Organizations

Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Association

The Des Moines Guild begins the meetings/presentations in September, however we are active all year long. We start the season creating hats, scarves and mittens and donating to those in need. We also conduct outreach classes with various organizations as well as classes for the community. We participate in weaving and spinning demonstrations at various events throughout the Des Moines area especially the Iowa State Fair in August each year. You may have also spotted us at Blank Park Zoo or the Beaverdale Farmer's Market. We have hosted the Bi-Annual Iowa Federation meeting and recently hosted the Midwest Weavers Conference in June 2023.

EMBARC

EMBARC’s mission is striving to help refugees expand their world of possibilities through advocacy, education and community development throughout Iowa. As Iowa’s first refugee-led social service organization, EMBARC offers support and resources for refugees in need. These resources include a wide range of educational and healthcare programs, as well as access to housing, food, job opportunities, mentoring and more. It’s all about building stronger refugee communities, which in turn helps build a stronger Iowa.

EMBARC provides:

• Cultural Services
• Language Helplines and Access Center
• Crisis and Advocacy Services
• Early Childhood Parent Navigator

• Education and Classes
• Community-Based English as a Second Language Classes
• IT Navigator - Digital Literacy Classes

• Interpretation Services

• EMBARC Language Helplines
• Burmese 515-421-0487
• Chin Languages 515-421-0354
• Karen: 515-473-0977
• Karenni: 515-918-6585

Empigo Academy

Empigo Academy is an innovative secondary school providing quality education & training to the youth of Des Moines. We focus on character development, leadership training, and career readiness, all grounded in biblical teachings. Combining cutting-edge technology with biblical values, we provide a unique and well-rounded education experience nurturing the spiritual, academic, and vocational development of our students.

Horizon Science Academy

Leaders of HSADSM realize that many of our nation’s public schools located in poverty areas are in crisis. To undertake this challenge and close achievement gaps, the school will personalize education by supporting the development of meaningful, sustained relationships among teachers, students, and parents; set clear, coherent goals and expectations that are well communicated to students and parents; and provide opportunities for students to complete real-life, meaningful projects that students can relate to amongst other personalized activities.

Japan America Society of Iowa

The Japan America Society of Iowa aims to promote friendly international relations, cultural activities of interest to members and mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Japan.

Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) was founded in 1989 by a small group of dedicated individuals to promote Japanese culture in central Iowa. On January 29, 1989, the first meeting of Japan America Society of Iowa was held by seven members who shared one of the traditional Japanese art of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements) with the community of central Iowa.

Project Iowa

Project Iowa provides transformational programs for individuals that are looking to grow personally and professionally. Our holistic training approach connects individuals to their purpose and meaningful, stable employment.

We collaborate with community partners and employers to connect them with a confident and skilled workforce. At Project Iowa we know that when individuals succeed the whole community benefits.

Veggie Thumper

March 5 2016…. The day I bought a bus. It started with several months of hunting for a vessel to bring Veggie Thumper to the streets of Des Moines. Then reality set in, I have a dream, goals and a budget. Then the other reality set in, start-ups are discouragingly hard to get funded and I was plowing through my savings to make the dream become reality. So I went to Bagley Iowa, checked out the bus, I looked, I started it, I saw the vision of the creations yet to be created within the walls. With that I leapt. I paid the man and for the first time in my life, I drove a big red bus. And hour and thirty minutes, All 35 feet of it. This was an interesting experience, it drove sort of like a slow boxy bus. I didn’t switch lanes the whole way back on the interstate and I laughed hysterically for a good portion of the drive home, in awe at where my life had taken me. The bus, It thumped , rattled and was loud, but it was now mine and was part of the master plan to bring wholesome, healthy plantbased comfort foods with a vegetarian vegan spin. There have been many ups and enough downs, but the experiences have been worth it thus far. As I work toward my goals of raising funds and further piecing the bus together one step at a time you can keep track of the progress here. Find out where the bus will be for pop-ups or other Veggie Thumper activities. Thanks for thumpin’ with me! Peace