It’s Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.

Hey guys, it’s Amie, and welcome to your weekly dose of good news from Iowa!

Hope y’all are staying warm and toasty, ’cause UGH with this weather. I feel especially bad for those poor trick-or-treaters who had to cover their costumes with winter coats this year! (You all looked amazing anyway!)

Can we get a couple weekends in the 50s yet this year? I’m not done hiking!

I, unfortunately, cannot do anything about the weather. BUT, if you want something to warm your heart, read on for 5 inspiring positive stories from Iowa. (And tell me what you think by clicking the button below!)

Stay warm,

Feeding community 🥣

Ray Birden (pictured, right) loves to cook—ribs, chicken wings, catfish, gumbo and more. But he and his brother, who jointly own Ray’s Super Value and its restaurant LnR Grill in Waterloo, especially love feeding people. So when people come into LnR needing some food, Ray feeds them—free of charge.

But he also takes his free food on the road: He went to Ferguson-Fields Park during the summer, feeding kids who came to play basketball or hang out. He teamed up with Cedar Valley Thrift owner Karmin Teague (pictured, left) to give out chili and hot dogs at her store on Halloween. And for Thanksgiving he’ll be feeding folks at the Salvation Army men’s shelter, while Karmin feeds the women’s shelter. (Watch this space for more on Karmin next week!)

💬 “We’re just trying to do something nice for this community, this side of town. … I find real joy in doing for others.”

~Birden

(thanks to Gabbi D. for the tip!)

A Place to Relax 🪑

Outdoor spaces aren’t always welcoming to people who want to use them for a long time—people who might not have any other place to go, who just want to stop somewhere and relax, where they won’t be hassled or arrested for loitering.

A new Nature Sacred bench in Des Moines is providing that spot for folks. It’s part of the larger Urban Dreams courtyard, where people can use a phone charger, get water for themselves or pets, play on outdoor musical instruments, get free food and more.

💬 “If people get moments to just reflect, to take a minute for themselves, the hope is that they then leave the sacred place just a little bit clearer, a little bit better, a little bit more inspired or ready to take on whatever thing comes across the bow next.”

~Alden Stoner, Nature Sacred CEO

It’s no secret that Iowa’s largest agriculture operations—with only a voluntary plan to reduce runoff of fertilizer and manure—are causing major water quality issues in our state with dire health consequences. In lieu of actually fixing THAT problem, investing in and upgrading water treatment plants is a good way to protect the health of Iowans.

The Biden administration this week announced a $7 million boost in funding to finish the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, which already serves three western Iowa cities and will serve two more in the coming years (Sheldon this November, and Sibley in 2025).

💬 “If you don’t have good quality water and have it at an abundant level, your community or water system is going to suffer in the long run.”

~Troy Larson, Lewis and Clark Regional Water System executive director

Do you rely on well water? Money is often available to help you upgrade your wells to remove nitrates and other contaminants; read more about that here.

For those with severe mental illnesses who need treatment and a place to live, there aren’t many long-term options, particularly with the closure of state mental health institutes. A new option could keep people closer to home—and actually be their home for a while, too.

Elevate, which already operates intensive residential support homes in Burlington and Spirit Lake, opened its third in Waterloo last month. Two new downtown apartments with space for five people are next door to Elevate’s own clinic, and—unlike short-term facilities—allow folks space and time to heal, find new routines, and get ready for independent living. The first tenant moves in next week!

💬 “People can stay a few weeks, a few months and maybe even years if necessary. But they have the assurance that they will have housing and they will have the support that they need.”

~Bob Lincoln, Elevate project director

There’s currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes breathing and digestive issues. So when 10-year-old Charlie Hugunin of Norwalk was diagnosed with it, her family set about raising money to help fund research toward a cure.

Turns out, Charlie’s grandparents were friends with the parents of former Iowa State quarterback and current San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, who immediately OK’d his name and likeness for a fundraiser in Charlie’s name.

Pledges will be multiplied by the number of touchdowns Purdy throws during the regular season. So far, he’s at 12. (Don’t be like Michael Scott!)

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