Change Course Night of Hope

At Change Course and beyond, lives are being changed in Des Moines. Join us for an evening of inspiration as we discuss the work we do and highlight a few of the many changemakers in this city. Keynote Speaker: Andy Bales Andy Bales is the most recent recipient of the Biola University Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award, of which only 9 others have been given. Andy recently retired from twenty years of service as President and CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 1891, URM has been the vital center of hope for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness on the streets of Skid Row. His steadfast devotion to the centrality of his faith in a large secularized field of public service earned the great respect of local leaders—even those who disagreed with him—for his deep commitment to the homeless community and his courage to hold to his convictions despite opposition. Andy’s work and compassion for people in dire straits has been recognized nationally. Also Speaking: Kameron Middlebrooks, Iowa State Organizer, REFORM Alliance Kameron L. Middlebrooks is a Des Moines, Iowa native. He is currently the Iowa State Organizer for the REFORM Alliance, former president of the Des Moines Branch of the NAACP and the Chair of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission. Hosted by: Joseph Johnson, Founder/CEO, Change Course After making poor choices at age 35 in an effort to be someone he really wasn’t, life fell apart with Joseph’s marriage and relationships, and he and his family lost everything. Those poor choices led to incarceration in a federal prison camp where he would choose to surrender to a process of complete transformation and change the course of his life. Joseph was released in 1996, and after a long restoral process, found success in small business over the next 25 years, leading two small local companies to multi-million dollar organizations. In February of 2022, Joseph left the business world determined to make a difference and respond to the burden on his heart that began in prison 25 years earlier for those stuck in unending cycles of struggle. That is when he and his wife, Karin, founded Change Course, a nonprofit aimed to combat the growing problem of poverty and incarceration in Des Moines. They are committed to creating the tools, community and opportunities—similar to those Joseph was privileged to have after prison—so that those in need of second chances can lead themselves out of struggle and change the course of their own lives and communities. Joseph speaks and inspires audiences of all kinds to integrate what he believes is relevant to the success of any organization: community, intentional encouragement, creating a culture that encourages growth, and authentic leadership.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2314260-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2314260-2

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