QUIETLY LEARNING ENGLISH SKILLS “My granddaughter wants balloons for her birthday party,” Sue Huber tells her English Language Learning (ELL) students. “Now, write that sentence.” The former Peace Corps volunteer is one of 12 devoted teachers who dedicate their Tuesday and Thursday evenings to teaching English at Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church. When I visited, 19 eager students were taking part in this learning opportunity. The nonprofit 8th & College Connection

KNOCK AND DROP EXPANDS TO 5-DAY PANTRY What began as one woman’s after-hours effort to deliver food to Latino families on Wednesdays has expanded into a five-day operation. Zuli’s Knock and Drop now operates weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving all Des Moines neighbors. This growth shows how one person’s vision and drive can spark community change. Zuleyma “Zuli” Mendez began the program in her garage on March 4, 2020. As demand outgrew her space, Zuli and her volunteers