Throughout the years, Ankeny Leadership Institute classes have identified needs in the community and worked with community businesses and organizations to help address these needs. Below are some examples of what past classes have accomplished for their projects.
New Horizons Center
Class of 2025
Plans to update the outdoor space at our New Horizons Center are underway! Knowing how important having a safe and accessible outdoor space was for the persons served at our day program, this year’s class took it on as their project. Together the class designed plans for a renovated space, raised the funds to bring it to life, and kicked off the first phase with some landscaping upgrades.
We are so appreciative of our relationship with the Ankeny Leadership Institute and are grateful they chose to support On With Life in this way. This will be an ongoing project as we continue to make their full vision a reality!
515 Day of Impact
Class of 2024
The Ankeny Leadership Institute Class of 2023-2024 hosted the inaugural “515 Day of Impact,” on May 15, 2024. This day-long event was dedicated to promoting volunteerism and addressing the needs of non-profit organizations throughout the city of Ankeny, Iowa.
As part of their community service initiative, the Ankeny Leadership Institute Class of 2023-2024 has organized the “515 Day of Impact” to rally residents and volunteer groups in support of local causes. This event serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to make a tangible difference in the Ankeny community.
“We believe in the power of collective action to effect positive change,” said Brady Randall, spokesperson for the Ankeny Leadership Institute Class of 2023-2024. “By coming together on May 15 for the ‘515 Day of Impact,’ we addressed critical needs within our community while fostering a spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement.”
Volunteers participating in the “515 Day of Impact” will have the chance to engage in a variety of service projects, ranging from environmental conservation efforts to assisting with social service programs. By dedicating their time and energy, volunteers will directly contribute to the betterment of Ankeny and its residents.
To encourage community involvement, the Ankeny Leadership Institute Class is offering free t-shirts to all participants. Individuals or volunteer groups interested in taking part in this impactful day of service were asked to sign up and pre-register. in the first year of this event we had nearly 100 volunteers and assisted over 7 non-profits and “cleared the list” for many of those in need.
“We invite everyone in the Ankeny community to join us for the ‘515 Day of Impact’ and be a part of something truly meaningful,” added Randall. “Together, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors and the vibrancy of our city.”
For more information about the “515 Day of Impact” and how to get involved, please visit facebook.com/515DayOfImpact or email 515DayOfImpact@gmail.com
Volleyball Tournament
Class of 2023
The Ankeny Leadership Institute Class of 2022 is excited to announce our class project, a sand volleyball tournament to raise funds for the city of Ankeny’s Parks and Recreation department, so we can improve equity to youth sports and activities.
As a class, we are passionate about supporting Ankeny’s youth population and collectively decided we would like to raise money for the Parks and Recreation department that can be used as scholarship money for families who may not be able to afford the various sports and activities provided through the city. We hope the funds raised through this event will help Ankeny’s youth participate in swim lessons, sports, and more for years to come.
We are inviting local businesses and community members to both sponsor and participate in a sand volleyball tournament to raise the needed funds. The afternoon will be complete with food, drinks, and friendly competition, all for a good cause!
If you are interested in either supporting or participating in the event, please use the following link to submit your information.
We thank you in advance for your support!
Volleyball Tournament
Engage Ankeny
Class of 2019
The ALI Class of 2019 organized an event and organization connecting our local nonprofits with the community to spread awareness of the resources they offer and the ways people can give back. The events held are designed to break down the barriers of communication and build our community up. Visit www.engageankeny.org to find out more.
Visit www.engageankeny.org to find out more.
On With Life Garden Planters & Ankeny Service Center Golf Outing
Class of 2018
The ALI Class of 2018 completed two projects supporting On With Life and the Ankeny Service Center. The class created three garden planters which were made to accommodate wheelchairs and will assist in the rehabilitation process of the patients served at On With Life in the new Sensory Garden. All materials and products needed were donated. The group also chose to assist the Ankeny Service Center by organizing a golf outing raising nearly $8,000. They also assisted in updating marketing materials.
Police Honor / Memorial Wall
Class of 2017
The ALI Class of 2017 conceptualized, fundraised and executed a memorial wall for the retired and fallen police officers of the Ankeny Police Department. The project included enough blank space for many more retirees – enough so that the boards will outlast the building the police department is currently in. Any new additions to the board will be done through the Police Benevolent Committee and Fund.
Play It Forward
Class of 2016
ALI class of 2016 began a program where used sports equipment was and continues to be collected from the community. Following the collection, a drive for community members in need allow them to select the used equipment necessary for their children to participate in various sports. Ankeny Parks & Recreation continues this program with help from local organizations as donation sites.
The Ankeny Klothing Exchange (T.A.K.E.) Remodel & Little Free Libraries
Class of 2015
The ALI class of 2015 elected to tackle two separate projects. The first was to remodel the T.A.K.E. service facility located in the Neveln Center in the Uptown Ankeny area. The service provides clothing, household goods and other donated items to citizens at no cost. To help lift spirits of those coming into the facility and to provide better organization for those working there, everything was initially removed from the facility and then a new floor was put down, everything was repainted, new window decor was created and installed and a re-organization of content was completed.
The second was to help enhance access to reading material for Ankeny residents in a fun and convenient manner by building and installing Little Free Libraries around the community in places that have foot traffic but are not near the public library. Citizens and retired teachers volunteered to be hosts and caretakers for a little free library, and altogether five were installed and stocked thanks to around 500 books that were donated by those in the Ankeny community.
Inspire Ankeny
Class of 2014
The 2014 ALI class launched Inspire Ankeny, a Pay-It-Forward campaign, aimed at igniting the giving spirit of Ankeny. Through social media and participation from local leaders, businesses, non-profit organizations and schools, the campaign encouraged community-wide involvement in random acts of kindness. The campaign challenged the residents of Ankeny, and the Greater Des Moines area, to join together during the month of April to Pay It Forward. Inspire Ankeny recruited more than 40 community members as Inspire Ankeny Ambassadors who are charged with spreading the Pay-It-Forward message and completing their own projects.
Art For Ankeny
Class of 2013
ALI class of 2013 began “Art For Ankeny” which is a fundraising organization that is dedicated to commissioning an iconic, destination-caliber public art installation in the heart of Ankeny. The Ankeny Foundation is working with this group in its continued efforts to continue this project.
Ankeny Backpack Buddies Program
Class of 2011
ALI Class of 2011 identified a need (increasing numbers of Ankeny Schools students eligible for free and reduced meals, thus, increasing rate of food insecurity), researched and found an already-established national program, and got Ankeny Schools on board to work with Food Bank of Iowa in getting the service to Ankeny. ALI volunteers currently continue to provide support, but Ankeny Schools has direct control which ensures sustainability long term.
What will YOUR class accomplish?
Projects are a big part of the class experience. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program and look forward to the project YOUR class will accomplish together.
