A major collaboration is taking shape in Buena Vista County — and its mission is simple: help families thrive, not just survive.
Buena Vista County is one of the first 11 counties in Iowa selected to launch Thrive Iowa, a new community‑driven initiative designed to help families move from crisis to long‑term stability. Instead of creating another standalone program, Thrive Iowa connects schools, nonprofits, health providers, employers and service agencies into one coordinated support network.
Coordinator Sarah Johnson says the goal is to make the system easier for families to navigate.
Johnson oversees the countywide effort, while two navigators — Ana Gonzalez and Carter Anderson — work directly with families. She says the navigator role is designed to empower, not replace, the work families are already doing.
Buena Vista County was chosen in part because of its strong history of collaboration and its willingness to try new approaches to long‑standing challenges, says Johnson.
A public site launch is scheduled for July 13 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, which Johnson says will mark a major step forward.
One of the biggest barriers families face, Johnson says, is simply knowing where to start. Thrive Iowa simplifies that process through a single point of contact and a shared case management system called Hope Hub, which allows partner organizations to coordinate care securely and efficiently.
Eligibility is based on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) guidelines. Participants must have children in their care, be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and meet income requirements at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Referrals — including self‑referrals — can be submitted at HopeHub.io.
Johnson says success in the program’s first year will be measured by both community collaboration and the progress families make toward their own goals.
She says if families feel more connected, empowered and hopeful about their future, that will be the clearest sign the program is making an impact. More information about Thrive Iowa Buena Vista County is available on the program’s Facebook page and at HopeHub.io.
