Making Connections Des Moines is about...

POPULATION CHANGE. We're a community-change initiative designed to make life better for people living in 15 of Des Moines' most challenging neighborhoods
…for children …for youth …for families …for neighborhoods

We focus on a single premise: children do better when their families are strong, and families do better when they live in communities that help them succeed.

ACTION & RESULTS. More than words, more than theory, we're about taking action to close the gaps in the results — in employment and economic security, health, school readiness and education success. We're about systems that work and results you can count.
  More children starting school ready to learn
  More youth graduating from high school
  More opportunities for families to stay strong and get ahead
  More people   …with a job   …with money to buy what they need
  …with money to save   …having better health   …living in safe housing
  …connected to one another
  …with the resources and supports they need close to home
  …and taking part in the life of their community

COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP. All of us are in it together. Our cross-directional approach brings together individuals, families, neighborhoods, business, government, social service groups, education and others in new ways to make systemic
- and lasting - change happen.

BUILDING CAPACITY. We “teach people to fish.” Through technical assistance and identifying best practices, we lift up local expertise and help build the skills and know-how needed within the community to make life better and to make change happen.

MAKING CONNECTIONS is about a stronger Des Moines for all of us. Connect with us.

Children do well when their families do well, and families do better when they live in supportive neighborhoods. It's all about results.