Capital Crossroads

Happy to spend last Friday morning at The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University for the annual Business Innovators Breakfast!

The event convened leaders from business, government, nonprofit, and education to share creative ideas and collaborative approaches to support the JI as it helps build a future-ready workforce for our region.

Congratulations to Holmes Murphy on winning this year's Excellence in Innovation Award!

Learn more about the JI's work here: https://www.grandview.edu/about/institutional-information/Jacobson-Institute

Investing in Central Iowa's youth is essential to creating brighter futures and building a more vibrant community.

Community members are invited to join leaders from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and Polk County Iowa for an important conversation on the Safe & Thriving Youth Plan: a collaborative, community-informed effort to reduce youth violence in Greater Des Moines.

RSVP to secure your spot today: https://www.desmoinesfoundation.org/events/event/registration?id=4dc68bd2-9d10-4ab8-bec1-3b6277c5e7c3

What does it take to create a safer, more supportive future for young people in our community?

On June 10, we’re bringing people together for a conversation around the Safe & Thriving Youth Plan, a community-informed effort to reduce youth violence in Greater Des Moines.

Together, we’ll explore emerging priorities, hear from those helping shape the work and build a clearer path forward for lasting, generational change.

Be part of the conversation: https://buff.ly/Xk5mNps

A great opportunity below!

Did you miss today's Homebuyer Ed Class? Not a problem! We have a free class every month and our next one is May 11th! Sign up to secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/HomebuyerEdDSM

Oak Futures is offering paid summer employment opportunities for youth ages 14–24 across Greater Des Moines, combining real-world work experience with job skills training, career exploration, and leadership development.

Participants complete a one-week orientation followed by eight weeks of part-time work with local organizations.

Learn more and apply:
https://ow.ly/Sb7y50YVgHB

| Oakridge Neighborhood Services

ICYMI: Check out the April Capital Crossroads newsletter!

This month’s update spotlights the release of a new short film exploring childcare in Central Iowa, highlighting both the challenges families face and the opportunities to build a stronger, more accessible system. The work reflects collaboration across partners including the Iowa Women's Foundation. Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Children & Families of Iowa, the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

You’ll also find Cornerstone updates from partners across the region, including Casey's, The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University, Science Center of Iowa, and more.

From new funding pathways for small businesses to hands-on career exploration for students and expanded access to affordable homeownership, this month’s updates highlight how partners are meeting people where they are and building momentum across the region.

📬 Read the full newsletter: https://ow.ly/NbIr50YUGVb
Sign up for future newsletters: https://ow.ly/2WmL50YUGVf

The heart of Capital Crossroads is a shared commitment to approaching big challenges with positivity, openness, and a willingness to work together 🤝

There was no shortage of that outlook at this quarter's Regional Council convening as we heard about:

🔹A collaborative effort with Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Des Moines Area MPO, DART, and Capital Crossroads exploring the connections between housing, transportation, and land use

🔹Insights on youth mentorship, workforce development, and economic mobility from leaders at Community Youth Concepts and Iowa MENTOR

We feel the positive vibes and remain committed to the work!

📸: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Capital Crossroads is excited to announce the release of a new short film spotlighting the realities, challenges, and opportunities within Central Iowa’s childcare landscape.

Access to stable, affordable, high-quality childcare opens doors, strengthening today’s workforce, supporting family well-being, and creating a positive ripple effect for generations to come. This short lifts up the belief that working together across sectors is the best pathway to create meaningful solutions.

We’re proud to share this film in recognition of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child: a time to celebrate the importance of early learning and the people who make it possible every day.

🎥 Watch, share, and join the conversation as we work toward a stronger future for Iowa’s children and families: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRRph_ziP0I

Thank you to Iowa Women's Foundation, Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Children & Families of Iowa, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, and Greater Des Moines Partnership for helping advance this important conversation.

Greater Des Moines Partnership Childcare in Iowa: Realities, challenges and opportunities within Central Iowa’s childcare landscape

Applications are now open for the Dallas County Small Business Grant Fund, supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening communities across the region.

Offered through the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, this opportunity provides funding to help small businesses grow, with $20,000 awarded each round to outstanding businesses in Dallas County.

🗓 Applications close May 31
Learn more: https://dallascounty-ia.org/small-business-grant-fund/

Know a small business in Dallas County that could benefit? Share this opportunity.

The Women Empowerment Breakfast returns Wednesday, April 22, bringing together professionals from across the region for a morning focused on leadership, growth, and connection.

Hosted by the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and partner chambers, this event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to support women in the workplace and beyond.

Explore the speaker lineup, agenda, and secure your spot now before time runs out! Learn more here: https://ow.ly/b17550YHt8W