Community Difference Makers

A raise, promotion, or additional work hours should help a family get ahead. But for some, earning more can mean losing access to critical public benefits like childcare assistance, food support, or healthcare coverage. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore a challenge that many working families face but few people talk about - the benefits cliff.

Featuring:

• Sue Wilson, WeLIFT
• Karla Evans, Iowa Center for Economic Success
• Dave Stone, United Way of Central Iowa
• • Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

Transportation affects nearly every part of daily life, but for many people, getting where they need to go isn't simple. 

In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore the transportation challenges facing central Iowa and the impact they have on employment, education, healthcare, childcare, and other essential services.

Featuring:

•Brooke Ramsey, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA)
•Erin Hockman, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
•Luke Lynch, United Way of Central Iowa
•Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

For today’s students, success doesn’t follow a single path. While some may choose a four-year university, others may find their future through community college, registered apprenticeships, industry credentials, military service, or career-focused training programs.

In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore how educators, employers, workforce organizations, and community partners can help young people discover the opportunities available to them and make intentional decisions about their futures.

Featuring:

•Gaby Cox, Project Iowa
•Heather Isaacson, By Degrees Foundation 
•Mike Cooper, United Way of Central Iowa
•Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

What does it take to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive?

In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore the intersection of disability services, health, education, and equity in Central Iowa. Join us as we discuss how to create a more inclusive community where people of all abilities can participate, contribute, and succeed.

Featuring:

•Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe 
•John Claes, Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines 
•Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

Graduating from high school is an important milestone. But what happens the morning after graduation? For more than one in five Central Iowa graduates—22%—there isn't yet a clear plan that includes education or training beyond high school.

In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss the importance of helping young people leave high school with a sense of what comes next. 

Featuring:

•Melanie Campbell, Des Moines Public Schools Foundation 
•Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
•Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

Preventing youth violence takes more than a justice system. It takes families, schools, mentors, community organizations, and young people working together. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore Central Iowa’s Safe & Thriving Youth Community Plan, the progress being made, and how a coordinated community effort can create safer, brighter futures for local youth.

Featuring: 

•Kimberly Graham, Polk County Attorney 
•Bridget Cravens-Neely, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa
•Tone Roddy, United Way of Central Iowa 
•Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

Explore two innovative housing solutions making a difference in Central Iowa: transforming extended stay hotels into supportive housing and creating affordable homeownership through a community land trust. Discover how creative thinking is helping expand access to safe, stable housing for more people.

Featuring: 

•Jaqueline Chico, Central Iowa Community Land Trust / Home, Inc.
•Emily Osweiler, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing 
•Michael Berger, United Way of Central Iowa
•Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss how central Iowa’s health and human services organizations responded to United Way’s Thriving Community Survey and what it tells us about the demand they’re experiencing, their ability to meet it, and what they expect in the months ahead in the Des Moines metro. 

Featuring: 

• Janice Schroeder, Children & Families of Iowa
• Alicia Vermeer, Community Youth Concepts
• Joseph Jones, United Way of Central Iowa
• Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore how food pantries can serve as a gateway to additional support for families and individuals facing challenges with housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and more. 

Featuring:

• Kathy Underhill, DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council)
• Zuli Garcia, Knock and Drop Iowa
• Luke Lynch, United Way of Central Iowa
• Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust 

Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa

Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa recap the conversations we had throughout the season on food insecurity, housing, childcare, and safe and thriving youth.