Summer 2019

Just past our 3 year mark we feel very blessed to have been at capacity for more than 6 months now. We are both sad and glad to be in a position to have a waiting list. Sad, because the need for survivor services is so clearly there. Glad because our referral partnerships continue to improve making the process easier all the time.

While victim services will likely always be our core service, it is time to look up at other needs in our community including a comprehensive prevention program beginning with the most vulnerable kids in our community. We will also begin working on expanding our reach to provide services to non-residential survivors. We will keep you posted on our progress and where we need the most help!

Volunteer Spotlight:
Meet Graham Gillette!

Graham Gillette and his successful consulting firm have been serving companies, organizations, policymakers and political candidates for over twenty years. As a communications consultant and writer, Graham assists business and civic leaders to connect with people and bring change.

In 2018, Graham saw an opportunity to put his experience to work at Dorothy's House. Among other things, he leads a recurring writers' workshop at Dorothy's House, where participants discuss readings and practice the craft of writing. Graham tells us that being apart of Dorothy's House brings him much joy and that deciding to volunteer here was one of his better decisions.

Graham and his wife Katie live in Des Moines and have three adult children who live on both coasts.

Dorothy's House Urban Gardens
This year we planted 250 crowns of asparagus which we hope will become our cash crop in years to come. We also started engaging our participants in the work of nurturing our gardens and harvesting our crops. The hope of our gardens has always been to provide both sustainability and programming and we are finally seeing that dream 'grow'!

We are always looking for help in our gardens. Please reach out to [email protected] if you enjoy digging in the dirt!

We also introduced a 5th outside girl 'Henrietta' to our clan who has a very unique personality and appears to be something of an escape artist!
Gridshock-- Free

If you missed the premier in April-here's your opportunity to see the powerful documentary about the issue of sex trafficking in Iowa. Click here to learn more.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
8301 Aurora Ave.
Urbandale, Iowa

Get your tickets here
Tickets are limited so don't wait! Please limit 4 tickets/order
We saw what you did!
The 100+ men team were back-- again-- helping enhance our chicken coop. We now have 5 girls in the coop who provide us with eggs and entertainment

Thanks to Brandon and his wife! They bought us a new mower and weed eater to keep our lawns and gardens in top condition. We have a few kids doing silver chord this summer who come to help keep our yard and gardens an Eden of Beauty.
Break the Cycle rides 200 miles on bicycles to raise funds, support survivors, raise awareness and fight human trafficking. This year, a very special group of ladies RAN that distance overnight with Dorothy's House in their heart!

The crew from Westwind church came and did a scorched earth yard clean up. We finished moving a ton of mulch and clearing 20+ yard waste bags of weeds and cuttings- hello flowers!

We are re-building!
Our 131 year old transitions home is crooked and coming apart at the seams. It has served us well thus far but it's time to make room for more participants, a proper office and expanded services.

Our handyman, Nick S., who happens to be a home builder was reviewing some of the issues and offered to build us a new home. We are currently talking with suppliers and sub-contractors to find ways to do this for as little out of pocket dollars as possible. So, if you know someone who can help with windows, siding, foundations, plumbing, fixtures, et al-- please let us know! Shoot us an email at [email protected] with the subject line A New House!

Make your donation dollars work harder
Here's how it works:

Participating organizations and schools ask for donations from their supporters based on the number of birdies made by the PGA Tour Champions players during the Principal Charity Classic-- for example, 10 cents per birdie.

Or supporters can make a one-time flat donation of any amount, at any time, throughout the year.

Participating organizations then receive 100% of every donation they collect, PLUS a 10% match thanks to the generous support of Sammons Financial Group and Wells Fargo .

Click here to donate now!
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Physical donations can be dropped of at:
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
8301 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, Iowa
Current Needs
  • Your ongoing love, support and prayers
  • Toilet paper/paper towels
  • Target brand cleaning supplies (bathroom/toilet/surface)
  • Swiffer type floor cleaners
  • Hy-Vee Gift Cards
  • Staples Gift Cards
  • Movie/Fandango gift cards
  • Walmart Gift Cards
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