SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY BY GIVING BACK

"Serving on the Board of Directors for CommUnity (formerly The Crisis Center) in various roles (Board Chair, Finance Committee Chair) has opened my eyes to the increasing need for the many services provided by CommUnity. Their Mobile Food Pantry & Food Bank and Crisis Outreach Services (Mobile Crisis Outreach, Crisis Chat and 24-Hour Crisis Line) are vital to the people of our community, and to the state of Iowa."

- Jeremy James

"Participating in the grant review process for the Iowa Women’s Foundation in 2016 was an eye-opener for me. I’m a long-time believer in this organization, but the act of sitting down with dozens of applications, each one representing a dire need, and having to choose a select few was a challenge. It was a good reminder of how much work we still have to do to actively support women in our state."

- Jeremy James

"DVIP provides services, support and advocacy for women, men and children in our community who are facing domestic violence and looking for a safe haven. I have enjoyed serving on the DVIP board of directors and have come to understand the complicated challenges we face in protecting survivors and stopping domestic violence in our state. While serving, I had the opportunity to get to know some of our staff, who serve victims across our rural counties, many of them covering two counties alone.  Their devotion to DVIPs mission to provide safety and human dignity for all is tireless.  They are my heroes and inspire me to keep asking what more I can do."

- Hannah Rapson

"I rely on NPR for my daily news and enjoy listening to the diverse programming and podcasts they offer. NPR’s thoughtful and in-depth coverage broadens my perspective and appreciation for the world we live in. I am grateful for the unusual point of view they often take when reporting on current events, the exposure to new music, rich humor and storytelling."

- Hannah Rapson

"As a Communications degree-holder with a concentration in Radio, TV and Film I’m very passionate about public access programming – it brings great content to everyone! When I get tired of the 24 hour news cycle, I increasingly turn to IPTV for uplifting, educational and commercial-free entertainment. Some of my favorites are cooking shows, like The Great British Baking Show, great series like Downton Abbey, and science-based shows like their Nova programming."

- Jodee Bixler

"The Englert Theater is one of the cultural touchstones in our community that make it so great to call Iowa City and the surrounding areas “home”. We’re proud to support our local theater by sponsoring The Second City annually. Our team looks forward to this event, as well as many others held at this historic venue, each year."

- Jeremy James

"100+ is a great opportunity to get to know like-minded people and raise money that can have a significant impact on small organizations doing big work in our community. It’s exciting to watch my $100 grow exponentially through contributions of $100 made by other members. I’ve seen my $100 become $25,000. It feels good to be part of the whole – to see what we can accomplish when we come together and work toward a common goal."

- Jeremy James

"The Bur Oak Land Trust is a local non-profit that arranges and holds conservation easements, facilitates transfers of land from private to public ownership, and advises land owners on the donation, sale, and conservation of their land. Growing up visiting our family farm has helped me understand the importance of conservation and the impact our actions can have on future generations."

- Jeremy James

"Iowa City is repeatedly ranked as one of the best places to retire. Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living (TRAIL) of Johnson County plays an important role in our community by helping its members to age-in-place through their retirement. The services and events they provide are an asset to our community."

- Jeremy James

"Growing up, I was in awe of my grandmother’s knowledge of birds and her ability to identify all of the species around the farm just by listening to their songs and calls. Since recently relocating back to Iowa after 30+ years in Texas, I am enjoying getting re-acquainted with the local birds.  I have been frequently visiting the Iowa Raptor Project, especially to spend time in the bird blind.  IRP’s mission is to preserve Iowa's birds of prey and their natural habitats through educational programs, field research and a host of other activities.  The Iowa Raptor Project is a jointly sponsored program of University of Iowa Recreational Services and Kirkwood Community College. Donations directly support the raptors who call the IRP home, in addition to the myriad programs offered by IRP."

- Jodee Bixler

"A love of Mysteries & True Crime introduced me to the fact that hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits are currently held in storage facilities across the country (4,265 of which are in Iowa). Each untested rape kit represents a missed opportunity to identify violent offenders, improve public safety, and demonstrate a commitment to justice to survivors and perpetrators. End The Backlog’s mission is to address and prevent this issue in the future through research, training & technical assistance, education, federal advocacy and legislative campaigns."

- Riley Larson

"Miracles in Motion, a therapeutic equestrian center, has been providing lessons and life-changing experiences to students for 30+ years! From humble beginnings, the programs have expanded to include both ground and riding programs for children and adults with special needs and military veterans. Services can only happen with lots of volunteers (over 150 each season), dedicated staff, certified instructors and the herd of 17 therapy horses that live on a 76-acre farm. I have long valued the bond between people and horses. When my own horse, Sanchez, passed away I wanted a way to continue to work with these creatures. I often say I got involved for the horses, but I stay involved for the positive impact they have on our students."

- Lois James

"I was introduced to Miracles in Motion by Lois, who has been a long-time volunteer and currently sits on their Board of Directors. I am honored to continue the James Investment Group tradition of supporting Miracles in Motion and all the work they do for their students."

- Jeremy James