Stu and Ray Stitchman gave quietly throughout their lives. Now their understated generosity is creating a legacy of care and compassion by supporting students entering the nursing field.  Stu was born March 29, 1922, was...

Creating art is something very human, and it happens across the world in places like Paris, Rome, New York City, and Fayette, Iowa. Thanks to a new program at Upper Iowa University, art is becoming...

Sometimes things happen for a reason, and for Kathy Atkinson, the timing of her start on the board of trustees of Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa may have saved her life. “I think it’s...

Exceptional Persons, Inc. has impacted lives for over 60 years. The organization is an important community partner in serving people with disabilities. However, EPI’s children and family service department is growing, primarily working with child...

For a school district like the Waterloo Community Schools, innovation is an important part of setting students up to succeed not only in the classroom but for life after high school. With over 10,000 students, the...

The curtain opens, the stage lights come on, and the actors take their spots. At North Star Community Services, inclusion takes many forms, including theater.“One of the things we do at North Star that I’m...

EMBARC, a Des Moines based nonprofit, started small in Waterloo, but from those beginnings, has grown into a leader in strengthening the refugee community in the Cedar Valley. “We opened our doors here in Waterloo in...

Five generations of the Thomson family have called Cresco, Iowa home, and all five generations have been part of leading the family business, CUSB Bank, with a philosophy focused on community. “My family has always been...

Ross and Megan Hannam believe in the power of strong communities. It is the feeling of support, neighbors helping neighbors, and a desire to make that place better for all people that Ross experienced growing...