In response to the challenges our school districts face when designing Return to Learn plans, a group of Johnson County nonprofits was quickly pulled together to leverage their strengths in working in these areas. These nonprofits include: 4Cs, NCJC, United Action for Youth, Dream City, and Open Heartland.
In partnership with the business community, government organizations, the school district, our faith community, and our public libraries, Neighborhood NESTS serve as a conduit to open proctored safe sites where children and young adults can gather in small groups to complement the Iowa City Community School District Return to Learn plans. A pilot program is currently being developed in the South District to help mitigate the needs of our most vulnerable. The Neighborhood NESTS template can be modified and adapted for the unique needs of each neighborhood, and will serve as a central resource for groups wishing to stand up their own micro-hubs.
The goal of Neighborhood NESTS (Nurturing Every Student Together Safely) is to provide:
- Educational supports including reliable wifi and tutoring
- Reliable and high quality child care
- Access to resources including social/emotional support
To learn more about where current NESTS are located, how to volunteer, how to get your child/children connected, or how to set-up a new location, please visit the Project Better Together Neighborhood NESTS page here. If you would like to help support Neighborhood NESTS with a financial contribution, see the right-hand column of this page for more information on where to give. Other questions? Please email Jennifer Banta at jennifer@iowacityarea.com.