2025 community grant awards

Chrysalis Community Partner Grants are more than financial support, they are investments in impactful partnerships.

Chrysalis provides a comprehensive suite of services along with funding, ensuring that our partners receive not only critical financial assistance, but also the tools and support needed to thrive.

Chrysalis is proud to steward the investments of our supporters through maximizing impact and empowering organizations to effectively serve women and girls in our community.

2025 Chrysalis Community Grant Recipients

We're grateful to partner with the following organizations:

Al Éxito: programs and support for Latinx students and families to promote high school and college graduation 

The Beacon: housing and services for women moving from addiction or incarceration to long-term independence 

By Degrees Foundation: academic support, family counseling, and financial education to promote high school graduation and post-secondary success 

Can Play: recreation-based development programs for persons with financial, health, or cognitive barriers 

Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center: support and advocacy for individuals and families victimized by violence, sexual assault, or crime 

Des Moines Refugee Support: services connecting refugee families to basic needs support 

Dress for Success Des Moines: professional clothing, interview coaching, and support to ensure career and life success  

Ellipsis: shelter and support services to ensure youth and families are successful 

EMBARC: support services for Burmese and Asian refugee women and families 

Eyes Open Iowa: advocacy, training, and public education to support adolescent sexual health 

Families Forward: shelter, services, and long-term housing for homeless families with children  

The Freestore: furniture, household goods, and supplies for women and families experiencing violence or trauma  

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa: leadership and character-building programs and opportunities for girls in grades K-12 

Girls on the Run: confidence and life skills education through lessons and physical activity 

Girls Rock! Des Moines: music, performance, and arts-based education for girls 

Grace Fitness: Fitness and nutrition programming focused on the Black community of Greater Des Moines 

Healthy Birth Day: public awareness education to expectant parents and clinicians to prevent stillbirth  

Highland Park Community Development Association: education, job training, and support to individuals and families in Des Moines’ north side 

Home Inc.: Assistance programming for low-income homeowners and renters 

House of Mercy: housing and services for women recovering from addiction, trauma, mental illness, or homelessness 

Iowa Center for Children’s Justice: Legal support for children and families during divorce and other conflicts 

Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice: advocacy and legal services for refugees in Iowa 

Iowa Safe Schools: support services for LGBTQ youth 

Jewels Academy: science, technology, engineering, and math programs for girls in 4th through 12th grade 

Knock and Drop Iowa: culturally specific food pantry and wellness provider serving the Latinx community 

Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines: culturally designed leadership programming for Latinas 

LUNA: bilingual and bicultural services for Latinx victims of domestic and sexual assault 

Love for Red: advocacy, education, and menstrual supplies provided to schools for free distribution 

Mind and Spirit Counseling Center: counseling and educational services for children, adults, and families 

Mindspring Mental Health Alliance: free mental health education, advocacy, and support programs 

Raise the Bar Initiative: social-emotional programming for high school age and adult women through instruction in physical strength building 

S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa: clinic and training facility for sexual assault response  

Shalom Community Impact Center: education services and support for refugee families 

Young Women’s Resource Center: support programs and services for girls and young women ages 10-21 
 

2025 Chrysalis Board of Directors

Emily Stevens, Wellabe
PRESIDENT

Amber Johnson, Bankers Trust
CO-VICE PRESIDENT

Jasmina Kustura, Community State Bank
CO-VICE PRESIDENT

Jackie Cockrum, Sammons Financial
SECRETARY

Robyn Brennecke, Bankers Trust
TREASURER

Paula Plasencia, Dowling Catholic High School
PAST PRESIDENT

Rachel Paine Caufield, Drake University

Elizabeth Coonan, Dentons Davis Brown

Diane Evans, Fractional HR Consultant

Rachel Formaro, Collabry

Anna Gleason, YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Becky Hammond, Holmes Murphy

Haley Heintz, Wells Fargo

Denise Kleppe, EvolveMe Advisor

Reo Menning, RINAlliance Inc

Krystal Mikkilineni, Dentons Davis Brown

Katie Navin, Exec 1 Aviation

Devan Rittler-Patton, Wellmark

Monika Sehic, Sammons Financial Group

Veronica White, Corteva Agriscience

Chrysalis Staff

Terry Hernandez, Executive Director

Brooke Findley, Senior Director of Strategy & Impact

Lynn Knudsen, Director of Mission Advancement

Carrie McGrean, Executive Assistant

We're grateful to our friends at Morgan Stanley for allowing Chrysalis to utilize its coporate meeting facility today.