2025 Annual Report

12 Month Review

This year, Project Iowa supported hundreds of individuals in finding purpose, building skills, and pursuing meaningful careers. Together with our partners, participants, and community supporters, we strengthened programs, expanded opportunities, and continued to foster a sense of belonging and hope.

Across our work, growth took many forms. YouthWorks guided high school students as they explored career paths and built confidence for the future. Cultivating Careers supported adults navigating change and finding renewed purpose. Thursday Thrive and other community gatherings strengthened connections among graduates and participants, while Poverty Simulations invited local partners to better understand and address barriers to economic mobility.

Even as community needs evolved, one thing remained clear: progress happens when we come together. Each person who engages with Project Iowa—whether as a participant, partner, or supporter—contributes to a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

This year, Project Iowa continued to walk alongside individuals as they discovered purpose, built confidence, and pursued meaningful, stable employment. Across our programs, participants gained skills, explored new possibilities, and connected with a community that believes in their potential.

Together, we saw stories of growth and resilience unfold—people taking steps toward stronger careers, greater stability, and renewed hope for the future. The impact of this work can be seen in the numbers that follow, each representing a life moving forward with purpose and possibility.

This year, Project Iowa brought people together to celebrate growth, connection, and impact through two signature events.

The Growth Gala celebrated the incredible achievements of Project Iowa participants and partners—each story a testament to resilience, hope, and possibility. The evening also introduced the inaugural Tony Wilson Legacy Award — You Are Enough, created to honor leaders who embody the empowerment and community spirit Tony poured into Project Iowa. In a meaningful full-circle moment, the first award was presented to Tony Wilson himself.

In the fall, we introduced Locker Wars, a lively new fundraiser blending friendly competition, music, and networking—all in support of career development and economic mobility. The event’s energy and creativity reflected what drives Project Iowa every day: people coming together to open doors and create opportunity.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports Project Iowa—through financial gifts, event participation, engagement in our programs and services, and by sharing our mission with others. Your generosity makes our work possible and helps change lives across our community.

Gaby Cox
Director of Programming

Julie Fugenschuh
Executive Director

Selena Jachens
Facilitator

Lisa Juckett
Career Coach

Mary Kelley
Director of Operations

Jamie Loggins-Evans
Director of Communications & Marketing

Chris Noth
YouthWorks Director

Zach Steele
Career Coach, CIRCA Facilitator

Kim Stewart
Facilitator

Torrie Townsell
YouthWorks Coordinator

Lance Webber
Career Coach

Hilary Wieck
Office Manager

April Wyett
Facilitator

Brett Middendorf
President

Larae Stinson
Past President

Noah Beacom
Vice President

Alicia Leach
Treasurer

Rick Levi
Secretary

Noah Beacom
Vice President

Kim Estes
Board Member

Caryn Evans
Board Member

Shilpi Singhal
Board Member

Jeff Smith
Board Member

Niki Hinton
Board Member

Kelly Woerdehoff
Board Member

Ana Luong
Board Member