December 7, 2021
Des Moines, IA — The Wellmark Foundation has provided a $250,000 contribution to Urban Dreams that will aid in the purchase and renovation of a property that will serve as the nonprofit's new Des Moines facility — Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center.
"We are extremely grateful for the support of The Wellmark Foundation that will allow us to further our vision of creating equal opportunities and access for people to pursue their dreams and succeed," said Izaah Knox, executive director of Urban Dreams. "This new space opens a world of possibilities and will allow us to further expand not only our programming, but our partnerships within the community."
The Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center, located at 1615 2nd Avenue, is 11,109 square feet, 10,000 square feet larger than the current facility, and will house all Urban Dreams Des Moines operations, including an expanded food pantry, additional community event spaces and more areas for individualized programming.
"The work Urban Dreams is doing aligns well with Wellmark's desire to improve the overall health of our communities," said Cory Harris, The Wellmark Foundation board chairman and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield President and CEO. "The Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center will allow Urban Dreams to assist more Iowans and create positive outcomes by improving their quality of life, through programs and assistance with housing, jobs, education, access to healthy foods and more."
Since 1985, Urban Dreams has offered support services for those experiencing substance abuse, chemical dependency, or mental health concerns, provided workforce development programming for underrepresented populations, and offered community and cultural connection opportunities to residents across Iowa. To learn more about Urban Dreams and how you can support the organization, follow @urbandreamsorg on Facebook External Link.
The Wellmark Foundation has awarded nearly $55 million in grant and project funding to initiatives that positively impact the well-being of Iowans and South Dakotans.
