We need your help!

Jami Alford Translating Services

Jami Alford not only volunteered to serve our clients with some childcare needs so they could attend WeLIFT's happenings and translation assistance as needed, WeLIFT staff had the honor of supporting her to start her own business, JA Translating Services. Give her a call if in need of these services! 515-552-0761

Kevin

Kevin worked weekly with WeLIFT to update his resume, apply for jobs, and practice interview skills. After a month of working and showing up at WeLIFT 2 times a week, Kevin got hired at Securtias - a full time position with benefits to provide security at the airport in the new construction zone as the new international airport is being constructed.

KenzieCare Designs

KenzieCare Designs is more than just a shop; it's a testament to the strength and determination of a single mom pouring her heart and soul into a dream. Born from a desire to create and provide a curated selection of urban apparel and other unique items. Each piece is chosen with care, reflecting a blend of modern style and individual expression. Running this shop is my labor of love, and I hope you'll enjoy browsing the collection and supporting my journey.

✨Community Spotlight! ✨

Luke Lynch with UWCI volunteered for our Incarceration event in March. UWCI is WeLIFT's top partner and sponsor as Luke facilitates several of the committees on discussing and implementing change for a variety of social determinants like housing, mental health, food insecurity, low wage employment etc. We are incredibly thankful for Luke and the entire UnitedWay of Central Iowa team!

Austin Malone is one of the several students that completed his HiSET. WeLIFT has a great partnership with DMACC and Indianola Public Library where we finally got a local class for our residents. Austin - along with over 10 other people are set for HiSET graduation! Stay tuned for that on July 17th!

Dasen Moss

Dasen Moss came to WeLIFT in the fall of 2024 with the goal of graduating from Indianola HS Class of 2025! Dasen worked 4 days a week at WeLIFT and completed all his required credits to receive graduation status in February of 2025!! Thank you Dasen for letting WeLIFT be a part of this HUGE accomplishment! Now we are ready to help him with his Career Pathway!

DARE event on April 12th, 2025 WeLIFT staff, Sue Wilson, was honored to be the guest speaker at this year’s 2025 Indianola 5th grade DARE Graduation. She spoke on the importance of becoming a leader of your own life. The speech included topics like making the right decision even when it’s the hard decision, forgive yourself and others, work hard at the skills you have, and stay honest.

We hosted an incarceration simulation with panel discussion about how our community can improve our resources, effectiveness and infrastructure to better support our residents who are returning to our community following prison or jail. Warren County has a 38.1% recidivism rate which is not good considering the size of our county. We CAN DO BETTER! Thank you to all who came and learned with us! WeLIFT, REFORM, and Harvest Academy made this event Free through our sponsorships.

tina dodd spotlight

Resident Tina Dodd - works hard to make all her monthly payments and works with WeLIFT staff on financial budgeting, so she can take care of her health and spend less time worrying!

2025 Incarceration Event

These pictures are from our Incarcerated Event from March 7th, 2025. Pastor Ben and Freedom Fellowship hosted our event. Pastor Ben’s message was for the church to support the efforts of the community organizations. Harvest Academy shared their personal stories of life after incarceration. Kam Middlebrook with REFORM spoke on the importance of legislation action. Michelle with 211 talked about our state collaborative resources all found by calling or texting 211.

2025 Girls' Circle Recap

Girls Circle had the opportunity to learn from Jordan with EFR on a 10 week curriculum that discussed all things middle school from friendships, to mean classmates, self care, homework, peer pressure and responsibility. Mickie Larche was this year's School Program Facilitator.

2025 Girls' Circle Events

6th grade Girls' empowerment circle. WeLIFT receives a grant from the Chrysalis Foundation to work with our 6th grade girls at Indianola Middle School on life skills and mindset. Guest speakers throughout the year included our School Resource Officers Hackett and Marshall. The officers talked about the importance of internet safety, finding a trusted adult and making sure the girls know there are people at school to support them every step of their education.

2025 substance use in the workforce

A powerful morning to learn about the substances that are available to our young adults - the Myths, Facts and how to navigate this public health concern at home and in the workplace. Welift Job Search Center and Indianola Chamber brought specialist speakers on the current drug trends in our community.

2025 C3 De-escalation Outreach

I wanted to share this letter to give everyone more insight into the heart of WeLIFT and the work they do at the Community Hub.

2025 Warren Co Health Navigator

2025 Financial Literacy Class

2025 IMU Project Share

In honor of Sue's birthday month - We wanted to spotlight a new program to help our residents keep their lights on and water heated through IMU. It’s called Project Share and you can donate to the cause and a team of people help distribute funds to the IMU accounts of residents in need. Read the link below for more details! She thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!

United Way of Central Iowa is here when our communities need us. One of the keyways we support our neighbors is through 211, a confidential 24/7 call center that connects individuals with local resources. 211 received 15.4 million requests for help in 2023 alone, including 424,000 in Spanish. This free service is available in over 180 languages, ensuring everyone can access the help they need. For support, call 211.

Celebrated our neighbor and our partnership with A&W Family Restaurant & 50 years of McConnell Concessions!

2025 Distinguished Chamber Leader-Sue Wilson

Congratulations to Sue with WeLIFT on winning the Distinguished Chamber Leader Award at the Indianola Chamber Annual Celebration! Sue Wilson exemplifies leadership and compassion. As Executive Director of WeLIFT Job Search Center, she empowers individuals through career development, job training, and essential resources. On the Indianola School Board, she addresses student challenges, spearheading initiatives like introducing virtual reality glasses to offer exploration of trades and career path

Thank you Back Alley Bikes - another small Indianola business - who donated bikes to several residents to help transportation for employment !!