GWB Blog

Ruth put together a local community group where neighbors of all cultures and languages could eat, socialize, support each other and discuss issues in the community.

Gustavo is a key volunteer at Des Moines food pantry who helps distribute food, manage the parking lot, run produce and food recovery items to cars, and most importantly, he translates for families who are coming to receive food.

Sven, city manager in a town of 8,000, ensured his community was prepared for the pandemic and spearheaded collaboration between private and public sectors.

Michaela helped a local homeless shelter experiencing staff shortages. She also helped design and coordinate a housing program for individuals under investigation for COVID-19 and COVID positive persons needing a safe and secure setting to follow social isolation and distancing guidelines.

Jesse runs the St. Mary’s Food Kitchen. It normally fed 300 per month. Since the beginning of the pandemic that number has increased to 700 and above.

Hannah saw the need that her students were having and created a clothing closest out of her math classroom which evolved into food pantry for her students and their families.