The Rooted Model
Meeting People Where They Are
The Rooted Model is Project IOWA’s newest approach to workforce support—one that brings our services directly into the heart of the community. Instead of asking people to come to us, we root our Career Coaches within trusted spaces where individuals already gather, such as food pantries and neighborhood centers.
This model prioritizes long-term, one-on-one relationships. Our Career Coaches build trust and walk alongside individuals as they work toward greater stability, offering employment assistance, personalized coaching, moral support, and direct connections to resources—all in the moment, right where they are.
Unlike our traditional cohort-based programs, The Rooted Model is designed for sustained engagement. It recognizes that progress looks different for everyone and honors each person’s journey toward meaningful, stable employment.
A Community-Driven Approach
This program is deeply rooted in collaboration, ensuring that participants can access solutions where they already receive vital assistance.
“Food insecurity is usually one of many challenges a person might be facing – challenges that have solutions if people can get connected to them. When those solutions can be offered in the same location someone is already coming to receive pantry assistance, we can make a bigger and broader impact in helping someone get back on their feet. These challenges and needed solutions are what the Rooted model helps us be able to learn about and offer, and why we were excited to have our DMARC-ket be a part of Project IOWA’s pilot program!”
Matt Unger, CEO of DMARC
Transforming Lives at the Urbandale Food Pantry
The partnership between Project IOWA and the Urbandale Food Pantry demonstrates how intentional collaboration can create meaningful change. Patty Sneddon-Kisting, Executive Director, reflects on the program’s early successes:
“Our collaboration with Project IOWA and the Rooted Model has been great to observe. Having Lisa here at the Urbandale Food Pantry has been incredibly beneficial for both our team and the families we serve.
Patty Sneddon-Kisting, Executive Director of Urbandale Food Pantry
Lisa has made significant strides in connecting with families, taking the time to listen and engage in meaningful conversations. She has seamlessly fit in with our team of staff and volunteers, contributing to a supportive environment for families facing daily challenges.
One of Lisa’s strengths is her approach to fostering open dialogue. She has been coming to the pantry with very intentional questions designed to encourage families to share their concerns and priorities. Questions like, ‘What expense uses the most of your resources?’ ‘What is your biggest worry today?’ and ‘If given a magic wand, what would you use it on?’ have opened up valuable conversations, helping us understand and address the needs of our community better.
We are grateful for this collaboration with Project IOWA and look forward to continuing our work together to make a positive impact on the lives of the families we serve.”
Looking Ahead
As The Rooted Model expands, we’re excited to witness the lasting impact it will have on individuals, families, and neighborhoods across our community. This approach reflects what’s possible when we come together with compassion, creativity, and a shared commitment to meeting people where they are. With every connection made and goal achieved, we’re building a stronger, more stable future—one relationship at a time.
Thank you to our partners
