About
We support refugee children and
families through the following initiatives:
Preschool:
We identify preschool aged children,
enroll them in preschool and provide
transportation to/from school daily.
Bus Pass Program:
We raise funds for DART bus passes. Did you
know that middle and high school students who
live within a three mile radius of their school
don’t get bussed in? The bus pass program
allows children to get to/from school safely.
Soccer:
We believe in success through soccer, which is why we cover club fees, food and transportation (to soccer practices, games and out-of-town tournaments) for 100+ soccer players across Des Moines. These students must maintain high grades and consistent school attendance.
Summer Overnight
and Day Camp:
We sign-up, pay camp fees, and provide all camp supplies (clothing and essentials) for kids to attend Y Camp and Camp Hantesa in Boone. We also provide kids with access and transportation to summer day camps in the Des Moines area.
Scholarship Fund:
We provide scholarships to pay for books and materials for kids who reach their goal of attending college in the United States.
Everyday Essentials:
We provide the basic essentials for families when they first arrive in the Des Moines area. This includes: food, personal hygiene, household items and clothing.
Women of the World:
We support women in their goal to sell baked goods and spices at our seasonal farmer’s markets in Valley Junction and Ankeny. We ensure that they are compliant with the cottage food code, supply ingredients and packaging, and then provide transportation to/from the markets where they can sell their goods at the DMRS farm stand. The women keep all proceeds.
Back to School Free Store:
Held at Drake’s Olmstead Center, we help refugee families and other families in need get ready for school by providing on-site sports physicals, school-mandated vaccinations, vision and dental checks, backpacks and school supplies, underwear, winter coats, clothing and toiletries.
Spring Free Store:
The Spring Free Store is a win-win! It gives our community members a chance to do their spring cleaning and donate any gently used items they no longer need. Then, refugee families and those in need can come pick from hundreds free, household items.
Santa’s Ride:
Hosted at six sites across the Des Moines area each December, we share the holiday cheer by providing a new toy and photo with Santa for each child, as well as warm weather clothing and essentials for the whole family.
Origin Story
In December 2016, Alison was the ELL teacher at an elementary school in East Des Moines. A new family—three boys in fifth, second, and kindergarten—was arriving from a refugee camp in Tanzania. Just before winter break, their mom visited with the boys and a toddler for a school tour. Days later, an interpreter called to say the family was moving. They had been living with another family of six in a small house nearby, but both families had found new homes. Alison asked if they needed anything. “We need everything,” was the reply. She gathered donations of clothes, toys, and essentials, delivering them to the family. The donations kept coming, so she distributed items to other families. On December 26, 2016, Alison, her husband, and a friend filled three SUVs and delivered essentials to 10 families, unofficially starting Des Moines Refugee Support (DMRS).
Though the boys didn’t attend her school, Alison grew close to them, taking them to the zoo, pool, and other activities. The mom trusted her completely, saying Alison could take the boys anytime. Alison signed them up for a soccer camp at Drake, where two extra kids joined. One, Stani, turned out to be an excellent player. Both he and the oldest brother joined competitive teams, supported by DMRS. Stani played for six years, with DMRS volunteer Sara Kizzier becoming his legal guardian when his family moved to Kentucky. Stani now plays college soccer, and the other boys have excelled on their teams. The family has recently purchased their first permanent home.