Families Forward

10/16/2026

Families Forward is featured in Target Circle™! 🎯

Vote for Families Forward in the Target app to direct Target funds that support our work. Here’s how:

1. Choose “My Target” in the Target app, or visit https://www.target.com/circle/community-voting in your browser.

2. Tap “Cast votes.”

3. Find Families Forward & vote!

Voting is open through December 31, 2026.

10/15/2026

We love seeing our community show up for one another. ❤️

Our Family Day of Service brought together 53 volunteers who helped pack, organize, and distribute items for pantry guests and families staying at our shelter.

The day was full of teamwork, generosity, and a lot of care for our neighbors.

And we have to give a special shoutout to The Outside Scoop in Ankeny for donating ice cream for our volunteers. 🍦 It was such a fun way to wrap up a meaningful day.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it special!

10/14/2026

Celebrate progress and build brighter futures! Join Families Forward on Friday, Nov 6 @ 6 PM at The Loft DSM for Celebrating Families Moving Forward.

🎟️ Grab your tickets or donate here: https://givebutter.com/c/support-housing-for-local-families-qd4zse

10/09/2026

What a day of service! 💙

In honor of the 9/11 Day of Service, 53 amazing volunteers came together for our Family Day of Service to support individuals and families in our community.

Together, they assembled:
- More than 300 breakfast packs
- More than 300 after-school snack packs
- 400 hygiene packs

Volunteers also added handwritten notes and cards to the packs, sharing a little extra kindness and encouragement with each one.

After everything was assembled, volunteers helped distribute the items to guests at our pantry and families staying at our shelter.

We’re so grateful to everyone who gave their time to make the day so meaningful!

10/07/2026

WOW.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for Principal Financial Group/Foundation. They recently filled our truck with donations including
1600 no-sew t-shirt bags
400 birthday cake kits
500 art craft bags

Thank you for your generosity and for showing up for our families!

09/30/2026

Counting down the days!🗓️

In just a few weeks, we’ll gather at The Loft DSM for Celebrating Families Moving Forward on Friday, November 6, at 6:00 p.m.

Don't miss out on an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and community impact.

👉 Secure your spot or support from afar: https://givebutter.com/c/support-housing-for-local-families-qd4zse

Join our community event to help neighbors reach self-sufficiency.

09/30/2026

A kind word. A warm coat. A full pantry.

Sometimes, the simplest support makes the biggest difference. 💙

09/29/2026

We look forward to celebrating progress and sharing stories of triumph and hope with you.

Join us on Friday, November 6!

Learn more and register: https://givebutter.com/c/support-housing-for-local-families-qd4zse

09/25/2026

Want to make a difference? Here’s how!

Whether you give your time, your resources, or your energy—every action matters at Families Forward.

You can:
💵 Donate
📦 Organize a supply drive
👐 Volunteer
📱 Or simply scan to support!

Together, we can move every person, every family, every story… forward.

09/18/2026

Help feed a family.

Families staying at our New Directions Shelter are navigating the challenges of homelessness, and a warm, kid-friendly meal is one simple way to offer comfort and care.
We’re looking for volunteers to prepare or purchase dinner for up to 20–25 people and drop it off at the shelter. There’s no serving required, just drop off your meal and our team will take it from there! Meals are especially needed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Gather your family, friends, coworkers or community group and make a meal together or even order one for delivery. Whether it’s tacos, pasta, sandwiches, a casserole or another family favorite, your generosity helps make an evening a little easier for families at New Directions Shelter.
📍 New Directions Shelter | 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
👉 Sign up for a meal date: https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=1260849

Thank you for helping us make sure families feel supported, welcomed and cared for during their stay.

Volunteer meal donors prepare or purchase a child-friendly dinner for up to 20-25 people and drop it off at the shelter between 4:00–4:30 pm. No serving involved — just drop and go.