You are invited to help the Willkie House with our Day of Action 2023! This day will be focused on assisting with tasks including cleaning, room set up, and material organization. After the conclusion of our very busy summer program, this day is very important as we prepare for the rest of the schoolyear and the continuation of our afterschool program. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Amanda Hopper, Operations Manager, at ahopper@willkiehouse.org or by calling 515-243-7817.
ABOUT THE WILLKIE HOUSE
The Willkie House has been a pillar of Des Moines’ Black community for 104 years. Originally named the Negro Community Center, it was established as a settlement house in the Des Moines community. Settlement houses were important reform institutions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where settlement workers provided services for neighbors and sought to remedy poverty.
Our work now focuses on youth. We help youth overcome their challenges and grow into their best selves through our four pillars: academics, social skill building, health, and recreation. To this end, we operate two afterschool and summer day camp programs: one for elementary youth and another for middle school. Both take place at the Willkie House, a purpose-built facility that we have called home for the last 71 years of our history. Our facility, located at 900 17th Street in Des Moines, includes several classrooms, a kitchen, a gym, a playground, and more.
Our mission is to develop character and self-esteem in young people through the promotion of academics, social skill building, health, and recreation. It is the ultimate vision of the Willkie House to assist young people in reaching their highest potential.
