New Joppa Program Encourages Kids to Help Homeless

Joppa is launching Joppa Kids, a set of programs that encourage kids to get involved in homeless awareness, prevention and volunteering to help people who are currently homeless in the Des Moines metro.

“Seven years ago today, I helped my parents start Joppa. Now we’re excited to announce the launch of Joppa Kids,” said Caleb Stevens, Joppa cofounder and founder of Joppa Kids. “Joppa Kids includes opportunities for kids K-12 to learn about homelessness and volunteer to help homeless people in our community.”

Kids can get involved in three ways:

LEARN: Joppa Kids promotes age-appropriate educational materials to help kids become aware of homelessness and what they can do to help the homeless.

EXPERIENCE: Kids learn firsthand from classroom experiences and activities. Classroom exercises and videos teach about the importance of ‘choices’ and where different choices can lead. Older kids have opportunities to visit homeless camps and ask about people’s stories.

VOLUNTEER: Kids can volunteer in their schools and churches by organizing supply drives, making greeting cards, teaching younger kids about homelessness, and participating in events such as the Iowa Homeless Memorial and Joppa Camp Cleanups.

High school students oversee the K-8 programs and help interest younger children in volunteering, and then mentor those interested in becoming the future leaders of Joppa Kids.

“Joppa has always embraced kids—to whatever degree their parents are comfortable,” said Joe Stevens, CEO and cofounder. “In fact, it’s one of the reasons we started Joppa. We couldn’t find any place that would let our seven-year old volunteer to help the homeless, even behind the scenes.”

Caleb said one of the things he is most excited about is “Homeless Movie Night,” where they will serve popcorn, hot dogs, candy and pop. “Homeless people don’t get to see feature films,” he said. “We want to provide them with the whole movie theater experience.”

“With Joppa Kids, Caleb is putting new energy into our existing kids’ programs as well as launching new opportunities for kids to learn and volunteer,” said Jacki Stevens, Volunteer Services Director and cofounder. “Because kids can make a difference!”