Our story
More than 25 years ago, a group of school nurses in the Johnston School District noticed some students were struggling to get enough to eat. They created Johnston Partnership for a Healthy Community (now Johnston Partnership) to help address this need.
In 2004, we established a school-based mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with Johnston students in grades 6-12. The program engages students in school and helps them reach their full potential through improved attendance, academic achievement, and improved relationships with adults.
In 2007, the Johnston Partnership, the City of Johnston, and the Johnston Rotary Club collaborated to launch a clothing closet that provides families access to clothing items through community donations.
We expanded access to food and personal care items in 2010 by becoming a member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food pantry network.
“The services provided by Johnston Partnership have evolved and grown over the years in response to our changing local needs. However, through that time, one word that has remained fundamental is “community”. It provides a sense of community to all those served, from the welcoming environment of the JUMP student mentoring rooms to the relationships developed between clients and the staff and volunteers in the food pantry and clothing closet.
— Community member
“I wish you could have seen their faces when I showed them the clothes. They lit up! I cannot express how thankful I am for your willingness to help and support these students.”
— Johnston teacher who received clothing donations for recent refugee students.
“When I found this place and you all, it meant I had one less thing to worry about.”
— Food pantry client