Community Connections of Iowa

We are just a group of ordinary people doing our best to make the world a better place. Will you help us?

Who We Are

Community Connections of Iowa is a 501(c)3 located in the Cedar Rapids-Marion area. Our mission is to serve our community the best way we know how - with compassion and acceptance for all.

What We Do

We believe that stress can shape our lives, usually with negative results. This is why we have a variety of services for those who need a little extra help. We provide Peer Counseling/Coaching/Mentoring, we host community events, and we also promote free events and community resources on our website! Open the following tabs for more information about each!

Peer Counseling

Community Connections of Iowa provides peer counseling/coaching/ mentoring services to those who want it. Led by a group of volunteers, these one-on-one ACT sessions can assist clients focus, set goals, and work toward a more meaningful life. This is a new program and will begin Oct. 1, 2024.

We Host Community Events

We hold a variety of events throughout the year including an Easter Egg Hunt in the spring, our Back-to-School Blast before school starts, Trunk or Treat for Halloween, Cookies with Santa for the Christmas holidays. We are planning more fun events, so follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date!

We Promote Community Events and Resources

We make sure our website has the most current information for you, including all the fun free events in our community. We also have a list of food pantries in the area, as well as other community resources.

We Love Volunteers!

We would love to have you as a volunteer! You don't have to commit yourself and can pick and choose which programs or events you would like to help with. Send us a message and we can talk!

Community Resources

Food Pantries, Clothes Closets, and Meals for Those In Need:

Neighborhood Meals, 1340 3rd Ave SE, now until Aug. 23, 12-1, Free lunch to those in need.

Linn Community Food Bank, 305 5th Street SE, opens at 1 pm

Helping Hands Ministry, 601, 2nd Ave. SE, opens at 10 am, variety of services available

Metro Catholic Outreach, 420 6th Street SE, grocery pick-up begins at 5 pm

Together We Achieve, 1150 27th Ave. SW, opens at 4:30 pm

Mission of Hope, 1700 B Avenue NE, opens at 9 am, daily meal at 12 pm, clothing, food pantry

Green Square Meals opens at 4 pm to anyone who need a hot meal. Green Square meals is located at 605 2nd Avenue SE. Visit their website for details.

Open Hands Food Pantry, 6455 E Avenue NW, (Cedar Hills Community Church) 5 - 6 pm. Visit their website for details.

Olivet Mission, 230 10th Street NW, open weekdays 8:30 - 11:30 am, Saturday, 9 - 11:30 am, provides a variety of service. Visit their website for details.

Westdale Community Church, 3211 Edgewood Rd SW - call for details - (319) 396-7046.

Salvation Army, 1000 C Avenue NW, open daily, Call for services at (319) 364-9131.

Feed Iowa First, 1506 10th St SE, call for services. (319) 775-0149

St. Vincent DePaul, 927 7th Street SE, emergency food baskets and more, open Tues. through Sunday, 9 am to 12 pm. For details click here

More Community Resources

Community News

Be Weather-Prepared

We are nearing the end of summer, but that doesn't mean the weather will behave. It's best to be prepared for whatever happens.

Cedar Rapids has started a new program called, Neighborhood P.A.C.T. (Prepare, Act, Communicate, Train) emergency-preparedness initiative and has tips to keep safe during emergencies of all types.

The guide also tells you what to do during major disasters and has a safety checklist, a list of resource centers and important emergency phone numbers.

12th Ave Dog Park Now Open

Cedar Rapids has a new dog park! The dog park was dedicated July 12 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is available for use by individuals who have purchased an annual permit to use the City’s dog parks.

A permit is $38 per year and changes color each year. Permits may be picked up at the City Services Center, 500 15^th Avenue SW, or Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11^th Street NW. Daily passes, for those who want to try a dog park or are only in the area for a short time can be purchased for $6 per use. A fourth dog park is being planned near Jones Park with construction beginning this fall.

More info can be found here: CR Dog Parks

community connections