Families Forward

06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Preschool Prom a huge success!
Our kids (and adults) had a ton of fun. What a great way to help close out the school year.

05/26/2026

We are so incredibly grateful to Veridian Credit Union for supporting our Bidwell Pantry Expansion!

Their generous donation will help us expand our current space, creating a huge impact on our services. Thank you, Veridian, for supporting Families Forward and the highest-serving food pantry in Iowa.

Veridian Credit Union

05/25/2026

Next time you’re shopping, consider adding a few extra items to your cart for Families Forward. Small everyday essentials can make a big difference for the families we serve.

We are currently in need of:
Sponges
Hand soap
Hand sanitizer
Laundry pods
Dryer sheets
Twin sheets and blankets
Pillows
Silverware
Baby wash

Items can be purchased from our Amazon Wish List or from any retailer and dropped off. Thank you for helping us provide comfort, dignity, and care to families in our community.

Amazon wish list:

05/23/2026

We’re feeling grateful for the creativity and generosity of Coffee & a Cause Ladies Group of Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church. Through their “Purses & Backpacks with a Purpose” project, they put together purses for women, teens and girls in addition to backpacks for boys, all filled with essentials!

Thank you for showing up with such heart and purpose.

05/20/2026

🎓 Volunteer Opportunity: Preschool Graduation 🎓

Help us celebrate the biggest day of the year for our Preschool Graduates! Our Child Development Center is preparing for the annual Preschool Graduation, a meaningful milestone for children and families, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make this evening shine.

Volunteers are needed for:
Set-Up Crew | 3:30–5:30 PM
Help carry in supplies and transform the space into a festive graduation celebration.

Event Crew | 5:30–7:30 PM
Welcome families, distribute programs, set up snack tables, and assist with clean-up at the end of the evening.

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for one shift or stay for both. Join us as we celebrate our youngest learners and the bright futures ahead of them!

Click here to register: https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=1260900

05/19/2026

The Beaverdale Big Event is here!

This community-wide effort connects neighbors and local businesses with meaningful ways to make a direct impact on families in need.

Beginning this week, you can support Families Forward by donating food, clothing, and baby and hygiene essentials at locations throughout the area. Every donated item helps us provide stability, dignity, and support to families working to build their future.

You can drop off your donations at any of these locations:
Beaverdale Nutrition
Rooted Fitness
Fireweed Acupuncture
Dinner Delights
UpTempo Music
Beaverdale Books
Beaverdale Better Business Bureau
Green Family Flooring

To learn more visit https://beaverdalebigevent.com/

The Beaverdale Big Event Many Ways to Give Back One Beaverdale May 11 – May 30, 2026 What is the Beaverdale Big Event? The Beaverdale Big Event provides opportunities for residents and businesses to work together and give back. It starts with donation opportunities beginning on May 11th and culmin...

05/08/2026

Help spark learning and joy for young children at our Child Development Center! ✨

We’re currently in need of new toys that support early development and play-based learning. Check out our wishlist (or shop similar items anywhere) to make an impact today.

View the list here:

05/06/2026

We had an amazing couple of Saturdays at our New Directions Shelter thanks to the incredible REVIVE young adults from Lutheran Church of Hope!

This energetic group spent time connecting with the kids, bringing fun activities, laughter, and so much joy into our space. They also rolled up their sleeves and tackled some big projects. They organized our storage room, clothing closet, and linen closet to help keep everything running smoothly for the families we serve.

Thank you, REVIVE, for your heart, your time, and your willingness to serve!

04/27/2026

We want to share a leadership update with our community.

Suzanne Zutter is no longer serving as Executive Director. We’re grateful for her contributions and wish her well.

Kelsie Pinegar has stepped in as Interim Executive Director, bringing deep experience and a strong commitment to the families we serve.

Most importantly, our work continues without pause. We are committed to serving families, and we thank you for being part of this mission. If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to us at 515-244-9748.

04/17/2026

Help Us Create Safe, Welcoming Spaces for Families

Over the next several weeks, volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves to tackle outdoor clean-up projects at New Directions Shelter, Bidwell Pantry, and our Child Development Center.

This year, we’re also expanding these efforts to include the homes in our The Home Connection program—many of which are in need of extra care and attention.

While residents have traditionally maintained their own yards, we’ve recognized that access to basic tools like lawnmowers and yard equipment isn’t always possible. We want to step in and ensure every family has a safe, clean, and welcoming outdoor space.

💛We’re inviting our amazing community to support this effort by donating:
• Compostable yard waste bags
• Gently used rakes and yard tools
• Outdoor clean-up supplies (gloves, clippers, etc.)

We’ve added these items to our Amazon wish list for convenience, but you’re welcome to shop anywhere—or donate gently used tools you already have!

View the list here: