Stories

Preschool Partnership with Green Hills AEA

August 10, 2024

The preschool teacher embedded in Franklin Elementary School through the Green Hills AEA calls her students to the colorful rug in the front of the room. She outlines the posted schedule for the day and asks the class a question about today’s weather. Several hands shoot up, begging to be called on. The children aren’t […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $3 Million In Grants & Initiatives

July 22, 2024

Funding supports ASPIRE workforce education initiative and the fight against hunger in SWI (Council Bluffs, IA) – The future of career-based education in Pottawattamie County is strong, with the Iowa West Foundation committing nearly $1 million to local school districts and education partners as part of its ASPIRE investments for the second year. The initiative allows […]

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Iowa West Awards $10,000 to each Volunteer Fire Department that Responded to Tornadoes in Southwest Iowa

May 16, 2024

A total of $114,000 is being awarded to 12 volunteer fire departments in southwest Iowa (Council Bluffs, IA) – Volunteers for local southwest Iowa fire departments went above and beyond in the aftermath of recent tornadoes that damaged homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County.  According to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Volunteer Fire Department, his colleagues […]

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Arts Center at Iowa Western

May 11, 2024

Youth Series Field Trips for Thousands of K-12 Students When the two performers walk out onto the stage at the Arts Center, a hush falls over the crowd of hundreds of excited 3rd and 4th graders, from the bus ride from their elementary school and filing down the steps to the auditorium, they are finally […]

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Iowa West Celebrates Nine Leadership Program Graduates

April 25, 2024

Professional development and mentoring opportunities support leadership growth for women who live or work in Pottawattamie County (COUNCIL BLUFFS) –The Iowa West Foundation recently celebrated the graduation of nine participants from its leadership program. The program was designed to provide access to professional development and coaching opportunities, resulting in community leadership growth for women of […]

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FIRST AVE

April 22, 2024

A Vibrant Thoroughfare in Council Bluffs A few years ago, few identifiable amenities existed along a little-known right-of-way called First Avenue. Fast forward to today, where it’s a household name in Council Bluffs (featured on at least one license plate) and a bustling hub of a trail for people walking, children playing, and unique, all-ages […]

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Iowa West Foundation Awards $3.7 Million In Grants & Initiatives

March 26, 2024

Funding supports access to preschool, playgrounds, and financial freedom (Council Bluffs, IA) – A recent report from the Iowa Department of Education found that Pottawattamie County ranked No. 1 in Iowa for kindergarteners’ early literacy skills, a significant increase over the past five years. Since 2008, Iowa West Foundation has invested more than $18 million in […]

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“The Best Jiu Jitsu” Coming to Iowa West Wrestling Center

February 10, 2024

Local law enforcement will receive a discounted rate to utilize the space for training The community is invited to attend an open house and ribbon cutting for The Best Jiu Jitsu, an addition to The Best Wrestler at the Iowa West Wrestling Center that adjoins the Iowa West Field House on Saturday, Feb. 10th at […]

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Iowa West Welcomes New Staff, Board, and Advisory Committee Members

January 25, 2024

Solomon hired as Office Coordinator, Alford Elected to Board, and Forristall and German Join Advisory Committee The Iowa West Foundation recently welcomed several new members to the organization. Council Bluffs native Emily Solomon began her role on staff as the office coordinator and former advisory committee member Mike Alford was elected to the Iowa West […]

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