Family Award
Nominated by Tiffany King, Anawim

Melissa began using meth at age 15, leading to homelessness and domestic violence, and having parental rights to her first child terminated. In January, Melissa will celebrate three years clean and sober. After graduating from the House of Mercy program Melissa and her five-year old daughter Madeline have a home of their own through ANAWIM Housing’s Shelter Plus Care Program. Melissa continues as an active member of a recovery support program, has participated in Dress for Success’s Going Places Network, and has been employed at the same bookstore for over a year. She has developed positive parenting skills and provides a loving home for her daughter. Melissa shares her inspiring stories in the community, speaking on addiction with high school students and others.

Youth Award
Nominated by Amalia Riordan, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

Having been recently released from jail and on probation, no longer enrolled in high school and experiencing homelessness, Justin Ahlberg came to the Buchanan Transitional Living Program. While in the program Justin earned his HiSET (high school equivalency diploma) and he has maintained employment at Subway, The Continental, and Wells Fargo Iowa Events Center. Using his earnings he has paid off all of his probation and court fines, and purchased a car. After completing the Buchanan Program, he has moved to his own home. Justin has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Night Eyes at the Blank Park Zoo, at RAGBRAI and has shared his life experience at a local poverty simulation.

Compelling Life Story Award
Nominated by Kate Polush, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

At age seven, Decontee came with her dad as a refugee from Liberia. Her mother arrived soon after and sought and obtained custody when Decontee was 12. While working toward her high school diploma, Decontee found she was pregnant and was kicked out of her home. After time at New Directions Shelter she moved to the Lighthouse Transitional Living Program where she currently resides with her son. She completed high school at Scavo in May 2014. Since then she completed a Goodwill training program, then enrolled in Patient Registration classes at DMACC and is working at Goodwill. Decontee is working toward citizenship, has saved about $3,000 since moving to the Lighthouse and has goals of finishing her training, buying a car, and eventually moving to her own apartment.

Veteran Award
Nominated by Tobi Simmons, YMCA

In the past Thomas Beil made many unhealthy choices, resulting in a time of homelessness, living in a shed with no heat or running water. He went door to door to earn money doing lawn care. Waking up one day and deciding his life had more meaning than this, he reached out to the VA and was placed in the Grant Per Diem Program. He joined a program through the Evelyn Davis center to become more employable, and is now attending DMACC for certification in Maintenance, and he recently accepted a maintenance position. Thomas frequently volunteers to cook, clean, or do lawn service at homeless shelters. He plays the saxophone in coffee shops and recently has reached out to the community by doing an interview with WHO about how the Des Moines community resources have helped him get where he is today.

Single Adult Award: Dan Mundt
Nominated by Drew Kaufman, YMCA

Dan Mundt for many years moved from one couch to another and was in and out of hospitals for medical challenges, including a point at which he “gave up hope.” In fall 2013, Dan obtained a permanent home at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus. Since obtaining stable housing, he has started working on a degree at ISU. He works as a trainer at another branch of the Y. He provides service to his home YMCA and has become a volunteer with Polk County Conservation.

Adult Award
Nominated by Jeff Eason at Hope Ministries

Anthony took his first drink at age 14. By his senior year his drinking prevented him from finishing school.  He completed his GED and attempted college, but failed due to his alcohol addiction. After years of homelessness, in 2007 Anthony sought help through Hope Ministries. Anthony earned an A.S. at DMACC and his B.S. at A.I.B in May 2013.  He lives independently and is employed full time as head cook at Hope Ministries Bethel Mission. Anthony volunteers actively at Hope Ministries, CISS, Salvation Army and Central Iowa Center for Independent Living.

Compelling Life Story Award
Nominated by Britany Cooley at Hawthorn Hill

A domestic violence survivor, Barbara with her daughter, became homeless after she divorced her husband. After some time staying in various places, including the Family Violence Center, Barbara turned to Hawthorn Hill’s supportive housing program, The Home Connection. During the past year she has earned an associates degree from DMACC and is now enrolled at Grand View University with a long-term goal of earning a Master’s Degree. Barbara has opened her home to her nephew, and is engaged with her community in many roles.

Veteran Award
Nominated by Harper Levy at the Veterans’ Administration

Glenda Brown is a Des Moines native, Army veteran, and single mother of two. After medical issues rendered her unable to maintain full-time work, Glenda and her family faced eviction and homelessness.  She then enrolled in the Veterans’ Administration homeless services program, and has worked hard to rebuild the lives of her family members. She has been a full-time employee at Wells Fargo for approximately one year, where she has recently been promoted.  Glenda also is attending DMACC and has participated in several volunteer activities, including Habitat for Humanity.

Family Award
Nominated by Shelby Ridley at Primary Health Care

After fleeing a situation of domestic violence, with and without her kids, Lauri was homeless for many years.  Eventually, reunited with her kids, she entered and completed the House of Mercy program and went on to permanent housing.  Lauri has returned to work at House of Mercy to help other women through the journey of recovery.  Lauri serves now as an advocate for women who are facing the challenges that she faced by serving on organizational boards and speaking to those in a position to bring about change.

Youth Award
Nominated by Kate Polush at IHYC – Lighthouse

Christina Rogers provides a model of perseverance and personal responsibility.  After aging out of foster care, and finding that neither her foster nor birth mom could help her, she turned to Hope Ministries then to IHYC for help.  Since then, with help from the Freestore, Section 8 housing and other programs she has found employment, a stable apartment, and childcare support for her son and daughter.  She has consistently paid all bills and accumulated savings.  She is working with Aftercare support for youth who have aged out of foster care to further progress in her efforts to achieve sustainable independence.