03 Apr 2012

Local Companies Help Renovate Homeless Shelter

By Holly Nomura
FIND OUT EVEN MORE on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 2pm at the Family Service Center, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport

QUAD CITIES, USA - When The Salvation Army unveiled their Adopt An Apartment Program, a community resident, Kathy Rhinehart, knew how she could share her talents and connections. Over the last 8 months, Kathy has donated hundreds of hours to The Salvation Army by creating beautiful window coverings on every floor of the Family Service Center.

"It's not about me," said Kathy, "It's about the businesses that donate their fabrics and the community organizations that build the boards. Since I only work part-time now, the curtains are actually a great way to keep myself busy. Most of all, it's about the families who live at the shelter."

Kathy also designs and sews all the curtains for the Habitat for Humanity homes in the Quad Cities.

Knilans Furniture and State Street Interiors are the generous businesses that have donated the fabric.

Eldridge Methodist Church supplies the lining, and Eldridge Lions Club builds and donates all the wooden boards and rods.

A tour of The Salvation Army Family Service Center is offered to the public and media on April 4, 2012, 2pm to see all the great improvements.

There are still 18 apartments left to be adopted and renovated. Please call Holly Nomura at 563-271-7933 to find out more about this life changing program.

About the Family Service Center

The Family Service Center, the only family shelter in the Quad Cities area, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, provides housing and meals to over 100 people every night. Right now, there are 55 children living at the Center. Over a year's time, more than 40,000 meals will be served along with more than 19,000 nights of shelter.

####
02 Apr 2012

Operation Gratitude and Team Rubicon Announce Partnership Supporting First Responders

By Operation Gratitude

Military support charity Operation Gratitude and veteran-focused disaster relief organization Team Rubicon today announced a strategic partnership to send "First Responder Kits" to volunteers assisting with natural disaster and crisis relief efforts world-wide. 

The "First Responder Kits" (FR Kits) will be assembled at the Operation Gratitude Headquarters in Van Nuys, CA and shipped to every Team Rubicon volunteer across the country.  Each FR Kit will contain an assortment of donated items such as batteries; a drawstring backpack; a towel; energy bars; a spork (a combination utensil/tool); heavy work gloves; head lamp; safety glasses; a write-in-the-rain notebook; pens; a Leatherman; a Nalgene water bottle; a Team Rubicon t-shirt and a Paracord "Survival" bracelet hand-made by Operation Gratitude supporters.  

Most of the Team Rubicon volunteers are recent U.S. Military veterans. "We sent care packages and supported these heroic service members while they were deployed overseas in combat zones," says Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek. "Now that they are serving our country and the world by assisting with natural disasters and humanitarian relief, we will continue to express our deep appreciation and respect to them through our First Responder Kits." 

Team Rubicon co-founder William McNulty agrees that the partnership between the two organizations makes perfect sense: "Team Rubicon engages U.S. military veterans, many returning home after fighting ten years of war, and offers a renewed sense of purpose for their skills and experiences," he said.  "The FR Kits will provide our volunteers with essential gear as well as morale-boosting encouragement from fellow Americans who are grateful for their continued service."   

As with its other programs, Operation Gratitude will rely on the generosity of the American people -- individuals and corporate sponsors -- to supply, assemble and ship the initial 5,000 FR Kits by the end of June, 2012.  The organization seeks both product donations to fill the FR Kits as well as financial donations to pay assembly and shipping costs of $75,000.  

Item donations may be shipped to:

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: First Responder Program

Financial donations are welcome and may be made online: 
https://www.operationgratitude.com/donate/

Or by check payable to Operation Gratitude and mailed to:

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436 

In keeping with Operation Gratitude's mission of providing "hands-on" opportunities to say "Thank You" to our nation's heroes, the organization is encouraging supporters all over the country to make Paracord "Survival" Bracelets to include in each First Responder Kit, as well as in the care packages to deployed troops.  More information and instructions can be found here: How to Make a Paracord Bracelet.

About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, to military families and veterans in financial distress due to unemployment, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 760,000 packages to American Military members and their children.   

Learn more about Operation Gratitude by visiting:

Web: http://OperationGratitude.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/OpGratitude
Facebook: http://facebook.com/OperationGratitude
Blog:          http://OpGrat.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/OpGrat
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/opgratitude

About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with medical professionals to rapidly deploy emergency response teams into crisis situations. TR is creating a new paradigm in disaster response that recognizes and harnesses the skills of military veterans; offering them a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves.

Learn more about Team Rubicon by visiting:
Web: http://teamrubiconusa.org
02 Apr 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters taking pre-orders for annual Plant Sale

By Emily Jepsen
DAVENPORT, IA–Big Brothers Big Sisters is now accepting mail-in and online orders until April 23rd for its Annual Plant Sale. Flowers will be available after this date at their retail site May 5th - 13th at Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport.

The Plant Sale offers hundreds of annuals and specialty plants for purchase including flats, hanging baskets, spikes, and vinca vines. Individual, group, and corporate orders are encouraged through the pre-order campaign by visiting www.bbbs-mv.org. Pre-orders over $150.00 can be delivered to your home or business May 5th-8th.

"Hanging baskets in particular have been really popular in recent years. They make a great Mother's Day gift. In addition to the online order form, the website features photos of all the types of plants we have available, so people have a better idea of what they're ordering," Justin said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recommends that customers order their plants in advance to ensure the fulfillment of their entire order. Pre-orders can be placed on the agency's website at www.bbbs-mv.org. Customers can also call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (563) 323-8006 to have an order form mailed to them.

For pre-orders, customers have a chance to help beautify a local summer camp for youth and a woman's shelter. Purchase one or more flats of flowers to be donated to Camp Shalom or Winnie's Place.

Pick-up and delivery of pre-orders will be Saturday, May 5th through Tuesday, May 8th. Retail and walk-up sales will be held Saturday, May 5th through Sunday, May 13th, at the Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport.

"People like to bring their mothers and shop for plants together," Justin said. "For many families, companies and individuals, the Plant Sale has become a Mother's Day tradition."

The plant sale is presented by Iowa American Water, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, Hazelwood Homes and Heritage Landscape Design. Other sponsors include Northwest Bank & Trust Company, Becker & Becker, RSC Equipment Rental, Modern Woodmen, Lujack's, DMW Design, WHBF-TV, Quad-City Times and Koehler Electric.

A portion of the proceeds from the plant sale support AmeriCorps member's direct service projects within Big Brothers Big Sisters.

###
27 Mar 2012

German American Heritage Center

By Janet Brown-Lowe
March 24, 2012

Dear Members and Friends

We have news of an exciting proposal from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, which manages a part of our endowment. They have set aside a challenge pool of $100,000 to be distributed to the first 20 non-profit groups in the area that can raise $15,000 from at least 10 donors. Groups that meet this challenge will receive an additional $5,000 toward their endowment from the challenge pool. It is important to note that the money raised must be in this calendar year and must be a paid donation, not a pledge or payment on an earlier pledge.   If a group raises $30,000 the $5,000 match may be used for operating expenses OR it may go to the endowment, whichever the group prefers.

 

A healthier endowment is one way in which we can assist our operating funds during challenging times. Interest from this money helps pay our regular bills and ensures a more secure future. If you would consider a contribution to this effort now, in any amount, we would be very thankful. No donation is too small...or too large! We are already at $4,600 as of today, with four leaders contributing! Can I count on you making this sum grow at a fast and furious pace?

The last time a challenge of this nature was made the money was distributed in six months, despite setting a deadline until the end of the year. Please do not wait; send in a check ASAP. Your check should be sent to GAHC for tally purposes, but made out to The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB) and marked GAHC Endowment Challenge. We will keep track of our progress and let you know how the fund is growing. Wouldn't it be great if GAHC were to be one of the first groups to meet the challenge?

 

Thanks in advance for helping!   I look forward to your solid support!

 

Best,

Janet Brown-Lowe, Executive Director
23 Mar 2012

INDULGE YOUR APPETITE TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED

By Rebecca Wheeler
Moline, IL? How can indulging in a scrumptious lasagna dinner pay dividends for those in need? The Landing will host a delicious Lasagna Night to support Christian Care on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. A mere $4.00 donation will provide a generous helping of lasagna made by D'Alessandro's Italian Cuisine, as well as a slice of garlic bread. Those who bring an item mentioned on the Christian Care needs list will be eligible to participate in a drawing for a prize package. The needs list can be found at www.christiancareqc.org or by calling Rebecca at 309/788-2273. There will be a 50/50 drawing and other prizes available, as well. The Landing is located at 1601 River Drive in Moline. Make reservations by calling Amanda at the Landing at 309/236-2818. Join the feast and help provide for the growing number of homeless and abused individuals who are served each day by Christian Care.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission  or men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. Christian Care's Community Meal site is open to anyone who is hungry in the Quad Cities. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to christiancareqc.org or to facebook.com/christiancareqc.
22 Mar 2012

Dan and Jennifer will speak about their lives with 2 different forms of Multiple Sclerosis.

By Charlie Becker

 

 

Dan, son of Nancy(library director) and Roger Digmann, and his wife Jennifer will be here to talk about their lives with 2 different forms of MS (multiple sclerosis).

In 2011, Dan and Jennifer published the book "Despite MS, to spite MS" a compilation of their heartfelt essays, accented by haiku-style poems by Judy Williams.

Jennifer and Dan both have Multiple Sclerosis, and combined, they have taken on this chronic disease of the central nervous system for nearly 25 years. Jennifer was diagnosed in 1997; Dan was diagnosed in 2000. She has secondary-progressive MS. His is relapsing-remitting. Through their writing, public speaking and advocacy work, the Digmanns have inspired countless friends, colleagues and perfect strangers with their amazing love story and passion for life.

Join us for some readings from their book and a question and answer session with Dan and Jennifer.  They will sign copies of their book and will have copies available for purchase that day.  Portions of the book proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Camp Courageous.

 

 

 

 

What
  • FEATURED SPEAKER
When Apr 07, 2012 from 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Where Monticello Renaissance Center - Council Chambers
Contact Name Nancy Digmann
Contact Email ndigmann@monticello.lib.ia.us
Contact Phone 319-465-3354
22 Mar 2012

INTRODUCING EASTER CARE PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS!

By Move America Forward
Don't let our troops be forgotten! With the media's willful ignorance and Easter on its way we must remind our troops overseas that we still remember why they are there and everything they are doing for our nation!

Look at the latest headlines - the media is obsessed with election coverage, football teams trading players, and which football team Peyton Manning is going to. There is no coverage about the looming fight coming in Afghanistan.

Every spring, the "down-season" of winter melts away with the snow of the Afghan mountain ranges. When spring and summer arrive, the Taliban come out of their caves and face our troops. We can't let our brave military men and women be forgotten!

"They are going to come out at us very hard in the east," predicts US Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of US-led coalition troops in Afghanistan.
- Wall Street Journal (03/19/2012)

We've finally made Easter Care Packages for the Troops available for you to sponsor. Give our troops some much deserved support and offer a message of gratitude.

Your personal message will be sent in a care package packed by our volunteers and sent along with a box full of goodies including special Easter treats! The Easter Holiday is coming up quickly, so get your orders in now!

Don't Forget! We're On the Lookout for Troops!

Soldier Registration is easy! If you have the address of someone on active military duty, such as a spouse, child or sibling, you can click here for our Soldier Sign Up to register each one with the program, or copy this link:

http://www.moveamericaforward.org/apply-servicing.php

e-mail it to them so they can register themselves. Once registered, they will be eligible to receive a package and messages of support from caring fellow Americans.
19 Mar 2012

AUTISM AWARENESS WALK

By Laurie Lomba
Sponsored by

Autism Society of the Quad Cities & Friends

When:  Saturday, April 28, 2012

Where:  PepsiCo Recreation Center,
Augustana College
610 35th Street, Rock Island, IL

Registration: 8:30 am / Walk 9:30 am
Guaranteed T-shirt if mail registration by April 14th!

Visit website autismqc.org for more info or call Laurie @ 309-757-2020

Fun games and activities for the whole family! Come Rain or Shine!
19 Mar 2012

Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter

By Quad Cities Interfaith

Come join us for a night of FUN & Fundraising!

QCI hosts Trivia Night at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church (916 E Rusholme, Dav.) Saturday, March 24th at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.
$10 a person
(8 people to fill a table).
Bring your friends, snacks & BYOB. Soda, Popcorn, & Water for sale. 50/50 Raffle and Basket Raffle.
Call Beth to reserve you table at 563-322-4910


Leadership Assembly

QCI meets every month on the second tuesday of the month. Next meeting is April 10th, 2012 At St. Mary's Parish Center
(525 Fillmore, Dav.)
Come and grow with us.


QCI Monthly Committees

Fundraising meets March19, 2012
The Fundraising Committee is currently working on our Trivia Night scheduled for March 24. We are also putting together a 25th Year Celebration for QCI to be held in June . With details to follow later. We have decided to have hold at least two more fundraising event for this year. We are very excited about all the FUN we are having this year!

Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition
The Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition has been working hard to ensure minority hiring on the jobs created by the Chicago to Moline Passenger Rail is a priority. The Coalition continues to grow and has participation from the US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, Youth Build Quad Cities, NAACP Davenport and NAACP Rock Island County, as well as many people of faith. We are continuing to meet with local stakeholders for the passenger rail and are holding true to our strategic campaign. One of our leaders participated in the Transportation Equity Network (TEN) annual conference in Washington D.C. to connect with others who are working on similar projects across the US and also met with our legislators to tell them about what the Quad Cities is doing and seeking their support. Pleas contact the office for the next date. 

Immigration Tasks Force meets March 21st, 2012 (Village Inn At Harrison & Locust)

The Immigration Task Force is working on a few items for 2012.
TheTask Force is working with partners to provide Voter Registrar Training and Certification for committee members and others in QCI. We will so that leaders can help elegible voters register to vote.
A broader concern is that each immigrant understands the rights and challenges pertinent to his or her immigration status. The task force is looking at ways to work with other entities in the community to make this information available. Training will  be provided to task force members so they will have a fuller understanding of immigration legal issues.
In 2011 the task force made a commitment to members of St. Mary's parish in Moline for a meeting with law enforcement to build a relationship between the police and the immigrant community, and to make sure the concerns of the immigrant community are heard. It is essential that immigrants have access to law enforcement services without  undue suspicion or harassment. The task force will fulfill this commitment in 2012.
Lastly, the task force has been discussing the problem of human trafficking along Interstate 80 in Iowa. It is unclear how QCI might constructively engage the powers in the community that need to respond to this serious problem. The task force will continue to explore this issue.

Healthcare Equity
The Health Equity Task Force is looking at health care issues that arise when patients are not fluent in written and spoken English.  We know that clear communication is often a challenge in health care encounters, especially those that are stressful, but a whole level of complexity is added when a third party translator is involved.  Finding ways to help these situations locally will help reduce certain disparities in health care, improve equity in health care services, and ultimately, we hope, improve the health of a significant number of members of our community.  Please join us at our next meeting: 5 PM, Tuesday, March 20, 2012, QCI Conference Room, 111 E. 3rd St (4th floor), Davenport.

Welcome to Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter


Hi, we are hoping you have enjoyed our first (offical) of many newsletters. We'd  love to hear any feedback from all of you about our newsletter. Also, we would welcome information to post on our newsletter. Be patient with us as we grow in using the newsletter. Have a blessed day!
19 Mar 2012

MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DEADLINE FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS

By Linda Martin
A grants submission deadline has been announced by the Moline Community
Foundation. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of
Moline and the surrounding region, including the Quad Cities.
All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundation offices
by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012 or must be postmarked by or on Friday, April 13,
2012.
Any non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, including those who have never received
Moline Foundation funding in the past, is welcome to apply.

An application should consist of eleven copies of a written request stating the
name and address of the organization, its mission, names and addresses of Board
members, income and expense statement, balance sheet, and the specific purpose for
which any money received would be used including a project budget. The name,
telephone number, and email of a contact person must also be included. The requested
materials should be mailed according to the above deadline. Other important information
about grant submission is available on The Moline Foundation's web site at
www.molinefoundation.org.
The Moline Foundation offices are located at the Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th
Avenue, Moline.
The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which
provides grants to health, human services, education, workforce development, the arts
and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the
surrounding area, including the Quad Cities region in both Iowa and Illinois. The Moline
Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and works with citizens to achieve
their dreams to improve the community.
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