How One Slingshot Architecture Employee Gives Back to the Community

At Slingshot Architecture, it is an integral part of our culture to ingrain ourselves in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community, both in our project work and in our personal time. Our team members are given hours every year to use toward community service efforts of our choice. Some of the ways we use our allotted time include offering design or architectural services for a nonprofit project, serving on a boar or volunteering with a program, either in or out of our industry.

The Pet Project Midwest

There are a few organizations I have been involved with over the last couple of years. Our interior design team was approached by The Pet Project Midwest (TPPM) this year to donate hours toward giving their storefront an upgrade. TPPM is a local nonprofit organization providing resources to individuals in need of food and supplies for their pets during difficult times in their lives, allowing their pet to stay with the family and out of a shelter. People in need can come to TPPM and pick up supplies. Updating their space will give TPPM more visibility as a reputable organization, with the goal of bringing in additional funding and providing more resources to clients. We are excited to see this project built and completed. TPPM is an incredible organization, and it will be a joy to see their community impact reflected in their space.

Girls on the Run

Most of my volunteer hours are spent coaching Girls on the Run (GOTR). GOTR is a national nonprofit organization created to empower girls to be the very best version of themselves. GOTR has developed an evidence-based curriculum that takes place over an eight-week course to cover various topics, from positive self-talk, to kindness, to decision making. There are various activities used to make these topics fun for the girls in order to learn about and understand each unique topic. We also run (or walk or skip) during each practice so the girls can work toward completing a fun run 5k at the end of the season. There are two programs based on grade range — Grades 3 through 5 are in the GOTR program, and Grades 6 through 8 participate in Heart and Soul. The organization recognizes that there is a broad development spectrum from third to eighth grade, so there are modifications to each program to cater to the needs of each age range. GOTR has been an incredible program to be a part of and has taught me so much about myself!

Ronald McDonald House

During the holiday season, I volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House is a nonprofit organization that supports families with sick children by giving them a place to stay while their children reside in the adjacent hospital. It is especially helpful for families that would need to travel far from home for their child’s medical care. Near the holiday season, several of my Slingshot colleagues and I provide festive door decorations and bake goods for the families to enjoy. It is a fun activity we can embark on together while also, hopefully, providing some extra cheer to the families staying with Ronald McDonald House.

Giving back to our community is such an important part of who we are at Slingshot Architecture. It allows our team to integrate into the deeper needs of the DSM community and pursue interests outside of our daily job. I hope by highlighting a few of these special organizations, I am able to spread awareness and create a spark for other professionals to get involved. Big or small, every bit counts!

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.