Families Forward

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United States
Des Moines, IA
Families Forward

Over 100 years of providing compassionate, life-changing assistance to families.

Empowering positive futures: Over 100 years of providing compassionate, life-changing assistance to families on their path to self-sufficiency. As of July 2023, Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill officially merged into Families Forward, an organization where the original four programs - Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter, and The Home Connection - work togethe

r to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

The easiest way to ensure that Families Forward can continue to operate these life-changing programs is through financial contributions. You can donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/brc

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs

08/25/2026

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us at Kendra Scott Jordan Creek for the Kendra Gives Back event benefiting Families Forward.

Thank you to the Kendra Scott team for hosting us, and to everyone who stopped by, shopped, learned more about our work, and showed support for families in our community. Your generosity helps Families Forward continue providing compassionate services, shelter, and resources to those who need them most. 💛

08/21/2026

Help us care for 20 Home Connection properties this summer and fall! 🌿🏠

Families Forward is looking for volunteer groups to help clean up and refresh yards at homes serving families working toward housing stability and financial independence.

Groups of 4–12 volunteers are ideal. Opportunities are available on select weekday mornings and afternoons.

Contact Missy at [email protected] to check availability and schedule your group.

08/20/2026

We were honored to join United Women in Faith members from across Iowa at the Mission u event in July.

Kelsie and Missy spent the day connecting, learning, and sharing at this statewide gathering centered on faith, service, and creating meaningful change in our communities.

Thank you to United Women in Faith for bringing people together in support of stronger families and brighter futures.

08/12/2026

Make volunteering a family activity! 💙

Join Families Forward for our Family Day of Service Volunteer Event on Saturday, August 15, from 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Families can choose from three volunteer shifts, and all ages are welcome.

Additional volunteer opportunities are available to help distribute items at the pantry on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18.

Bring the whole family and spend time together while giving back to our community. Learn more and sign up: https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=1288639

08/11/2026

Thank you to the incredible team from Casey’s General Stores for showing up for families in such a meaningful way. 💚

In June, the group volunteered at one of our Home Connection houses, clearing the yard and fence lines, loading 400 pounds of debris, and sweeping and mopping the home.

Despite the heat and humidity, they powered through with energy and compassion. Thank you, Casey’s, for helping create a safe, welcoming space for a family working toward stability and self-sufficiency.

08/10/2026

Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity for your workplace, church, service club, or community group?

Volunteer groups are needed to help with yard cleanups at our Home Connection properties.

Suggested volunteer times include:

🌿 Weekday afternoons from 1–3 p.m. or 1–4 p.m.
🌿 Monday, Thursday, or Friday mornings from 9–11 a.m. or 9 a.m.–noon

Groups of 4–12 volunteers are preferred. Contact Missy at [email protected] for availability.

08/05/2026

A big thank-you to the middle schoolers from St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines! 💚

The group spent time serving at New Directions Shelter, tackling outdoor landscaping by pulling weeds and spreading wood chips before heading inside to organize the shelter’s storage room.

We are grateful for their hard work, positive energy, and willingness to make a difference for families in our community. Thank you, St. Mark Lutheran Church, for putting compassion into action!

07/31/2026

A house becomes a home through care, hard work, and community. 💙

Thanks to an incredible team of volunteers and staff, one of our Home Connection homes is now clean, refreshed, and ready to welcome a family.

Together, the team removed 2,000 pounds of yard debris, power-washed the exterior, cleaned windows, refreshed the kitchen and bathroom, deep-cleaned carpets, painted, removed trees, installed a new floor, and completed many other improvements.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped create a safe and welcoming space where a family can begin its next chapter.

07/30/2026

Your creativity could brighten a child’s week!

Families Forward needs volunteers to help provide crafts, games, and engaging activities for children staying with their families at New Directions Shelter.

📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 4:30–6:30 p.m.
👧 Children ages 1–17
🎨 Activity ideas are welcome

Help us create a positive, welcoming environment for children during a challenging time. Contact [email protected] to sign up.

07/27/2026

I have some bittersweet news to share. This August, my time with Families Forward will be coming to an end.

Over the last 12 years, I have remained committed to serving this organization to the best of my abilities, and I’m thankful for all the leadership support and mentorship that took me from a case manager in our New Directions Shelter program to Interim Executive Director of Families Forward.

I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of having walked alongside countless families receiving our services. And from Families Forward staff, to volunteers, to funders, community partners, and donors, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best people I know!

I know that Families Forward is in good hands and I am excited about everything that is to come for the organization.

As for what is next for me, I’m looking forward to some extra time with my family as we explore new and different ways for me to participate in this work.
-Kelsie Pinegar

Address

3001 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50312

Telephone

+15152449748

Website

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B40JTCWAKPND?ref_=wl_share, http://www.familiesforward.org/

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