Project Description
Willkie House’s mission is to develop character and esteem in young people by promoting academic growth, social skill building, health, and recreation. For more than a century, Willkie House has served as a trusted community hub for Des Moines families– providing a safe, supportive environment where children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive. Through this GIVEdsm campaign, Willkie House is strengthening its academic programming by partnering with Sylvan Learning Centers of Iowa to expand access to high-quality literacy instruction for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Literacy is foundational to academic confidence and success, and targeted intervention helps students build the skills they need to fully engage in school and in life.
Your donation supports personalized reading instruction within Willkie House’s after-school and enrichment programs, bolstered by Sylvan Learning’s SylvanSync Reading program. Donations fund small-group and individualized literacy interventions, reading comprehension strategies, and homework support– all designed to help students catch up to grade level, improve fluency, and develop a love of reading and learning.
Willkie House also integrates this academic support with mentoring, social skill development, and enrichment activities, ensuring students are supported not just as learners, but as whole individuals. By strengthening literacy skills, students gain the confidence to engage fully in school and pursue future opportunities.
At Willkie House, we know it takes a village to help young people thrive. Families, schools, educators, community partners, and donors all play a critical role. When you give through GIVEdsm, you become part of that village– helping surround students with robust literacy instruction, encouragement, and support.
Together, we can help students strengthen literacy skills, stay engaged in school, build confidence, remain on track to graduate, pursue post-secondary education or workforce
training, and contribute positively to their communities. Please donate today through GIVEdsm to support Willkie House’s mission and help ensure Des Moines youth have the academic foundation, confidence, and community support they need to succeed in school and beyond.