What is C.R.I.S.P.?
C.R.I.S.P. stands for Community Resources in Service to People, and it serves Madison County, Iowa families with children (prenatal – 18).
C.R.I.S.P. guides families to resources that can enhance the well-being of families and children, in collaboration with our community partners. Expected outcomes include greater family stability, children who are ready to learn, and empowered communities of responsible, productive citizens. C.R.I.S.P. was founded in 1995 by a group of teachers who wanted to improve the lives of students, and it is funded primarily by the generosity of local community members. C.R.I.S.P. is here for KIDS and Families with KIDS.
We welcome you to join us in our goal of helping families by supporting the five Strengthening Families Concepts. You can find more details at Strengthening Kids & Families and Our Mission & More.
Our Programs
Working together, formulating community based public-private partnerships, C.R.I.S.P. offers the following projects focused on creating environments that help kids learn.
School Supplies 4 Kids
At CRISP we’ve already started looking ahead to next school year. Going to school with a backpack and school supplies specific to your child’s school district and grade level helps them be prepared and ready to learn! With your continued support, CRISP’s School Supplies 4 Kids Program will work to fill this need by assisting families with children returning to school in the fall.
We are asking for your help to provide more than 200 Madison County children with a backpack and supplies for the 2023-2024 school year. Backpacks, on average, cost $50 per child.
In order to stretch your dollars (and ours) we are asking for monetary donations again this year. This allows us to buy in bulk and also provides more consistency in the backpacks.
Volunteers are always appreciated. Volunteer students can earn Silver Cord hours.
If anyone is interested please contact our office, 515-462-9400 or send us an email.
Donation Checks can be mailed to CRISP with SS4K in the Memo. We also accept PayPal and Venmo through our website. Please indicate if your donation is specific to the SS4K program.
In Kind Donations of the following items are also accepted:
- Backpacks – New or gently used (clean)
- Crayola Brand Crayons 24 count
- Crayola Brand Colored Pencils 12 count
- Crayola Brand Colored Pencils 24 count
- Expo Brand Dry Erase Markers
- New – Earbuds or Headphones
THANK YOU for helping Madison County KIDS SUCCEED!
Winter Wear 4 Kids
Help us to help families in need with new or used winter outer wear. We collect and distribute gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, snow pants, and coats in all sizes, kid through adult. Interested in hosting a winter warmth drive? Contact us! We’ll let you know what our high-need items are, and when we need them.
Christmas 4 Kids
Christmas 4 Kids is a wish-list matching program. Kids make wishes and CRISP matches them to local donors. Please help us help us make Christmas a little bit brighter for Madison County children in need! Checks can be made out to CRISP with a memo of “Christmas4Kids” to help support our efforts. We typically have over 90 families signed up to receive gifts in Madison County.
Is a child in need of hygiene items or who has other basic needs that are not being met?
Feel free to contact us and ask about resources.
Referrals for services may come from school staff members, churches, or local community members.