Reflecting on this past year fills me with joy and inspires hope for the future. The collaborative efforts of community leaders, board members, volunteers, clients, and our dedicated team have resulted in impactful programs and facilities that truly make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.
HACAP’s ability to respond to community needs is one of our greatest strengths. We diligently analyze data, identify gaps in services, and determine how to best utilize our resources to strengthen our communities. For instance, we have opened additional Early Head Start classrooms in response to the high costs faced by low-income parents for child care for their infants and toddlers. We have also expanded our housing portfolio to create more affordable opportunities for homeless and formerly homeless families. Additionally, our Food Reservoir team has been instrumental in delivering food to partner agencies in rural areas, allowing local volunteers to focus on operating their food pantries effectively. As you read through this Annual Report, you will see how we strive to make a meaningful difference.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our committed team members who serve as the face of HACAP, to our volunteers and donors who generously give their tim resources to support our mission, and to our communities that welcome us as p making a positive impact together.
Jane Drapeaux
Board or Directors
John Brandt - President
RaeAnn Gordon - Vice-President
Wayne Manternach - Treasurer
Lynette Jacoby - Secretary
Sister Susan O'Connor
Karen Breitbach
Gary Bierschenk
Bob Yoder
Ben Hamel
Jasmin Pottebaum
Heather White
Julie Griep
Ned Rohwedder
Denine Rushing
David Thielen
Laura Roussell
Nick D’Amico
Ron Collins
Leah Rodenberg
Kristen Wubben
Steve Pace, Non-Voting
Leadership Team
Corporate Team
Jane Drapeaux, Chief Executive Officer
Mitch Finn, Chief Operating Officer
Jason Fisher, Chief Financial Officer
Keri Burian, Staff Development Manager
Chris Ackman, Communications & Volunteer Manager
David Hagen, Data Outcomes Specialist
Ryan Phillips, Human Resources Manager
Division Directors
Christi Regan, Early Childhood Programs Director
Kim Guardado, Food Reservoir Director
Dan Rauser, Energy Programs Director
Diana Strahan, Family & Community Health Alliance Director
Heather Harney, Housing Director
Program Managers & County Coordinators
Debbie Ackerman, DEI Director & Johnson County Coordinator
Whitney Sanger, Dubuque Outreach & Communications Director
Linda Lough, Benton County Rural Senior Services Director
RenElla Crawford, Washington County Operations Director
Ronelle Clark, Jackson County Center Coordinator
Deb Hamblin, Delaware County Coordinator
Julie Finn, Jones County Coordinator
Sandy Gilbert, Energy Assistance Supervisor
Christene Langmann, CACFP Homes Coordinator
Dani Pershing, 1st Five Coordinator
Amy Becker, Family Learning Connections Manager
325+
Dedicated HACAP Employees
HACAP was estalishd in following the enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act. Counties served
1965
from our neighbor
"God blessed me today by leading me to HACAP and guiding me to Ms. Susan and the food pantry. I was at a breaking point with nowhere to turn for help I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received I now have assistance with my energy bill and food on my table when my pantry was empty Thank you to everyone who provides help and support. God bless all of you."
Kim G
TOTALPOPULATION
424,755
INOURSERVICEAREA
TOTALPOPULATION SERVED 75,000+ 17.7%
We provide at least 1 servive for 17.7% of the popilation in our service area
Dubuque
What we do Housing
HACAP is dedicated to combating homelessness and providing safe, affordable housing across eastern Iowa. Our services include emergency shelters, housing support programs, and resources to help families regain stability In 2024, we expanded our impact with the acquisition of The Heights, offering long-term housing and essential support services to those facing housing insecurity, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
Food + Nutrition
As a Feeding America member, HACAP’s Food Reservoir leads the fight against hunger in east-central Iowa, distributing over 10 million meals annually through programs like the BackPack Program, Mobile Food Pantry, and Diversity Food Program. Our efforts ensure food access, advocacy, and education, empowering families and individuals. Additionally, we provide hot meals to seniors in rural areas and offer vital nutrition support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children through WIC and other health services.
Energy Conservation
At HACAP, energy assistance and conservation programs are crucial in supporting families during challenging times. Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP), HACAP helps cover utility bills, easing financial burdens during Iowa's harsh winters. Additionally, the Weatherization Program improves energy efficiency by providing home assessments and upgrades, such as insulation and sealing leaks. These efforts not only reduce energy costs but also enhance comfort, ensuring families receive both immediate support and long-term solutions for energy sustainability
Veteran Support
Operation Home/SSVF is a VA-funded program aimed at improving housing stability for low-income veterans experiencing homelessness. Serving Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Jones, Dubuque, Blackhawk, Cedar, Washington, Delaware, and Buchanan counties, this program provides essential support to veterans and their families in need of stable housing.
Children
Head Start & Early Head Start promote school readiness for children from low-income families, with Early Head Start offering home-based support for pregnant women and children up to age 3. Our Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimburses registered providers for serving nutritious meals and offers training and support. The Family Learning Connection provides free groups for families with young children, and Child Care Nurse Consultants offer health and safety guidance to childcare providers and families.
Who we are
Mission Vision
Helping people develop skills to become successful and build strong communities.
A thriving community where all people have the opportunities for success.
Guiding Principles
We are innovative, we are partners, we are responsive, we are leaders, we are HACAP.
A Community United: HACAP Partners with Bloomsbury Farm to Fight Hunger
On May 10th, a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bloomsbury Farm marked a significant partnership between HACAP and the farm during the Eastern Iowa Freedom from Hunger Food & Fund Drive. This year’s corn maze design features the HACAP Food Reservoir, creatively spotlighting the pressing issue of food insecurity in our community.
The event served as the official kickoff for HACAP Food Reservoir's summer food and fund drive, presented by Frontier Co-op. Hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, the ceremony brought together an inspiring array of attendees, including local media, elected officials, key agriculture leaders, and community advocates, all united by a shared goal: ensuring reliable access to food for everyone.
The partnership is rooted in a mutual mission between farmers and food banks to support vulnerable populations. To enhance community involvement, sponsors such as Green State Credit Union, Crystal Group, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust generously provided 250 tickets for families utilizing HACAP’s services, allowing them to experience the joys of Bloomsbury Farm firsthand.
Through this collaboration, HACAP and Bloomsbury Farm are not only raising awareness about food insecurity but also fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. By working together, we can cultivate solutions that nourish our neighbors and create a stronger, more resilient Eastern Iowa. As the corn maze opens, it symbolizes a pathway toward a future where everyone has access to the food they need.
10,379,276 LBS
In the Classroom
At HACAP, our mission is to create environments where children and families can thrive, and this past year has been one of growth, innovation, and impact. From critical facility improvements at our Coral Ridge Head Start Center to unique collaborations that inspire creativity in the classroom, we have made significant strides in enhancing the quality of our services. These efforts not only reflect our commitment to safety, accessibility, and education but also demonstrate our unwavering dedication to supporting the children and families we serve.
This year, significant improvements were made at our Coral Ridge Head Start Center, reflecting our commitment to providing a safe, accessible, and nurturing environment for children from low-income families. Key renovations included a newly constructed parking lot, a garbage enclosure, and improved back stairs each designed to boost both safety and functionality.
These updates have had an immediate impact The new parking lot allows easier access for parents and staff, ensuring smoother drop-off and pick-up routines. The addition of the garbage enclosure has improved cleanliness and hygiene standards, creating a healthier environment for our young learners Meanwhile, the upgraded back stairs have enhanced accessibility, ensuring all areas of the center are easily reachable.
By investing in these essential infrastructure upgrades, we not only create a more welcoming atmosphere but also ensure that operations continue to run efficiently and securely These improvements demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality education and support to the children and families we serve at Coral Ridge Head Start.
As we prepared for another enriching year at HACAP Head Start, we received a special message from Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band. In a video message, Coy shared his excitement about “The Clean Up Song,” a fun and creative way to inspire children to take care of their learning spaces.
Coy's passion for encouraging kids to make tidying up enjoyable resonated with our team. "Cleaning up can be exciting, and it’s a great way to show that we care about our space," he shared. His words reminded us that joy and teamwork can be infused into even the simplest tasks, creating a positive and playful atmosphere in the classroom.
With Coy’s inspiring message, our educators are energized to incorporate “The Clean Up Song” into daily routines, fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility among our children. As we embark on this new school year, we are grateful for the encouragement from Coy Bowles and look forward to creating vibrant and engaging learning environments where every child can thrive.
Building Hope at The Heights
City officials and HACAP staff gathered to celebrate the grand opening of The Heights, a new affordable housing development in downtown Cedar Rapids. This project marks a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, made possible through a $7 million investment from the City of Cedar Rapids.
The Heights introduces 25 critically needed housing units, including six ADA-compliant units designed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell emphasized the importance of collaboration in her remarks: "We are fortunate to have HACAP step up as the stewards of this incredible project, guiding it to fruition."
HACAP is proud to lead The Heights project and extends deep gratitude to its partners, including the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Economic Development, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Emergent Architecture, and Hills Bank, which generously provided furnishings for the units showcased during the open house.
“As many of you know, affordable housing is a significant need in our community," said HACAP Board President John Brandt. "With The Heights, we can provide more low-income families in Cedar Rapids with safe, stable housing. Our city thrives on the collaborative efforts of nonprofits, organizations, and city officials who work together for the greater good of our neighbors in need"
The Heights stands as a powerful symbol of community investment and partnership, offering hope for a brighter future and ensuring that more families in Cedar Rapids have a place to call home
With The Heights, we can provide more low-income families in Cedar Rapids with safe, stable housing. Our city thrives on the collaborative efforts of nonprofits, organizations, and city officials who work together for the greater good of our neighbors in need.
This year, we allocated $888,478.39 through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. These funds supported a range of critical services, including housing assistance, rental stabilization, and case management, all aimed at empowering veterans and their families. By addressing the multifaceted needs of our veterans, we ensure they have access to not only stable housing but also the resources necessary for successful reintegration into the community.
Throughout this year, we have proudly supported 399 individuals and 283 households through the SSVF program.
Energy assistance is a crucial component of our support services, particularly through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides vital assistance to low-income households, helping them manage their energy costs and maintain essential utility services. By alleviating the burden of high energy bills, LIHEAP ensures that families can focus their resources on other critical needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare.
In addition to preventing utility shutoffs during extreme weather conditions, LIHEAP promotes overall health and well-being by providing a stable living environment. Access to energy assistance allows families to maintain safe and comfortable homes, reducing the risk of illness and promoting better quality of life. As we continue to serve our community, the importance of energy assistance remains a top priority, enabling us to support those in need effectively.
The promise of community action
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
14,952 volunteer hours in 2024
HACAP’s impact is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers and community members, who contributed an incredible 14,952 hours of service this past year. Their time, skills, and compassion allow us to reach more people and expand the services we offer.
Volunteers play key roles across our programs, assisting with food collection and distribution through the Food Reservoir to ensure families have access to healthy meals, serving meals and providing companionship in Senior Dining, and handling crucial behind-the-scenes tasks in Administrative Support that keep HACAP running efficiently They also help families navigate Energy Assistance programs, support early education in Head Start classrooms, and promote wellness through the Health Alliance by connecting community members to critical health services From food security to education and energy assistance, our volunteers make a lasting impact in the community. Their collective efforts allow HACAP to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build healthier, more resilient communities
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
HACAP's volunteers contributed services valued at a Fair Market Value of $500,742, which is equivalent to the work of 17 full-time staff members.
Five low-income volunteers contributed 188 hours of service to HACAP this year, playing a vital role in supporting our programs and helping strengthen the communities we serve
The top two areas of volunteer service were the Food Reservoir, with 7,008 hours, and Senior Dining, with 4,925 hours. These efforts were critical in addressing food security and providing essential support to our senior population.
