Domestic violence shelter calls for specific donations
IOWA CITY — A shelter for people escaping or recovering from domestic violence in eight eastern Iowa counties has some key needs and is asking the public to help out. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) seeks donations of Monistat, razors and shaving cream, can openers, pens and humidifiers for people served at its emergency shelter. The nonprofit served almost 3,500 people last year, including 656 people who sought help at its emergency shelter. You can make your donation by dropping off donations at the DVIP office at 1105 S. Gilbert Ct., or by ordering from DVIP’s Amazon wish list here. Call or text 319-259-9353 for more information. DVIP is based in Johnson County and also serves Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Lee, Van Buren, and Washington counties.
Three Democrats seek 4th Congressional District nod
SIOUX CITY — Three Democrats are vying to be the party’s nominee to pursue western Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, a Republican stronghold with a congressional seat that is being vacated because its former seat-holder is running for governor. Those candidates are Dave Dawson, a prosecutor and former state legislator from Lawton; Stephanie Steiner, a retired nurse from Sutherland; and Ashley WolfTornabane , a stay-at-home mom from Storm Lake. They’ll face off in the Democratic primary June 2, and the winner will face Republican Chris McGowan, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, in November. The seat, which was occupied by super-conservative Steve King for eight years, has been held since 2021 by Republican Randy Feenstra, who is among three candidates seeking the Republican Party nomination for Iowa governor.
Trauma-informed Holy Saturday service in Des Moines
DES MOINES — If you’re a victim of religious trauma, Downtown Disciplines is hosting an Easter gathering especially suited to you. Its Trauma-Informed Holy Saturday service starts at 5 p.m. Saturday and is structured to show awareness of the religious trauma that LGBTQ+ people and others may have experienced in previous church settings. Downtown Disciplines is an “all-inclusive spiritual community” that is LGBTQIA+ affirming and “proclaims Black Lives Matter.” Its trauma-informed service is at 525 S.W. 5th St., Ste. D.
