Who We Are

     Community Connections of Iowa promotes the well-being of families. 

     

     After a derecho struck our community in Aug. 2020, Sean Zirtzman saw community members rise up and help their neighbors in need. They inspired him so much that he wanted to help, too, so he and his mother, Cindy Petersen, along with several others, formed a small group, and called it, "Community Connections." But Sean didn't want to stop there. His mother suggested having a clothes giveaway for kids going back to school. She remembered the struggle her mother had, and how stressful to was for her, too, as a single parent, to buy school clothes when the new school year began. 

     The group held other fun events and assembled snack bags for those in need, held free photo sessions, and holiday events. In 2023, the group officially became a 501c3. With the new status, the members had to decide what direction to go in.  They decided that since children are the future, they needed to focus on helping parents, not only to become better parents, but to alleviate some of the stress that comes from being a parent. Community Connections of Iowa also wants to provide space for kids to be kids. Healthy and happy children grow up to be healthy and happy adults. And doesn't that make them better citizens?

Our Mission

Community Connections of Iowa promotes the well-being of families through free family events, providing assistance to those in need, and promting good news in our community.

Our mission is to ensure that families in our community have access to community resources, so children can grow up in a loving and happy home. Stress and addiction are the leading causes of child abuse in our country. If we can lower the stress, parents have no need to turn to alcohol or drugs, and then they can become better parents. 

But we can't do it alone. We need the community behind us. Together we can build a better community!

Anti-Discriminatory Statement

We, the members of Community Connections of Iowa, believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Core Values

Community Connections of Iowa Maintains the following Core Values:

  • Promote - We promote and support the well-being of families
  • Service - We provide service to the community
  • Events - We sponsor free family activities
  • Courage - We put aside our own fears to help others grow.
  • Collaboration - We work together to find solutions.
  • Equality - We promote equality for all.
  • Integrity - We hold ourselves to the higest standards.
  • Compassion - We treat others with dignity and empathy.
  • Respect - Everyone deserves the same respect.
  • Transparency - We are open to questions and feedback.