Our Story
The name Barnabas honors a member of the second set of Apostles, Joseph, nicknamed "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement." Barnabas encouraged many to speak about their faith. It was Barnabas who was a sponsor for Paul after Paul’s conversion and encouraged the disciple’s to receive him. And it was Barnabas who encouraged Paul to go to Antioch and together they taught the church. Son of encouragement reflects Barnabas Uplift’s emphasis on encouraging individuals, families and communities to move beyond poverty.
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Our
Partners
Among the many dedicated volunteers and community leaders, Barnabas Uplift is supported through the work of several partners including Lutheran Social Services (LSI), the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Western Iowa Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Roman Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, ISED Ventures, Iowa Health System, State Public Policy Group, and the Muslim American Society of Iowa.
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How It Works
In a tough economy, Iowans in poverty often get hit the hardest.
• 37 million Americans live in poverty. In 2007, the poverty rate in Iowa was 11% at 316, 303 people
(U.S. Census Bureau)
• 27% of U.S. families live at 200% or below the federal poverty line. (U.S. Census Bureau)
• Poverty rates for specific communities across Iowa range from 9.5% to 19.8%. (City-data.com)
• Iowa is facing a shortage of young direct care workers. (National Clearinghouse on the Direct Care Workforce)
The needs of low-income Iowans, local communities, and business’ can be met by community organizing. Barnabas Uplift encourages local communities to bring people and initiatives together at a grassroots level.
Communities across Iowa participate in different Barnabas Uplift opportunities. One initiative is the Help4Health program. Help4Health is encouraging low-income Iowans to become Certified Nurse’s Aids, CNAs. Training has been given in Des Moines, Waterloo, and Iowa Falls. Now CNA training is expanding to Postville, Oelwein, Ottumwa, Spencer, Fort Dodge, and Radcliffe, Iowa.
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