Government & Community Services
Bureau of Refugee Services
Address: 1200 University Avenue, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50314
Telephone: 515.283.7904
Fax: 515.283.9160
E-mail: su.ai.etats.shd|osnhojw#su.ai.etats.shd|osnhojw
Contact: Wayne Johnson
Purpose: The Bureau has a two-fold mission: 1) To provide for the effective resettlement of refugees by offering a home and future for those who have been persecuted. 2) To assist refugees in becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible, thereby enabling them to enrich Iowa through the sharing of their talents, skills, gifts and culture.
Churches United, Inc.
Address: 1035 Third Avenue SE (No. 202)
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Telephone: 319.366.7163
E-mail: moc.oohay|detinusehcruhc#moc.oohay|detinusehcruhc
Website: http://www.cucedarrapids.org/
Contact: Marcey Luxa, Administrative Secretary
Purpose: Churches United is an ecumenical organization of churches united by their common faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It exists to serve as a communications and resource center for those interested in social justice. The current focus of Churches United is on the assisted re-entry of prisoners into the community.
City of Cedar Rapids
Address: 50 2nd Avenue Bridge
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Telephone: 319.286.5051
Fax: 319.286.5144
E-mail: gro.sdipar-radec|royam#gro.sdipar-radec|royam
Website: www.cedar-rapids.org
Contact: Kay Halloran, Mayor
Purpose: The mission of the City government is to foster community cooperation, innovation, and opportunity by providing quality services to Cedar Rapids citizens and businesses in an efficient, effective, and economical manner.
City of Iowa City
Address: City Hall 401 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: 319.356.5000
Fax: 319.356.5009
E-mail: gro.ytic-awoi|licnuoc#gro.ytic-awoi|licnuoc
Website: http://www.icgov.org/
Contact: Ross Willburn, Mayor
Purpose: Offering big-city amenities along with small-town hospitality, Iowa City has it all. The community is nestled in the heart of the Midwest, strategically located along I-80 within a short distance from the major metropolitan areas of Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Kansas City. It has long served as a focus for culture, education, variety and fun. In the downtown you will encounter works of public art, and possibly college students and others locked in a game of chess played on the plaza's life-size game board. On-lookers sit on the plaza's limestone benches talking politics, philosophy or Big Ten sports while children play in the Weatherdance fountain or climb on a nearby jungle gym.
A few blocks down, others might be lounging in outdoor cafés, savoring the fine cuisine the city has to offer. Across the way, you'll likely hear a local band playing a catchy mix of jazz and blues on the area's outdoor mini stage. The state's Old Capitol Building looms to the west of this scene. A cherished landmark of the University of Iowa campus, it embodies the city's prominence, grace and heritage. Whether a first-time visitor or a native returning home, you will discover Iowa City is the place where tradition comfortably exists alongside change.
Iowa Committee on Diversity
Address: State Capital
Des Moines, IA 50319
Telephone: 515.281.4504
Fax: 515.281.6611
E-mail: su.ai.etats.vogi|nostrebluc.yllom#su.ai.etats.vogi|nostrebluc.yllom
Website: www.iowadiversity.org
Contact: Lt. Governor Sally Person Molly Culbertson
Purpose: Initiated and chaired by Lt. Governor Sally J. Peterson, the committee, a non-governmental and nonprofit organization, is comprised of volunteers who are voices along the spectrum of ethnic, religious and minority groups as well as leaders from business and industry, education, local and state government, and organized labor. The committee works to inspire and empower the diverse population of Iowa to recognize, value, and respect all peoples and to eliminate racism, prejudice, and intolerance.
Iowa Division of Latino Affairs
Address: Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building, 2nd Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Telephone: 515.281.4080
877.330.3516 (Toll-free)
Fax: 515.242.6119
E-mail: vog.awoi|nnossiahc.nhoj#vog.awoi|nnossiahc.nhoj
Website: www.iowa.gov/dhr/la/Index.htm
Contact: John Chaissonn
Purpose: This state-appropriated group functions within the Iowa Department of Human Rights. It serves as a resource center that promotes positive change by assessing the issues and making recommendations to decision-makers concerning the challenges facing Iowa's Latino business and personal communities. The Division of Latin Affairs also oversees the activities of nine commissioners located statewide who help to increase the understanding of social, cultural, and economic contributions that Latinos make in Iowa.
Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans
Address: Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Telephone: 515.281.7283
800.351.4659 (Toll-free)
Fax: 515.242.6119
E-mail: vog.awoi|aasci.rhd#vog.awoi|aasci.rhd
Website: www.state.ia.us/dhr/saa
Contact: Kim Cheeks
Purpose: This state agency addresses the changing needs and concerns of African American Iowans. Moreover it recommends new programs, policies, and constructive action to the governor and general assembly.
Iowa Peace Corps Association
Address: 1203 Cambria Court
Iowa City, IA 52246
Telephone: 319.351.3375
E-mail: ten.ai|nesnahwk#ten.ai|nesnahwk
Contact: Katy Hansen
Purpose: This network of Peace Corps alumni and friends continue their work abroad in local settings, applying their knowledge of the wider world back home. The Association discusses their projects and events over an e-mail listserv as well as a group newsletter.
