Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

In light of the recent coverage by the Des Moines Register we hope you take a moment to read our response. Additional facts were provided to the reporter that were not included in the coverage. We think those facts are important in illustrating the intent of our grantmaking priorities. Thank you for considering the entire story.

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/supervisors/news/response-to-des-moines-register-coverage-6192018/

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisors Hockensmith and Van Oort presented a Community Development Grant to assist with the Strength & Conditioning program at Southeast Polk High School. In order to accomodate class sizes of 70+ they have acquired a training software program that places the various exercises for the students visually on an overhead projector. This allows the coaches to help evaluate individuals to improve their technique. Funding made possible by a partnership between Polk County and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisor Hockensmith provided a Community Betterment Grant to Brubaker Elementary School to assist with the Brubaker Path Explorers Program. This program is an after school program for 5th grade students located on the east side of Des Moines. The program will provide opportunities for students to begin the process of goal setting and expose them to career opportunities. A few of the sites they will visit are the Iowa State Capitol, Iowa Cubs Stadium, Principal Insurance Company, Civic Center. Des Moines Arts Center, Meredith publishing and the State Historical Building of Iowa.
Left to right: Mr. Mark Adams, Brubaker Principal; Ms. Diana Quillin O’Leary, Instructional Coach; Tom Hockensmith, Polk County Supervisor.

Grant funding made possible by a partnership between Polk County and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisor Hockensmith presented a Community Betterment Grant to Triad Foundation to support Jabberwock - 6th Annual African American Performing Arts Youth Talent Competition. The mission of the Triad Foundation is to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide support to the underserved, educate and encourage participation in the establishment of public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for our communities. The event is held at Grand View University's Viking Theatre.

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisor Hockensmith provided a Community Betterment Grant to Grand View University for the Grand View Community Garden, which is an initiative of the Views Forward Project. The garden is an effort to meet the needs of the neighbors on the east side of Des Moines as well as provide opportunities for students to learn, serve and build relationships with their neighbors.

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisor Hockensmith provided a Polk County update and visited with the attendees at Norwoodville Community Center during his spring visit.

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Today we celebrated the grand opening of the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel. We are grateful for all of the hard work, our partners and our community support!

Tom Hockensmith Polk County Supervisor shared Polk County Iowa's post.

Supervisors Hockensmith and Mauro along with Julie Stewart, Prairie Meadows, presented the Des Moines Public School District with a check that is the result of a great partnership between The Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows. This unique partnership has resulted in more than $11.8 million going directly to Polk County students since 2007.