Young Parents Network
 Impacting Families. Empowering Generations.

205 12th Street SE

Cedar_Rapids,_IA_52404

(319) 364-8909

 

 
 

DONATIONS

Donating to Young Parents Network

 

Young Parents Network (YPN) impacts many lives each year through the important programs it offers our community and surrounding communities. Without the support from generous individuals, young moms would face many adult decisions on their own like the mom who sent us this letter (to the right).

Thank you in advance for considering contributing to YPN through your donation of cash or in-kind items. To learn more about our in-kind donation policy, click here.

Together, we are helping to prevent teen pregnancies, deliver healthy babies, and helping parents balance their parenting skills and personal development. By building stronger, successful families, we will in turn be building stronger, successful communities.

In order for Young Parents Network to fulfill its mission well into the future, to sustain existing programs, and develop further programs, the YPN Endowment Fund was established. The impact of an endowment gift can be experienced today, as well as 100 years from today. 

  

Dear YPN,

 

A few years ago I was faced with an unplanned pregnancy.  I was still in high school and had nowhere to turn.

 

Thanks to much help from the community and YPN, I pulled through the tough times!  YPN was there with much needed help and support.  I thank you all so very much for all you offer.

 

It has been a long road, but I’ve made it.  I am finally able to give back to the agency that helped me.  Please accept my donation of $50.  

 

 My two kids and I now own a house.  I have a great job, and 2 dogs.  It took many years, but God has followed us the whole way. 

  

Thanks again!

If you are interested in making a planned gift to the YPN Endowment Fund please contact:

Kathy Kaiden, Director of Development

205 12th Street S.E.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403

(319) 364-8909

E-mail:  KKaiden@youngparentsnetwork.or

 

In- Kind Donation Policy

Young Parents Network accepts donations of new or gently used baby items, including clothing, toys, equipment and furniture.  No used car seats or breast pumps are accepted. Cribs must meet the newer guidelines of slats being no more than 2 3/8” (if a soda can fits through, it’s too big).  Every effort will be made to adhere to the donor’s wishes regarding the donation, if those wishes have been specified. 

  • All donations will be processed through the main office located at 205 12th Street S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

  • When a donation is brought to the office, a donor card will be completed, and a copy will be given to the donor. The value of the donation will be determined by the donor, so no amount will be written on the donor card at the time of the donation. YPN will keep a copy of the donor card, in order to complete a thank you letter, and to enter the donation into our donor database. The estimated value of the donation is written on YPN's copy and entered into the database for agency purposes only.

  • Unless there is a known, immediate need for an item, all used items will be taken to the Wee Care Shop for distribution to participants. The Wee Care Shop is a community outreach project through Cedar Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, which benefits the participants of the programs of Young Parents Network. This incentive project supplies much-needed items to participants who “earn” points in a variety of ways (i.e. participating in group night). These points are then exchanged for items that are typically difficult for participants to purchase on their own.

  • New items will be divided between Linn County and Outreach Services.

  • In most situations, YPN will not identify a specific family to be the recipient of a large individual donation. When a donor requests a specific family identified, that family will be selected through a “raffle” drawing.

  • When an inquiry is made about donations, especially at the Christmas holiday time, calls will be directed to a Program Director who will discuss options available and clarify the donor’s wishes.  Donors will be encouraged to give YPN staff flexibility in distribution of in-kind donations.