Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County

05/06/2026

Every child deserves safety, stability, and hope.

Members of the Open Arms Foundation and professionals from across Jasper County were honored to be invited to Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in a national training initiative with the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children focused on helping professionals better recognize and respond to the needs of vulnerable children and families.

Important conversations about protecting children, breaking cycles of trauma and supporting professionals. Grateful for the opportunity to highlight the power of collaboration, compassion, and early intervention happening here in Jasper County.

05/01/2026

May is Foster Care Appreciation Month, and at Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible foster families in our community.

These families open their homes and hearts to children during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Their impact is real, lasting, and deeply important to the strength of Jasper County.

To show our appreciation, Open Arms is delivering May Day bags to every foster family in Jasper County this week. It’s a small gesture, but one that comes with a big message: you are seen, you are valued, and you are not doing this work alone.

Through our F3 Program (Fortifying Foster Families) we remain committed to supporting foster families with resources, connection, and community every step of the way. Each bag is filled with goodies, small toys, a Casey's gift card, and a The Kraken's Crate gift card...and more!

We’re grateful for each and every one of you.
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Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Family? Stay tuned, as this month we will share information about the process!

04/21/2026

The Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 Guardian Award: Detective Chad Plowman of the Newton Police Department, IA.

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to protect, advocate for, and support children in our community, and Detective Plowman exemplifies that mission in every sense.

Throughout his career, and especially in his current role as a Detective, Chad has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting children.

His commitment goes beyond the badge - From serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), to mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, to volunteering in community programs and coaching youth sports, Chad has dedicated both his professional and personal life to being a guardian for children.

Because of individuals like Detective Plowman, our community is stronger, safer, and more compassionate.

Please join us in congratulating Detective Chad Plowman on being named the 2026 Open Arms Guardian Award recipient!

03/30/2026

Tomorrow is the last day to nominate!

01/28/2026

The Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County is proud to announce the Open Arms Guardian Award, an annual recognition honoring an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting, advocating for, and prioritizing the well-being of children in Jasper County.

This award recognizes those who serve as guardians in the broadest sense – professionals and volunteers whose actions reflect courage, compassion, and an unwavering focus on the best interests of children.

Nominate a Guardian Today!

The Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County is proud to announce the Open Arms Guardian Award, an annual recognition honoring an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting, advocating for, and prioritizing the well-being of children in Jasper County.

12/31/2025

We are incredibly appreciative of Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy - Newton! Thank you!

Our next Season of Giving recipient is The Open Arms Foundation.

The Open Arms Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission centered around providing immediate and meaningful support to vulnerable children and families in Jasper County, ultimately aiming to reduce the emotional and psychological impact of challenging circumstances on these individuals. Open Arms provides backpacks filled with essential items that a child might need during their initial entry into foster care.

12/25/2025

Last night, on Christmas Eve, local law enforcement reached out to Open Arms to assist a child in need who was facing unsafe circumstances. When we were contacted, the child had very little with them - just a trash bag with a single change of clothes and no resources to make Christmas feel like Christmas.

Because of the support behind Open Arms, we were able to respond immediately. The child received a backpack filled with clothing and toiletries, and through the generosity of our supporters, Christmas gifts were delivered as well.

The child is safe and spent the evening watching Christmas movies, eating pizza with law enforcement officers, and opening Christmas presents. Small moments of comfort during a difficult time.

We are especially grateful to the law enforcement officers who not only ensured the child’s safety, but also took the extra time to care about the child’s happiness and sense of normalcy on Christmas Eve.

This is a small but powerful example of the kind of support Open Arms has seen across Jasper County since its inception. We are deeply grateful to our community, partners, and supporters who make moments like this possible.

From all of us at Open Arms, we wish you a Merry Christmas and thank you for being part of a community that shows up when it matters most.

12/19/2025

This holiday season, Open Arms started a new tradition. Our "Holiday Hope Program" ensures that children in unique and vulnerable situations experience the joy of Christmas.

Through this program, we were able to provide Christmas gifts to children who - because of circumstances beyond their control - might otherwise have gone without. These are children navigating instability, transition, or hardship, and something as simple as a wrapped gift can be a powerful reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Each child received a large sack of wrapped gifts and a stocking full of items!

We are deeply grateful to our donors, Iowa Speedway, United Way of Jasper County, our community partners, and supporters who made this possible. Your generosity turned compassion into action and helped bring hope into homes this Christmas season.

From all of us at Open Arms, thank you for helping us create moments of joy and stability for the children who need it most.

12/17/2025

We are incredibly appreciative of the Iowa Speedway and The NASCAR Foundation for supporting us in our Holiday Hopes Program, which is going to deliver Christmas gifts to Jasper County children who are in unique situations this holiday season!

Today, Track President Eric Peterson presented a check to the Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County as part of the Holiday Hope Program. ❤️

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Open Arms! We are incredibly thankful for all of your support in 2025 and are excited to show you how that support has paid off for our community. Exciting announcements to come soon regarding our successes and next steps! Thank you!