Raising awareness, opportunities, and connections.
WHO WE ARE
Ankeny Community Champions is an organization that seeks to make an impact in our local community. We are a team of Ankeny business leaders engaging the community with volunteer opportunities and connecting those in need with resources and a financial pass-through for fundraising needs. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in Ankeny. We invite you to join us in our mission and help us grow our impact in the Ankeny community.
MEET THE BOARD
Passionate leaders working for a better tomorrow.
HOW WE STARTED
In 2018 the growing Ankeny Community School District notified tenants—which consisted of service agencies and community resources— it would not renew its annual leases with them. The district planned to renovate the space to accommodate new administrative offices and expand student programs, leaving the handful of groups that reside there to search for a new location.
The displaced non-profits were:
The Ankeny Klothing Exchange (TAKE)
Senior Congregate Meal Site
Head Start
Ankeny Service Center
New Horizons Adult Day Center
While this news filtered throughout the community, the YMCA's board of directors made the decision to close March 1, 2019. A major setback for the Ankeny Y came in June of 2018 when water heavily damaged the facility, requiring it to shut down for nearly two months. Then the Ankeny Community School District voted in December to terminate the agreement that allowed the Ankeny Y to use space at Northview Middle School. The Y, which has occupied that space since 1989, was required to leave by June 2020.
Julie Mangels, who had served on the advisory board at the time of the Y's closure, was concerned for these non-profits. How could they serve the Ankeny community without a roof over their heads? Mangels called a meeting to talk about what could be done to save these vital services. There were members of every organization, community leaders and members, churches, local YMCA advisory board members and more that came together to start the discussion. The response was overwhelming and the passion was high. The group became known as the Ankeny Community Champions (ACC). We are happy to report that all of the displaced groups found a new home with the help of their leaders, the ACC, and the Ankeny community.
We are proud to be part of the Ankeny community and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Ankeny for years to come.
In 2022, a 501(c)3 was formed. The Board of Directors is excited to see how many others we can assist in the years to come.
Be Understanding
