Project Description:  Ames Romero House serves nearly forty guests food each day it is open and nearly 12,600 guests at the House in its entirety.  Its current granite counter has developed stress fractures and two significant cracks from heavy use, creating challenges during meal service. A 108” x 30” x 2.25” commercial-grade wood countertop would improve the serving area’s appearance, durability, versatility, and service efficiency.

 Mission/Purpose of Organization: We provide daytime assistance where individuals in need can come to share food, fellowship, and access various amenities. Our foundation rests on principles of solidarity with those experiencing poverty, hospitality towards them, and fostering community connections. Inspired by the Catholic Worker movement and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to offering hospitality to those seeking help.

Project Description:  Funds will be used to purchase sensory toys, play mats, and crash pad covers for the Autism Day Program classroom. These items are used daily by thirty-five children to support safe high-energy activity, sensory regulation, and fine motor skill development while replacing worn equipment. The Autism Day Program is the only program of its kind in Iowa, providing care and early intervention for children with autism ages two through six.

Mission/Purpose of Organization: ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 6,000 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We are experts in pediatric rehabilitation and care for children and young adults who have a wide variety of developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

Project Description:  Funds requested will be used to purchase eight travel system stroller/car seat combinations at an estimated cost of $250 each. The travel systems will be provided to mothers and infants residing in Martha’s House of Hope’s maternity housing program who need safe, reliable transportation for their babies.

Misson/Purpose of Organization:  Martha's House of Hope is a non-profit organization, founded by Catholic individuals committed to providing shelter, life skills and hope to pregnant mothers and their babies; to strive for lives of self-reliance, a sense of service and the realization of their God-given dignity, regardless of their beliefs. Martha's House of Hope seeks to partner with people of all faiths who desire to support this mission with their prayers, time, talent and/or treasure.

Project Description: Funds will purchase books that support language and literacy development for young children in the Ames Primary Health Care waiting room. At an estimated cost of $10 to $12 per book, the $2,000 grant would provide at least 186 books, which will be labeled with Altrusa of Ames recognition and placed on a Community Bookshelf with signage. Altrusa members and community partners may help select, deliver, and maintain the books, and the collection may also support outreach events such as National Night Out and Juneteenth.

Mission/Purpose of Organization: The mission of Raising Readers in Story County is to support the language and literacy development of young children by providing books, caregiver guidance, and early childhood programs.

Project Description:  The Salvation Army supports Story County’s extreme weather sheltering efforts through The Warming Place, which provides temporary overnight shelter from November through April during severe winter conditions. When The Warming Place is at capacity, The Salvation Army helps provide overflow hotel accommodation at an estimated cost of $55 per person per night. In winter 2025, eleven women received hotel accommodations on thirteen nights at a total cost of $7,865; under similar 2026 conditions, a $2,000 Altrusa grant would cover just over 25% of the expense.

Mission/Purpose of the Organization: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.