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Iowa Nice in the Neighborhood
For more than 50 years, the Neighborhood Centers have been at the heart of Iowa City—creating spaces where children learn, families grow stronger, and neighbors connect. What began in the early 1970s as a grassroots effort to support families has grown into a vital network of programs that respond to the unique needs of the community.
From early childhood education and after-school programs, to youth leadership, family support, and neighborhood outreach, the Centers focus on solutions shaped by the people they serve. In a world that often feels divided, they show what’s possible when we listen, connect, and lift one another up.
In this episode, we dive into the history of this remarkable organization and hear directly from the people making it all happen. Joining us are Executive Director RR and Assistant Director RaQuishia Harrington.
Want to Be Iowa Nice?
Watch the documentary on their website and donate to support this important work.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Make Iowa Nice and our community spotlight
00:45 How the Neighborhood Centers began — connecting neighbors in Iowa City
02:30 Early childhood education and supporting families
04:30 Programs that meet people where they are
06:30 Building stronger families and fostering resilience
08:15 Partnering with local organizations to address community needs
10:00 From kids’ programs to adult services — serving all ages
12:30 A day in the life at the Neighborhood Centers
15:00 Helping neighbors with jobs, health, and basic needs
17:00 Creating spaces where people belong and connect
19:00 Stories of impact — families and children thriving
21:30 The power of volunteerism and giving back
23:00 Supporting mental health, social services, and community resources
25:00 When “Iowa Nice” shows up in everyday acts of care
27:00 Challenges and opportunities for neighborhood-based programs
29:00 How connections strengthen the broader community
31:00 Ways listeners can help — volunteering, donations, advocacy
32:30 Closing thoughts: Neighborhood Centers as hubs of Iowa Nice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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By Meghann FosterFor more than 50 years, the Neighborhood Centers have been at the heart of Iowa City—creating spaces where children learn, families grow stronger, and neighbors connect. What began in the early 1970s as a grassroots effort to support families has grown into a vital network of programs that respond to the unique needs of the community.
From early childhood education and after-school programs, to youth leadership, family support, and neighborhood outreach, the Centers focus on solutions shaped by the people they serve. In a world that often feels divided, they show what’s possible when we listen, connect, and lift one another up.
In this episode, we dive into the history of this remarkable organization and hear directly from the people making it all happen. Joining us are Executive Director RR and Assistant Director RaQuishia Harrington.
Want to Be Iowa Nice?
Watch the documentary on their website and donate to support this important work.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Make Iowa Nice and our community spotlight
00:45 How the Neighborhood Centers began — connecting neighbors in Iowa City
02:30 Early childhood education and supporting families
04:30 Programs that meet people where they are
06:30 Building stronger families and fostering resilience
08:15 Partnering with local organizations to address community needs
10:00 From kids’ programs to adult services — serving all ages
12:30 A day in the life at the Neighborhood Centers
15:00 Helping neighbors with jobs, health, and basic needs
17:00 Creating spaces where people belong and connect
19:00 Stories of impact — families and children thriving
21:30 The power of volunteerism and giving back
23:00 Supporting mental health, social services, and community resources
25:00 When “Iowa Nice” shows up in everyday acts of care
27:00 Challenges and opportunities for neighborhood-based programs
29:00 How connections strengthen the broader community
31:00 Ways listeners can help — volunteering, donations, advocacy
32:30 Closing thoughts: Neighborhood Centers as hubs of Iowa Nice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices