Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County

09/02/2026

Jasper County EMA is doing tremendous work with our schools in Jasper County to make sure that students are prepared for potential emergencies. Along with the Jasper County Alliance for Drug Endangered Children we are happy to be able to help with these books!

A big thank you to the Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County for purchasing books to help better prepare our youngest students.

Learn From the Helpers: 5 Actions That Keep Us Safe was created by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation for children in preschool through second grade. Through an age-appropriate story, the book introduces the five actions of the Standard Response Protocol: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

The goal is not to frighten children. It is to help them understand, in simple and reassuring language, what their teachers and trusted helpers may ask them to do during an emergency. Introducing these concepts early helps make school safety procedures more familiar and less intimidating.

Open Arms is committed to providing immediate and meaningful support to vulnerable children and families throughout Jasper County. This purchase is another great example of that mission in action.

Thank you to Open Arms and Jasper DEC for investing in our children and helping us build a safer, better-prepared 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.

01/22/2026

Like totally awesome news!!! Tease those bangs, grab your Brat Pack it's time to BINGO 80's style! United Way of Jasper County and Open Arms Foundation are teaming up to bring you one totally rad night at BACK TO '80s BINGO!!! 10 rounds of bingo with totally tubular prizes and 1 EPIC GRAND PRIZE round, plus a bingo dauber and a chance to win an '80s themed costume contest. Let's party in style on April 30. Get your tickets now before they disappear like a VHS tape! Tickets are $30 and available at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uwojc/event/backto80sbingo/