Change Course

05/07/2026

Growth starts with courage, and Toni is stepping into it with confidence.

As part of our Kappa Class that began on 5/5, she’s setting intentional goals and choosing growth, one step at a time. This is what transformation looks like in real time.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6

Toni is walking in purpose, trusting God in the process, and embracing the growth ahead.

We’re proud of you, Toni, your journey is just getting started.

There is HOPE in this city!

04/30/2026

5 more Allies needed!

Our Kappa 2026 May Class is coming together, and we’re looking for five more volunteers to walk alongside Change Course participants in their new lives through meaningful relationships.

The commitment is simple:

• Mondays from 6–8 PM
• One Saturday retreat
• A heart for people and a willingness to be present

Our Allies do more than help. They show up, build trust, and love their neighbors well.
Help us fill these final spots this week.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/BYY1wDNf9LZws69T8

There is HOPE in this city!

04/16/2026

Last Thursday was a beautiful reminder that real change happens when a community shows up.

For our very first gala, the evening went better than we ever could have dreamed. We surpassed our $150,000 goal, and that only happened because of the incredible generosity of people who believe in this mission and the lives being changed through it.

To everyone who joined us, gave, served, and celebrated with us, thank you. Your support made the night deeply meaningful, and we are overwhelmed by the love that filled the room.

A special thank you to our incredible MC, Jim Mars, our auctioneer Damian Beard of BidWell Benefits, Sara Routh for setting the tone during cocktail hour, Betsy DeGlopper for capturing the evening so beautifully, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for closing out the night with so much energy and fun.

What happened that night was more than a successful event. It was a glimpse of what is possible when a community comes together around hope, restoration, and opportunity.

And the truth is, we’re just getting started. This is only the beginning. Because of your generosity, we get to keep building, keep believing, and keep walking alongside people as they pursue healing, purpose, and a new future.

Thank you for being part of it.

04/14/2026

What a night!!

We’re beyond grateful for everyone who joined us at the first annual Change Course Impact Gala last Thursday and helped make the evening so meaningful. Because of your generosity and support, we raised over $190,000 to continue the work of transformation happening through Change Course.

These photo booth moments capture so much of what the night was about—joy, celebration, connection, and a community that showed up in a big way.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this gigantic mission. There is so much ahead!

04/10/2026

What an unforgettable night at our 1st Annual Impact Gala!

We are beyond grateful for every supporter, partner, and guest who showed up, gave generously, and believed in the mission of Change Course.

Lives are changing because of YOU. ❤️

04/03/2026

We have a few seats left we'd love to fill!! It is going to be a really fun event!

Join us for the Change Course Impact Gala—just one week from tonight—at the Temple for the Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines.

This elegant black-tie evening will bring together community leaders, business partners, and supporters who believe in creating lasting opportunity in our city. Hosted in the main ballroom, the night features a cocktail hour with live jazz, a seated dinner and inspiring program, live and silent auctions, and a celebratory close with live music.

Guests will experience powerful stories of transformation and be invited to invest directly in the future of Change Course. Live music will be featured throughout the evening, with Sara Routh during cocktail hour and The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels closing out the night.

This is more than a night out—it’s an opportunity to stand alongside others who believe in meaningful change and are ready to help fuel it.

Table sponsorships and individual tickets are still available.

April 9, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Temple for the Performing Arts — Main Ballroom
Formal attire required

Reserve your seat at www.changecoursegala.com

There is HOPE in this city!

04/02/2026

Join us for the Change Course Impact Gala—just one week from tonight—at the Temple for the Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines.

This elegant black-tie evening will bring together community leaders, business partners, and supporters who believe in creating lasting opportunity in our city. Hosted in the main ballroom, the night features a cocktail hour with live jazz, a seated dinner and inspiring program, live and silent auctions, and a celebratory close with live music.

Guests will experience powerful stories of transformation and be invited to invest directly in the future of Change Course. Live music will be featured throughout the evening, with Sara Routh during cocktail hour and The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels closing out the night.

This is more than a night out—it’s an opportunity to stand alongside others who believe in meaningful change and are ready to help fuel it.

Table sponsorships and individual tickets are still available.

April 9, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Temple for the Performing Arts — Main Ballroom
Formal attire required

Reserve your seat at www.changecoursegala.com

There is HOPE in this city!

03/31/2026

Honored to sponsor such a wonderful event!

03/16/2026

Last week, we had the opportunity to stop by Life 107.1 to share the story behind Change Course, our mission to eliminate poverty in Des Moines, and the vision for our upcoming Change Course Gala. What began as a dream decades ago has grown into a community working together to help people find purpose, opportunity, and a new path forward. Thank you to Rob Newton and the team at Life 107.1 for the opportunity to share about the work happening through Change Course!

Take a listen to the full conversation below, and if you’d like to be part of the work, tickets and a few table sponsorships are still available—but going quickly—for our Impact Gala on April 9. Learn more and reserve your spot at changecoursegala.com.

There is HOPE in this city!

03/12/2026

Jill Featherstone, Senior Director of Museum Learning, Engagement, and Community Access at the Des Moines Art Center, joined our class today and shared about the cognitive and emotional benefits of creating and experiencing art. She helped our participants see that art is not just for trained artists or experts. It is something anyone can engage with in their own way.

Through her guidance, our students learned how to slow down, observe, and experience art in a way that is personal and meaningful to them. Even without any background in art, they were able to see how creativity and expression can open new ways of thinking, feeling, and reflecting.

We are incredibly grateful to Jill for spending time with our community and sharing her knowledge and passion. We are also thankful for this new partnership with the Des Moines Art Center and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship together.

There is HOPE in this city!