PROGRAMS
Flourishing Neighborhood Index
Effective strategies start with accurate diagnoses. That’s why we have been thrilled to launch the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI). The FNI measures the health of your community across economic, social, and structural indicators.
The index is designed to assess your neighborhood holistically, giving you the key information to make strategic, place-based plans alongside your neighbors. Because neighborhood buy-in is essential, community members themselves conduct the FNI. Neighbors collect FROM the neighborhood and FOR the neighborhood.
The Flourishing Neighborhood Index is an 18-month process that launched in January 2024. Interested in being involved? Email office@wellingtonheightscommunitychurch by clicking the link below.
History
The need for accessible laundry support has been recognized since the earliest days of Wellington Heights Community Church. Early efforts included providing financial assistance and transportation to local laundromats. Over time, conversations with neighbors and the staff team highlighted a shared hope to one day offer free laundry services directly at the church.
In the aftermath of the Derecho, the church connected to bring the 8 Days of Hope Laundry Truck, providing free laundry services to the neighborhood. This effort once again highlighted the community’s voiced need for accessible, no-cost laundry services and reinforced the church's vision of sustainably offering such support.
Vision
Loads of Love offers free laundry services at the Wellington Heights Community Church Peace House. Loads of Love seeks to create a safe, welcoming space where neighbors can do laundry while fostering opportunities for connection. Wellington Heights Community Church provides all necessary laundry supplies, with staff and volunteers present to engage in conversation and build relationships, as desired by participants.
Next Steps
Offer free laundry services in the Peace House for one resident in the community each week. The church will provide all necessary equipment and supplies, and a staff member or volunteer will be present for conversation and relationship-building, if desired by the participant. Our hope is that others (like yourselves!) will eventually join this ministry so that laundry services are available 2-3 different times throughout the week. Email office@wellingtonheightscommunitychurch.org, or talk to him about it in person! The time commitment would be about 2-3 hours on a single day of the week.
Wellington Heights
Community Church
Blessing Box
A blessing box has been installed outside of the Wellington Heights Community Church building to be stocked with most requested essential needs from neighbors with the motto of taking what you need and leaving what you can.
This blessing box will meet identified essential needs in the neighborhood that are often overlooked and difficult to access. May this blessing box offer practice help and care to neighbors experience a difficult circumstance.
Donations needed:
Feminine Hygiene Products (small packages of tampons/pads)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, deodorant)
Hair Products (shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner)
Baby Wipes
Dish Soap & Sponges
Bottled Electrolyte Beverages
Socks/Underwear of all sizes
Coder Dojo
Discover tools of the future with us at Coder Dojo at Wellington Heights Community Church!
Coder Dojo is a free STEM program for K-5 kids. Our events offer a variety of stations with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities where children can openly explore any station that catches their interest. Mentors are available at each station to help students get started, after which they are free to learn and explore on their own.
Event Details:
- When: First Tuesday of the month, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- Where: 1600 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
- Who: K-5 students (with specific focus areas for K-2)
We look forward to seeing you there as we explore the world of technology and education together. We will also have snacks!
Wellington Heights Community Church
Feed Iowa First Fridge
The Feed Iowa First refrigerator will be open again beginning in May. Stay tuned for more information.
History
The need for accessible laundry support has been recognized since the earliest days of Wellington Heights Community Church. Early efforts included providing financial assistance and transportation to local laundromats. Over time, conversations with neighbors and the staff team highlighted a shared hope to one day offer free laundry services directly at the church.
In the aftermath of the Derecho, the church connected to bring the 8 Days of Hope Laundry Truck, providing free laundry services to the neighborhood. This effort once again highlighted the community’s voiced need for accessible, no-cost laundry services and reinforced the church's vision of sustainably offering such support.
Vision
Loads of Love offers free laundry services at the Wellington Heights Community Church Peace House. Loads of Love seeks to create a safe, welcoming space where neighbors can do laundry while fostering opportunities for connection. Wellington Heights Community Church provides all necessary laundry supplies, with staff and volunteers present to engage in conversation and build relationships, as desired by participants.
Next Steps
On Wednesday, Feb 26th, we will begin by offering free laundry services in the Peace House for one resident in the community each week. The church will provide all necessary equipment and supplies, and a staff member or volunteer will be present for conversation and relationship-building, if desired by the participant. Our hope is that others (like yourselves!) will eventually join this ministry so that laundry services are available 2-3 different times throughout the week.
If you are interested in volunteering for this test-run ministry, please email Lewis at lewis@wellingtonheightscommunitychurch.org, or talk to him about it in person! The time commitment would be about 2-3 hours on a single day of the week.