Sustainable Steps

Fairy Lights, Toys and the VIP Treatment: Inside the Siouxland Foster Closet

A new kid just arrived on your doorstep with nothing but a diaper, or a teenager is demanding fairy lights to properly decorate their new room - where do foster families turn? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Rochelle Pfeiffer, Founder and Director of the Siouxland Foster Closet. Rochelle explains how the organization's retail-style boutique lets foster kids shop for clothes, toys and essentials completely free of charge, so they leave feeling like VIPs. In this episode, you'll learn: * The "Beeline" Effect: Why the Foster Closet's back-corner toy section is the ultimate distraction while caregivers shop. * The Secret to Teen Fashion: How teenage volunteers prevent the closet from accidentally stocking "uncool" clothes. * Beyond the Hangers: Why mini cribs, brand-new car seats and birthday cake kits are just as crucial as a good pair of jeans. To learn more about shopping, donating or volunteering (the Siouxland Foster Closet needs your help this summer!), email info@siouxlandfostercloset.com [%20info@siouxlandfostercloset.com] or call (712) 253-3943. You can also find the group on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/siouxlandfostercloset/] or at this website [https://siouxlandfostercloset.square.site/]. Find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains by visiting goodwillgreatplains.org [https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

Beyond the Red Kettle - How the Salvation Army of Siouxland has been helping those in need for nearly 140 years

What do a food pantry, a summer day camp and front-line "Donut Girls" have in common? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Captain Terri Ellison from the Salvation Army of Siouxland. After nearly 140 years of service in the Sioux City community, Captain Terri explains how the organization does much more than you might think, offering a helping hand to neighbors navigating life's barriers. In this episode, we'll learn: * Pathway of Hope: How a holistic, 18-month family approach empowers local mothers to exceed their own life goals. * Seasonal Outreach: The community logistics behind the annual Community Baby Shower and the iconic Christmas Angel Tree program. * The Red Kettle Campaign: Why those ringing bells represent 30% of the local Salvation Army's annual budget and tips for first-time volunteer bell ringers. Connect with the Salvation Army of Siouxland by calling (712) 255-8836, visiting the organization's Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/SASiouxland/] or by visiting this website [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ia/sioux-city/villa-ave-corps/]. To learn more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs offered by the organization, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org [https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

Loess Hills, Less Stress: Talking Nature's Healing Power with Theresa Kruid of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

What makes the Loess Hills one of the most unique landscapes in Iowa, and how can spending time outdoors benefit your health? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Theresa Kruid, Education Director for Woodbury County Conservation and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Theresa shares how the Nature Center connects people of all ages with nature through educational programs, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and community events. In this episode, we'll learn: Lush, Local Loess: Why the Loess Hills are a unique and important natural resource. Natural Stress Relief: How spending time outdoors can improve well-being. Nature's Classroom: How families can connect with nature through local parks, programs, and events. To learn more about Woodbury County Conservation and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, visit woodburyparks.org [http://www.woodburyparks.org]. To learn more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs offered by the organization, visit goodwillgreatplains.org [http://www.goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

A Sustainable Second Chance: Sioux City's Gospel Mission

In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Randy Ehlers and Nate Gates from Sioux City's Gospel Mission, a faith-based nonprofit that's been offering a "hand up" to those in need for 88 years. We'll hear how the Gospel Mission helps people rebuild a sustainable life through structured, goal-oriented shelter programs, while keeping waste out of landfills through retail recycling and textile baling. On top of that, the Gospel Mission serves 250 meals a day! In this episode you'll learn: * Structured Recovery: A breakdown of the Gospel Mission's 8-month programs designed to end the cycle of homelessness by building routine and accountability. * Working Through It: How work therapy at the Gospel Mission's thrift store and kitchen gives people a sense of purpose, while teaching them valuable customer service skills. * Getting Involved: How the community can support the mission through volunteering, meal prep, and more. To learn more about the Gospel Mission, please visit www.thegospelmission.org [https://www.thegospelmission.org]. Catch new episodes of the Gospel Mission's podcast, TGM Aware, on the first Friday of every month. Sustainable Steps is brought to you by Goodwill of the Great Plains through a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. To find out more about Goodwill and our mission of building independence through employment, training, and community support, please visit www.goodwillgreatplains.org [https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org].

Siouxland Soup Kitchen: Serving with Heart (and 15 gallons of lemonade!)

What does it take to feed 200 people every night? On this episode of Sustainable Steps, Jacob and Tami talk with Lyn Kluender, Executive Director of the Siouxland Soup Kitchen in Sioux City. Today, the Soup Kitchen isn't just serving the homeless, but many working families, seniors, and kids. In this episode, we'll learn: * How Hunger Has Changed: Homeless individuals now make up less than half of the kitchen's guests. * You Have the Power: The Soup Kitchen gets zero city, state, or federal funding — each meal served is paid for and provided by local donations. * Zero Food Waste: How leftover catering from a graduation party or extra veggies from your summer garden can feed the community. * Volunteering is Simple: It takes 10 people a day to keep things running, and absolutely no kitchen or cooking skills are required. If you're interested in dropping off food, that can be done Monday – Friday from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at 717 West 7th St. in Sioux City. If you'd like to donate or volunteer, check out the Siouxland Soup Kitchen Website [https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.siouxlandsoupkitchen.org] . For more information on Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs it provides, please visit Goodwill of the Great Plains [https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org/] . Sustainable Steps is brought to us weekly by Goodwill of the Great Plains, thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.