faith, honor and respect for all who choose to live and serve in these homes. 

- Friends of Big Rock Park, Mary Stark, www.friendsofbigrockpark.org/, friendsbrp20@gmail.com,
To restore and preserve the park for quiet enjoyment, education, and research

- Friends of the Pella Public Library, Teresa Van Zee, https://friendsofthepellalibrary.org/, teresa.vanzee56@gmail.com,
Friends of the Pella Public Library was founded in 1989 to serve the library, generate financial support as well as grow interest and knowledge of the library’s functions, resources, services, and needs.  

- Habitat for Humanity Marion County, Amy Meyer, https://marionhfh.org/, Director@marionhfh.org, 641-828-8844
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Iowa, envisions a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.  We bring together individuals, businesses and cities to build and repair homes in our community. 

- Jump for Kids, Jill McKinstrey, jumpforkids.org, jumpforkidspella@gmail.com, 
JUMP provides mentoring relationships for youth in the Pella area

- Kiwanis, Mathew Burch, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575087714080
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

- Lake View Camp, Diana Brummel, https://www.lakeviewconference.com/, lakeview@lakeviewconference.com, 641-628-2160
Lake View camp is a non-profit camping ministry.  Our mission is to provide a broken world with environments where lives encounter God's love and are being transformed by the hope that Christ gives. Our vision is to develop a Christian ministry where all people are welcomed and loved and thus feel the presence of God.

- Marion County Imagination Library, Adena Edgeton, www.facebook.com/p/Imagination-Library-Marion-County-IA-100090200298890, familiesfirstpella@gmail.com, 641-680-7146
Marion County Imagination Library is an early literacy program administered by Families First of Pella. We're a local partner of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, serving hundreds of children aged 0-5 across Marion County. We mail quality books each month directly to enrolled children, at no cost to participating families.

- Pathways of Pella, Annette Smith, https://pathwayspella.org/, annette@pathwayspella.org, 641-780-6075
Our mission is to provide practical help and caring support to those making important decisions regarding pregnancy, parenting, and sexual health issues.

- Peace Homeschool Group, Benita De Zwarte, peacehomeschool.com, abdezwarte@gmail.com,
PEACE Homeschool Group is a cooperative Christian homeschool group that offers different learning and fellowship activities to complement your homeschool journey.  We are committed to being a local resource to bring success to your educational goals.  We strive to deliver Purposeful Education and Christian Encouragement.

- Pella Art Center & Pella Community Services, Mary Robertson, www.cityofPella.com, mrobertson@cityofpella.com, 641-628-4571
The Pella Community Art Center has been offering an interdisciplinary visual art program for students’ kindergarten – adults since 1990. It’s a hidden gem at the heart of Pella! The Art Center is also a central part of the Pella community while providing arts, cultural, educational, and social activities.

- Pella Community Food Shelf, Melissa Zula, https://www.pellacommunityfoodshelf.com/, theshelf.pella@gmail.com, 641-780-1779
PCFS serves Pella and the surrounding communities. As a member of the Central Iowa Food Bank Network, we are able to utilize its buying power to purchase groceries at a reasonable cost, supplementing donations from the local community. As a volunteer-driven organization, 100% of donations go directly toward operations and services for our neighbors.

- Pella Community Foundation, Mark Wiskus, https://www.pellacommunityfoundation.org/, info@PellaCommunityFoundation.org, 800-621-7690
To preserve Pella's heritage and enhance the quality of life for the people of Pella.

- Pella EMS & Crisis Canines of the Midlands, Greg Higginbotham, https://www.cityofpella.com/656/Pella-Ambulance, ghigginbotham@cityofpella.com, 641-628-1780
PCA has a variety of ways that it services the community including ambulance response, crisis canine response, Paramedic/Advanced Life Support (ALS) tier response, and interfacility transfers.

- Pella Historical Museums & Tulip Time, Jessi Galligan, www.pellahistorical.org, jgalligan@pellahistorical.com, 641-628-2409
To preserve and promote Pella’s history and Dutch heritage

- Pella Opera House, Cyndi Atkins, www.pellaOperahouse.org, cyndi@pellaoperahouse.org, 641-628-8625
The Pella Opera House was founded to bring performing artists to our region. Today, we bring performing arts and educational activities that entertain, uplift, educate and inspire our audiences. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Opera House is also a classic setting for events worth remembering, hosting both social and corporate events.

- Pella Preservation Trust, Bruce Boertje, President /Gerae Kelly, Executive Director, pellapreservationtrust.org, office@historicpellatrust.org,
Protecting and promoting buildings, landscapes, and sites important to the heritage of Pella, Iowa.

- Pella Public Library, https://www.cityofpella.com/library, 641-628-4268
The Pella Public Library enriches our community by welcoming, creating, and nurturing curious minds and supporting lifelong learners.

- Pella Rotary Club, Jess Klyn de Novelo, https://www.facebook.com/pella.rotaryclub/, pella.rotary@gmail.com
The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity and goodwill through its fellowship of community leaders. The Rotary Club of Pella was chartered in 1938 and our members joined to serve.

- Pella Schools Enrichment Foundation, Teresa Thompson, https://www.pellaschoolsfoundation.org/, admin@pellaschoolsfoundation.org,
The Pella Schools Enrichment Foundation creates meaningful impact by uniting our community, alumni, and businesses in support of education. Together, we invest in resources that enhance opportunities and empower every student to succeed—now and in the future.

- Refugee Engagement & Support Alliance of Pella (RESAP), Jordan Banfield, https://resapella.org/, info@resapella.org
The Refugee Engagement and Support Alliance of Pella seeks to include, understand and empower international newcomers through comprehensive support services, advocacy and community engagement.

- Restoring Eden, Michelle Heap, https://www.restoringedenfarm.com/, restoringedenfarmers@gmail.com, 641-629-0966
Restoring Eden is a year-round farm that teaches regenerative farming and permaculture through partnerships with local schools and ministries, including The Well and the Food Shelf. It provides nutrient-dense food and hands-on learning through internships, SAE and 4-H projects, field trips, day camps, and small-business ventures.

- SkyQuest Outdoor Ministries, Rodd Vande Wall, www.skyquestoutdoorministries.com, roddvandewall@gmail.com, 641-521-4451
Connecting people with the Creator through the outdoor experience"

- Spirit of Pella, Eric Sickler, www.spiritofpella.org, friends@spiritofpella.org, 641-627-5043
Spirit of Pella is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the people of Pella through collaborative community-based projects centered around interactive art, public gathering spaces, creating a magical holiday season and producing special events that preserve our heritage and support our community's abundant future. 

- The Well, Larissa Van Donselaar, https://thewelliowa.org/pella/, info@thewelliowa.org, 641-628-3333
Combining the Love of Jesus, the Help of our Communities, and the Strength in each Person to find Hope for Life. The Well envisions empowered people utilizing their God-given abilities to have long-term stability in their lives.

- The Work of Our Hands, Amanda Johnson, www.workofourhands.org, info@workofourhands.org, 641-628-8687
The Work of Our Hands is a nonprofit, fair trade store, supported by volunteers, which markets gifts and crafts made by artisans around the world.

- Together for Good, Lindsey Phillips, tfgood.org, Lindsey@tfgood.org, 641-820-0640
Together for Good provides a safe place for children to stay while parents gain stability. We build a community of volunteers to provide relational support around parents facing crises or chronic stress so that families are kept safely together. We come alongside families who are struggling in order to build relationships and strengthen parents so that foster care is not the only option. 

- Visit Pella, Ann Frost, www.visitpella.com, ann@visitpella.com, 641-204-0885
To promote and enhance the vibrant tourism experience in Pella. We collaborate with  local community organizations and businesses, focusing on economic growth and sustainability while showcasing our unique heritage, attractions, and exceptional shopping.

* Many of these organizations have a social media presence and can be found on Facebook and Instagram