Urban Dreams’ Programs & Services

Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment & OWI Services

Within our substance abuse department, we house our OWI School weekend diversion classes.

We offer classes statewide in nine locations:

We help over 1,750 individuals with chemical dependency-related issues, between our in office OWI services & telehealth, Des Moines Public Schools, and our OWI weekend classes.

To schedule a 12-hour or 48-hour OWI Jail Diversion Weekend please call Diane Ziegler at 515-249-8596, email diane.zeigler@urbandreams.org, or visit us at owischool.com.

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Community Connectivity

This bucket of work includes all of our monthly community engagement events, community-police relations initiatives, and public safety work.

These events are free or very low cost and focus on positive out-of-car experiences for law enforcement, meeting neighbors, and engaging business and community leaders.

These events bring together over 15,000 families and community members annually and create increased awareness of services for over 100,000 individuals. For these events to work, we heavily rely on our generous sponsors and amazing volunteers.

To help with volunteering or sponsoring our events call 515-288-4742, or click here to volunteer.

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Community Food Pantry

Thanks to the generosity of our local businesses and restaurants, we are proud to operate a community food pantry dedicated to nourishing our neighborhood. Open daily, our pantry allows members to visit once a day and choose from a rotating selection of fresh and non-perishable items. To stay updated on our daily offerings, be sure to follow us on social media! We’re proud to collaborate with local organizations and businesses, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Our Partners:

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ISU EXTENSION OUTREACH NUTRITION PROGRAM

Join us for a free 8-week nutrition class hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach! Learn ways to save money, build cooking skills, and try new recipes. Sign up by calling Michelle at 515-305-9962. If the 8-week session has started, you will be notified when the next session is open.

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Workforce Development

Partnering with local businesses, our youth and adult employment programs assist community members in finding employment. We also host job fairs for employers, provide cultural competency training, and partner with recruiting agencies.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Urban Dreams Youth Employment Program serves 25 youth between the ages of 14 and 19, primarily from Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). Our goal is to give these young people hands-on work experience, expose them to the importance of community service, and equip them with the soft skills necessary for long-term success. By providing structured work opportunities, we aim to instill students with a sense of responsibility, independence, and civic engagement.

Key elements of the program include:

• Summer Employment
  • We hire 25 youth each summer at $12 per hour, with a minimum of 15 students from DMPS high schools and 5 from our Deferred Expulsion Program. 
  • Students are referred to the program by DMPS/Urban Dreams Restorative Facilitators based on their need for a supervised, supportive work experience.
• School-Year Employment
  • Many of our students continue working with us throughout the academic year while balancing school and extracurricular activities. 
  • We offer flexible schedules to ensure that students can participate in school-based activities without penalty.
• Community Engagement
  • Students work on community-based projects, including neighborhood cleanups, service-learning opportunities, and collaborations with local organizations. 
  • This experience not only provides employment but also strengthens their ties to the community and gives them a sense of ownership over their environment.
• Soft Skills Development
  • Each participant engages in Urban Dreams’ Skills to Pay the Bills program, which teaches essential skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and professionalism. 
  • These soft skills are critical for long-term success and prepare students for future employment opportunities.

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dmps Deferred expulsion

We provide case management for Des Moines Public School students who are at-risk or have been expelled from school, typically for drugs and guns. We aim to successfully assist students in re-enrolling in public school and graduating with their diplomas. 

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Prairie meadows e-sports learning lab

Our E-Sports lab consists of computers, laptops, and monitors, all open to the public. The space is utilized by various after school clubs as well as members of the public that need access to computers. If you are interested in utilizing our E-Sports Lab, please fill out the Google form below to reserve a time.

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RENT THE COMMUNITY CENTER

Our community center has been buzzing with activity over the past few months, serving as a hub for connection and celebration. It’s home to the Riverbend Neighborhood Association’s monthly meetings, weekly AA gatherings, and a variety of other events. The space is perfect for hosting baby showers, holiday parties, corporate events, and more.

Amenities include:

• Capacity for 275 people standing
• Up to 15 round tables, seating 8 people at each table
• Three mounted TVs and one mobile TV
• High-speed WiFi
• Convenient kitchenette
• Toucan video conference system

To reserve the space, please use the link provided below. To use the community center, a minimum donation of $35 an hour is required. Your generous support helps maintain and improve the facility.

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Golf simulator

Step into the future of golf at our state-of-the-art golf simulator, now open to the public! Perfect for golfers of all skill levels, our facility offers an immersive experience that simulates real-world courses in stunning detail. Whether you’re looking to practice your swing, play a round with friends, or improve your game year-round, our simulator has you covered.

If you’re interested in using the golf simulator, please use the link below to reserve a time.

Golf Lessons with Jon

Take your game to the next level with personalized instruction from Jon Augspurger, an experienced golf coach and board member of Urban Dreams. Now offering lessons at our state-of-the-art golf simulator, Jon provides one-on-one coaching tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your game.

Lesson Rate: $50/hour per person
K–12 students train for free
To schedule: Text Jon at 515-707-6989

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Information & Referral

Since 1985, Urban Dreams has formed an extensive network of collaborators and partners within the community which includes services that assist people in need.

Urban Dreams also invites anyone to make free local phone calls, use the internet, or just get out of the weather and watch TV.

For information or a referral, please call 515-288-4742 or visit 211iowa.org

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Social Mediation & Consultation

Urban Dreams provides consultation and assistance with issues involving race, education, community conflict, and social/civil concerns with multiple agencies, including (but not limited to):

• Broadlawns Medical Center
• City of Des Moines
• Des Moines Area Community College
• Des Moines Police Department
• Des Moines Public Schools
• The Greater Des Moines Partnership
• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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Voter Education

A non-partisan effort to increase civic engagement in areas with historically low voter turnout, within the scope of which is –

• Iowa’s First in the Nation Brown and Black Presidential Forum

A non-partisan forum that has focused attention on issues of particular concern to minorities in presidential, gubernatorial, and other elections since 1984.

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IOWA BROWN & BLACK FORUM

The Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum is an element of Urban Dreams’ non-partisan Project V.O.T.E. (Voting Opportunities Through Education). It is the nation’s only presidential forum in which all candidates have the opportunity to answer essential concerns of African Americans and Latinos. The non-partisan event began in 1984 and has figured prominently in the Iowa caucuses. It is recognized as the oldest continuous minority forum for presidential candidates in America and one of the longest-running presidential forums in the nation.

For more information on the Iowa Brown & Black Forum, please visit us at brownandblackforum.org.

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Other Activities

• The staff serves on multiple boards and commissions
• Staff is available for cultural competency training, panels, and workshops