Congratulations to our 2021 Community Heroes!
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa (PCA Iowa) would like to both thank and recognize the hard work and dedication that our grantees and service providers across Iowa are doing to help make positive experiences for families throughout the state. We are proud of and thankful for your work to enhance and support children and families, especially in a time of uncertainty.
PCA Iowa annually recognizes Community Heroes through a statewide nomination process. We seek nominations for those who have made a positive and significant impact on their community, exemplifying the spirit of PCA Iowa’s mission to strengthen families for safer, happier childhoods.
We are thrilled to recognize two award recipients for our 2021 Community Hero Award. These Iowans have gone the extra mile to support child abuse prevention efforts through advocacy and cultivating community.
Bella Cosner
Bella is a passionate and dedicated advocate whose leadership and drive led her to establish a non-profit, Bell’s Cos! Her goal is to spread awareness about child abuse to decrease the number of unnoticed cases, ultimately – keeping children and families safe. This hero is active in her community by raising money and collecting items for children in need of food, clothing, or therapy. She shares her story and encourages survivors of abuse to connect, advocate, and rise stronger together.
Deb Weilage
Deb was nominated by the entire leadership team at FAMILY, Inc. She dedicated her career to educating parents with a goal to build strong, healthy, happier homes where families can thrive. She is a champion for partnerships and created relationships within the community so that families would feel comfortable in receiving services. Her impact was not just with families served, but also with the team members she mentored, guided and trained to have a similar impact in the community. Deb truly moves beyond having a hand in prevention and instead wraps her whole arms around those that she serves internally and externally.
Thank you to Green State Credit Union and Lutheran Services in Iowa for providing sponsorship of our Community Hero award!
GreenState Credit Union’s philanthropic mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. GreenState gives back by volunteering time and donating funds to support local organizations and charities to help our communities thrive. In 2020, just over $2.1 million was granted in areas of animal/wildlife, arts & culture, athletics, civic & community, education, environment, health, humanities, and DE&I. As the credit union grows, so does this amount.
Our mission at Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is to ensure children are able to thrive in safe, healthy homes. LSI Early Childhood Services keep kids safe, wrap care around families, and provide them with the education, guidance, and resources they need to create bright futures. From in-home visits to community support groups, our team is there to strengthen Iowa families and provide a shoulder to lean on.