December 12, 2022

EveryStep Receives Grants from Variety - the Children's Charity

EveryStep is the recipient of two grants from Variety - the Children’s Charity, including $15,000 for EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest program in Polk and Dallas counties, and $25,000 to support EveryStep’s Grief & Loss programs.

EveryStep is a nonprofit health care and human services organization which annually serves more than 60,000 Iowans. The organization’s more than 30 programs provide prenatal support, baby supplies and education to young moms; developmental screenings throughout early childhood; health navigation to immigrants and refugees; wellness services to low-income communities, school employees and businesses; in-home care to people who are ill, injured or facing the end of life; and compassionate support to families and individuals during times of grief and loss. Serving Iowa from 14 locations across the state, nearly 400 employees and hundreds of volunteers are committed to EveryStep’s mission: to empower individuals, support families and strengthen communities. There is at least one EveryStep program available to residents in every Iowa county.

The Variety – the Children’s Charity grants will be used to purchase items such as infant cribs, car seats and diapers for low-income mothers enrolled in EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest prenatal and postnatal education programs. EveryStep Grief & Loss’ Amanda the Panda programs will benefit through funding for grief support groups and classes, and for EveryStep’s Cheer Box program, through which grieving families receive thoughtful, supportive gifts during the holidays.

“Variety – the Children’s Charity has been a consistent supporter of EveryStep’s programs for many years, and we are extremely grateful,” said Julie Matternas, EveryStep Foundation executive director. “Funding from Variety is critical to provide much-needed baby items for Stork’s Nest and meaningful, intentional gifts for Cheer Box. Because of donors like Variety, children are getting a healthy start in life and receiving grief support during life’s difficult transitions.”

Variety - the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs throughout Iowa. Funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children throughout Iowa. For more information on how you can be a part of Variety’s work, please visit varietyiowa.com.