801 University Ave., Unit 3, DSM, IA 50314Main Phone: 515-697-7700info@evelynkdaviscenter.org

M–TH: 8:00am–6:00pmF: 8:00am–5:00pmSAT: 8:00am–1:00pmSUN: CLOSED

APRIL 3

NCRC Test: 9:00am–1:00pm, Appt. NeededMasters Business Boot Camp: 12:00pm–3:30pmDigital Literacy (Beginner): 2:00pm–4:00pmFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00 pm

APRIL 4

Fatherhood Classes: 10:00am–12:00pmWTA Q&A Session: 4:00pm–6:30pm Tutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 5

NCRC Test: 8:45am–1:00pm Appt. NeededSecrets to Success: 10:00am–11:30amDigital Literacy (Advanced): 1:00pm-3:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 6

WTA Q&A Session: 9:00am–11:30amFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 10

NCRC Test: 9:00am–1:00pm,4:45pm–8:30pm, Appt. Needed

Masters Business Boot Camp: 12:00pm–3:30pmDigital Literacy (Beginner): 2:00pm-4:00pmFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 11

Fatherhood Classes: 10:00am–12:00pmWTA Q&A Session: 4:00pm–6:30pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm Financial Fitness Boot Camp: 5:30pm–7:30pm

APRIL 12

NCRC Test: 8:45am–1:00pm, Appt. NeededSecrets to Success: 10:00am–11:30amYouth Opportunity Fair: 10:30am–2:00pmDigital Literacy (Advanced): 1:00pm-3:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 13

WTA Q&A Session: 9:00am–11:30am Fatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 17

NCRC Test: 9:00am–1:00pm, 4:45pm–8:30pm, Appt. NeededMasters Business Boot Camp: 12:00pm–3:30pmDigital Literacy (Beginner): 2:00pm-4:00pmFatherhood Classes 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 18

Fatherhood Classes: 10:00am–12:00pmWTA Q&A Session: 4:00pm–6:30pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm Financial Fitness Boot Camp: 5:30pm–7:30pm

APRIL 19

NCRC Test: 8:45am–1:00pm, Appt. NeededSecrets to Success: 10:00am–11:30amDigital Literacy (Advanced): 1:00pm–3:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 20

WTA Q&A Session: 9:00am–11:30amFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 24

NCRC Test: 9:00am–1:00pm, 4:45pm–8:30pm, Appt. NeededMasters Business Boot Camp: 12:00pm–3:30pmDigital Literacy (Beginner): 2:00pm-4:00pmFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 25

Fatherhood Classes: 10:00am–12:00pmWTA Q&A Session: 4:00pm–6:30pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm Financial Fitness Boot Camp: 5:30pm–7:30pm

APRIL 26

NCRC Test: 8:45am–1:00pm Appt. NeededWednesday Hiring Day: 9:30am–1:30pmDigital Literacy (Advanced): 1:00pm–3:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

APRIL 27

WTA Q&A Session: 9:00am-11:30amFatherhood Classes: 5:00pm–7:00pmTutor Heroes: 5:00pm–7:00pm

DID YOU KNOW?

IN THIS ISSUE Former DMACC Provost Expands

Horizons on East Coast

Return of The Financial Fix

Project Manager of FCN Nominatedas Iowa SBA Minority BusinessChampion of the Year

Masters Business Boot Camp | Last Call!

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPNEWSLETTER | APRIL 2017

Achieving Greater Success...

e v e l y n k d a v i s c e n t e r . o r g

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FINANCIAL FITNESS BOOT CAMPGet your money clean for 2017! Sign up for this dynamic workshop and take the reins on your journey to fi nancialwellness! Workshops include Financial Planning, Money Management, Budgeting, Credit Repair, and Loan Management. Next sessions: April 11, 18, 25 and May 2. For more information, please call 515-697-1450 or visit www.fcn-dm.org.

This year’s deadline for filingyour tax returns is April 18!

Normally the deadline to file your taxesis on April 15. However, because April 15falls on a Saturday this year, and because the Washington DC Emancipation Day holiday is being observed on April 17 instead of April 16, Tax Day has officially been move to the following Tuesday.

www.efile.com/tax-day-deadlines/#april-18

COMMUNITY CALENDAR | APRIL 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Dr. Laura Douglas, Provost at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Urban Campus for more than 11 years, is saying her farewells to students and colleagues as she embarks on her new journey to new heights.

On October 31, 2005, Douglas began her service at Urban Campus. When she arrived, she realized that her work was cut out for her.

As Douglas explained, the faculty was divided regarding the administrative changes being made. The campus lacked culture and was full of broken furniture. There was a lingering oder from the original carpet.

“When I talked with students, they would use the word ghetto,” expressed Douglas. “That is such a strong word and not often used without a negative connotation.”

She had a vision and was determined to see it through. She immediately designed a year-by-year plan to upgrade the facilities so that the campus itself was greatly enhanced with beautiful colors, designs, and furniture, a place that was clean and comfortable for students to study and pursue their academic career.

At the same time, she set out to enrich the culture at DMACC. “I made it a part of my everyday world to say yes to as many ideas as people would bring forward,” Douglas said. “I felt there was great potential with our very talented faculty and staff, but they weren’t always given the opportunity or the freedom to fulfill some of the great ideas they had.”

It wasn’t until Douglas established the Plan-of-Budget Process, where people could bring forth their plans of what they wanted to do, that things really started to change around campus.

But it wasn’t a rapid change. People weren’t familiar with submitting plans; rather, they were used to having to ‘pull teeth and nails’ to get any results. It wasn’t until faculty member and group leader John Robinson, came forward with a plan to renovate the Academic Achievement Center that others started to follow in his footsteps. Robinson put together a small team to identify a plan that would make the space more appealing and functional for students.

The following year, several more people brought forth their ideas.

“Professional development has been a gold star for this campus too,” said Douglas. Other ways DMACC Urban has changed include the number of locations available, the expansion of new programs, and the growth of the student body.

According to Douglas, the demographics of the campus have also changed. The achievement rates of underrepresented groups has skyrocketed. The number of students of color has grown from 25%, when she first arrived, to over 45% now.

Douglas went on to explain that each community college she has worked at has been different, but DMACC Urban is unique in the way that students are always so appreciative.

“My best memory, hands down, has to be the appreciation that is shown to this campus by our students and the community,” said Douglas. “To tell you the truth, every day I have a happy moment, because when I leave for the day I know that I have been able to make a difference in the life of someone, whether it’s a community member or a student. It’s a really good feeling.

“They come and talk to me and they tell me how much they love their professors, or so-and-so made a difference, or something made a difference. That’s a really good memory to take with you,” she said.

Douglas knew a couple of years ago that her time at Urban was coming to an end when she realized that it was time to fulfill her vision to bring someone else in who could build on the successes of the campus thus far. It was time for her to continue her journey of reaching her own full potential, and following her dreams of becoming President of a community college one day.

It was upon this realization that Dr. Douglas began her search. After sending out a few feelers, she finally found the very best place she could have landed—Bristol Community College, in Massachusetts.

The multi-campus system presents plenty of challenges to its new president.

“If you know anything about me, you know I love a good challenge!” exclaimed Douglas.

Massachusett’s economy is changing rapidly; from manufacturing to STEM-related fields, distribution, logistics and sustainable energy. Moving the college’s curriculum to something that aligns with the economic development of the region will be imperative in Douglas’ approach.

In addition, the region has some of the state’s lowest rates of educational attainment and high school and college completion. This represents another challenge for Douglas in getting people to understand how important a community college is in filling mid-skill jobs—the majority of jobs represented in that region.

Although her love for seafood and lobster is a huge bonus to moving, as Massachusetts has one of the largest seaports in the United States, she will greatly miss her experience at DMACC Urban.

“I will miss the success stories,” said Douglas. “The the struggles are amazing, what students go through to get their degrees is certainly something that makes me realize that I have absolutely nothing to complain about,” said Douglas.

“SHE HAD A VISION AND WAS DETERMINED TO SEE IT THROUGH.”

JAZZ CABARETWed. & Thurs. until May 1, 7:00pm–10:00pmNoce on Walnut St.; Plan for a laid-back evening of jazz and blues with the trio led by legendary B3 organ and piano player Sam Salamone. COST: $5 GENERAL, FREE FOR MUSICIANS

MEDITATION CLASSWednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pmThoreau Center; Learn how to transform your life in these weekly meditation classes, practical methods for maintaining peaceful and positive minds in an increasingly challenging world to discovering the full reach of your potential. For beginner and experienced meditation students alike. Feel free to bring your own cushion. COST: $10; $5 FOR STUDENTS

SEASON OF STORY April 6, 7:00pm–9:00pm Beaverdale Books; Season of Story events are based on the ancient tradition of telling stories around the fire in the cold, dark days of winter. Tell a five-minutes story, fiction or non-fiction, based on the prop/theme of the month or simply enjoy as an audience member. Complimentary refreshments provided. Prizes for best storytellers. COST: $5

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FAIR April 12, 8:30am–5:00pmEast High School; A student-only event to provide high-school aged youth with volunteer, employment, and higher-education opportunities. More than 90 employers, organizations and institutions are expected to attend this year’s event. COST: FREE

APPLICATION DAY, HIRING EVENTApril 26, 9:30am–1:00pmEvelyn K. Davis Center; One the fourth Wednesday of each month, various employers will be onsite to hold mock and open interviews for interested applicants. Job developers will be available to assist with preparing professional resumes, and Men on the Move will also be onsite to make sure you are dressed to impress. COST: FREE

FRIDAY FUNDAYSApril 7, 9:30am, 10:45am & 1:30pmDes Moines Community Playhouse; Interactive theatre shows for children ages 4-6. Join the Clubhouse at the Playhouse Gang this month as they dramatize the story, Stone Soup, using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. COST: $6 ALL AGES

MASTERS BUSINESS BOOT CAMPApril 3–May 6, 12:00pm–3:00pm Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families; Designed to help small business owners unlock the maximum outcomes for their business and increase their profit margins. Registration for the newest cohort for this program will be open very soon; please check the Center’s Facebook page for more updates. COST: FREE

DMACC PROVOST TO EXPAND PROFESSIONAL HORIZONS ON EAST COAST

MASTERS BUSINESS BOOT CAMPLAST CALL!

RETURN OF THE FINANCIAL FIX

Join us in congratulating a very dedicated, persistent, and compassionate woman, Deidre DeJear, program manager.

Program manager of the Financial Capability Network and small-business owner of Caleo Enterprises, Deidre was recently nominated as the Minority Business Champion of the Year, by the Iowa Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA recognized her for her many contributions to minority businesses in the state of Iowa.

Deadline for registration is Monday, April 3, at 12:00pm.

Targeted to existing small business owners, this event is designed to help these entrepreneurs maximize their business outcomes and increase profi t margins.

This six-week workshop begins Monday, April 3, and is held from 12:00pm–3:00pm once a week. Lunch is provided, as well as a stipend—a compensation for taking time away from the owner’s business—based on requirements completed.

For more information, please call 515–697–1473, or stay tuned to the Evelyn K. Davis Center’s Facebook page.

PROJECT MANAGER OF FCN NOMINATED AS IOWA SBA MINORITY BUSINESSCHAMPION OF THE YEAR

COMING NEXT MONTH! MAN’S STORY OF HOW HE FOUND HIS CALM WITHIN THE STORM

“SUCCESS ISN’T ALWAYS MEASURED

BY A STRAIGHT LINE…SOMETIMES

YOU HAVE TO TAKE STEPS BACK IN

ORDER TO TAKE STEPS IN THE RIGHT

DIRECTION,” HE SAID.

In January 2016, the Financial Capability Network (FCN) decided to expandtheir outreach to television. FCN collaborated with Mediacom in producing a series of interviewswith various community leaders.

The interviews promoted fi nancial wellness within the community and consisted of such topics as investments, retirement, home ownership and the home-buying process, debt management and credit repair, andso much more.

These brief educational videos aired throughout the state during regularly scheduled Mediacom programming, and were accessible via Mediacom’s OnDemand as well as Social Media sites.

FCN is happy to announce the return of The Financial Fix for 2017. Starting in April, FCN will start recording their second season, once again collaborating with Mediacom to produce yet another round of fi nancially educational topics.

Tune into the Evelyn K. Davis Center’s social media sites for the next episode of The Financial Fix!