Iowa Community Care Foundation

04/26/2026

What an exciting milestone for our new Central Lee Special Olympics team!

Although only two of our five athletes were able to attend Districts due to the rescheduled event date, Winnie and Greyson proudly represented the team with determination, heart, and true sportsmanship.

Both athletes earned BLUE RIBBONS in the tennis ball/softball throw and have now qualified for the State Competition!

For a brand-new team, this is an incredible accomplishment and such a proud moment for everyone involved. Their smiles say it all—confidence, joy, and the reward of hard work shining through.

A special thank you goes to our amazing coaches—Erin, Kassidy, and Cam—who have helped build this team from the ground up. While Kassidy had a prior commitment and Cam was celebrating Prom night, Coach Erin was there cheering on and supporting the athletes every step of the way. It truly takes a team, and these coaches are helping create something special.

We also want to thank Central Lee Community School District for giving Winnie and Greyson a wonderful send-off on Friday before competition day. That encouragement and school support means so much to our athletes and their families.

We are grateful for the grant support, school and community encouragement that helped make this opportunity possible for our athletes and our growing Lee County Special Olympics Iowa teams.

Congratulations Winnie and Greyson—we are so proud of you!

04/13/2026

💙 A Small Coin… A Big Meaning 💙

One of the most powerful moments from our Mitchellville Elementary pen pal visit wasn’t loud or busy—it was simple.

Each veteran was handed a small coin… but behind it was a story.

Earlier this year, a veteran visited the students and shared the tradition of military challenge coins—what they represent, where they come from, and the pride behind receiving one.

The students didn’t forget.

Made possible with the help of a generous community supporter of Southeast Polk schools, the school created their own “challenge coins". During their visit… they made sure every veteran received one. 🎖️

Inspired by their school’s RAM mascot and their own challenge coin tradition—where students are recognized for kindness, effort, and doing the right thing—they wanted to pass that same sense of honor on to the veterans.

In the military, challenge coins represent pride, recognition, and belonging—making this gesture even more meaningful.

For our veterans, it was more than a coin.
It was recognition.
It was respect.
It was a connection to their service—and to a younger generation who truly sees them.

For the students, it was a full-circle moment—turning something they learned into something they could give back.

💙 As the visit came to an end, many students made it a point to personally thank each veteran for their service.
A small gesture—but one that speaks volumes about the kind of lessons being taught by their teachers and parents.

That’s what this program has been about all year.
Not just letters… but understanding.
Not just visits… but relationships.

💙 And in the quiet moments— smiles, and simple “thank yous”—you could see exactly what this program has meant on both sides.

We’d call that mission accomplished.

04/11/2026

💙 A School Year of Connection Comes Full Circle 💙

What started as a simple pen pal program between SEP Mitchellville Elementary (Southeast Polk) and the veterans at Community Care Pleasant Hill turned into something so much more.

After a full school year of letters, today those connections came to life in the most beautiful way.

Two classrooms traveled by bus to visit—not only their assigned veteran, but all 37 veterans in the home. What followed was a few hours filled with laughter, conversation, and moments that truly mattered.

Students served veterans from a coffee bar they created—hot coffee, flavored options, and even iced coffee for a few adventurous vets who decided to give it a try alongside cookies. ☕🍪

They brought snacks, fruit, and treats to share, while ICCF provided pizza, chips, cookies, and drinks for both the 33 students and their teachers, along with the veterans.

🎲 With the help of Jasmine, Activity Director, students and veterans teamed up for “Minute to Win It” games—bringing smiles and energy to every corner of the room.

🪨 Before leaving, students hid painted rocks outside for veterans to find later—a small surprise that will continue bringing joy even after the day ended.

🎖️ Students also shared a special gift with each veteran—more on that in our next post.

🎁 The students also gave back in a big way—donating board games, personal care items, and supplies for bingo prizes at the home.

🍕 A special thank you to Casey's General Store for donating cookies and pizza certificates, helping make this day even more special.

What meant the most?
Veterans who rarely leave their rooms came out, engaged, laughed, and connected.

And as the students were getting ready to leave, several shared the same sentiment:
“We didn’t have enough time… we want to come back.”

Honestly… we feel the same way.

💙 This is what community looks like.
💙 This is what connection does.
💙 This is why we do what we do.

📸 Pictures truly are worth a thousand words—take a look at the smiles, the laughter, and the connections made today.

04/08/2026

💙 Recognizing a Special Coach 💙

Sometimes the biggest impact comes from those who don’t seek the spotlight…

We want to take a moment to recognize another of our Central Lee Special Olympics coaches—Camden Thornburg.

As a senior at Central Lee, Cam brings a strong passion for sports and a commitment to helping others grow. He has been involved in football and track & field and has spent years supporting youth football programs—encouraging and guiding younger athletes along the way.

Now, as part of our Special Olympics coaching team, Cam is stepping into a leadership role—working alongside fellow coaches and helping guide our athletes with patience, encouragement, and heart. As the youngest member of the coaching staff, he is already making a meaningful impact.

Cam will continue his football career and education at Briar Cliff University, where he plans to study strength and conditioning and pursue coaching.

Though he may be a quiet person at times, his leadership and dedication speak volumes. We are proud to have him as part of our coaching team. 💙🏅

04/06/2026

🎉 Welcome to Our New Coaches! 🎉

The Iowa Community Care Foundation (ICCF) is excited to announce and warmly welcome Kassidy Simmons and Erin Benner, the coaches for the newly formed Central Lee Special Olympics team! 🏅

Their dedication and enthusiasm will help our athletes grow, compete, and shine in every practice and event. We can’t wait to see all the great things these coaches and our athletes will achieve together!

Join us in giving them a big ICCF welcome! 👏💙

03/17/2026

📣 Keokuk Special Olympics Needs One Key Volunteer!

We already have interested athletes excited to compete and possible coaches ready to train, but the team cannot move forward without a Delegation Manager (Team Coordinator).

This role is mostly paperwork and communication with Special Olympics Iowa—you don’t have to coach, just help keep things organized so our athletes can participate!

In many communities, the Delegation Manager is simply a parent or community member who helps keep things organized so local athletes — including their own child — have the opportunity to participate.

💙 Central Lee has begun practices and Fort Madison has an active team—We would love for Keokuk kids and adults to have the same fun opportunity!

If you’re organized, reliable, and want to make a real impact in your community, message me directly. One person stepping up can make this team a reality!

03/11/2026

Two new Special Olympic teams are forming in Keokuk and Central Lee areas. Looking for athletes to join these teams. We would love to have you as well as volunteers interested in helping with the teams. See contact information at the bottom.

03/11/2026

💙 Thank you to Community Foundation of Carroll County for awarding grant funding to support the purchase of a used handicap-accessible van for the residents of Community Care of Iowa’s small group homes and Day Habilitation program in Carroll.

🚐 Reliable transportation is vital for the individuals we serve. This van will help residents get to medical appointments, attend recreational activities, and enjoy outings such as trips to the park for walking and exercise.

We appreciate the Community Foundation of Carroll County’s support as we work toward improving accessible transportation and expanding opportunities for independence, health, and community connection for the individuals we serve.

Every trip, walk, and outing helps our residents enjoy more independence, health, and connection in the community. 💙

Thank you to the members of the Community Foundation of Carroll County for your support!

Pictured are ICCF and Community Care of Iowa representatives with the Community Foundation of Carroll County at the grant award ceremony.

02/28/2026

During the Fort Madison Chamber annual dinner and awards ceremony, many people were recognized; three received awards.

02/28/2026

Congratulations Marshall!

We’re excited to announce the nominees for Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the Fort Madison Daily Democrat! Nominations were accepted throughout January, and we’re honored to recognize two individuals who make Fort Madison better every day:

✨ Jordan Prado – for his dedication to helping residents and businesses through his work and volunteerism, and for his leadership in revitalizing the Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta and supporting community events.

✨ Marshall Barker – for sharing positivity and pride in Fort Madison through “Life with Marshall,” shining a light on local businesses and reminding us all of the power of kindness.

The winner will be announced at the Chamber Annual Dinner on Friday, February 27, where we’ll also recognize our Ambassador of the Year. It will be a great night with live entertainment, Cork Pull, auctions, raffle, cash bar, and a live painting by Gin Lammert!

🎟 RSVP by Feb. 17
📞 319-372-5471 | chamber@fortmadison.com

10/18/2025

✨ Supporting Special Olympics in Southeast Iowa! ✨

Iowa Community Care Foundation (ICCF) was proud to create and donate themed baskets and a wine rack for the Burlington Special Olympics Annual Fundraising Auction held on September 27th. Our Margarita Fiesta basket, Christmas Cookie Baking basket, and wine rack helped raise funds to support local Special Olympics athletes.

Accepting the donations is James Bonar for the Burlington Special Olympics team.

A special thank-you to Stage 2 in Ft Madison for generously donating several items included in the baskets — and to everyone who came out to support such a great cause!

ICCF is proud to support Special Olympics programs in Southeast Iowa and to continue our mission of helping individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout Iowa. 💙