Community Foundation supports nonprofit that builds beds for kids

Grant helps local children sleep easy

In an effort to meet the needs of area youth, the Dyersville Area Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Delaware County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that provides handmade beds to children who do not have beds of their own. 

“The Community Foundation collaborates with local leaders to identify needs and solutions to community-wide issues, especially those that impact youth,” says Michelle Grover, executive director. “We are excited to see Sleep in Heavenly Peace helping families in the Dyersville area and are glad to be able to help.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace was founded on the belief that a bed is a basic need that provides proper physical, emotional, and mental support for a child. The has more than 200 chapters across the United States and has built over 35,000 beds. The Delaware County chapter recently expanded its area of coverage to include Dyersville and Worthington, as well as parts of Clayton County.

“We expanded simply to get more kids into beds in our communities,” says Keith Kramer, president of the Delaware County chapter. “All of these communities have been supporting our mission, including this very generous donation from the Dyersville Area Community Foundation. We are very thankful.”

The Delaware County chapter, made up of about 15 volunteers, has made and delivered 158 beds since inception in 2020. Each bed comes with new sheets, a pillow and a handmade quilt. 

“It really stuck in my mind, these kids that don’t have a place to sleep. They’re sleeping on the edge of a couch or on an old mattress on the floor,” Kramer explains. Sleep in Heavenly Peace estimates 2% of children are without beds nationwide, which equates to about 300 in Delaware County alone. Wanting to support more children, Kramer approached community members in cities near the Delaware County border, including Dyersville, Worthington and Strawberry Point, about expanding the program. 

“The people in those communities stepped up to help meet the need,” says Kramer. “Once people see the program, they continue to donate. Everybody wants to be a part of it.”

If you know a child who needs a bed, visit shpbeds.org and fill out a confidential form. Your local zip code will route your request to the Delaware County chapter, and your information remains confidential. 

The Community Foundation supports the Dyersville Area Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, award grants to schools to enhance learning, and oversees the operations of The Kid Project Community Child Care Center. To find out how you can make an impact for local youth or support other community needs, contact Michelle Grover at dacf@dbqfoundation.org or 319.269.6432.