Cedar Rapids Kiwanis moves to new meeting venue

Cedar Rapids Kiwanis is on the move.

The longtime Cedar Rapids service-based membership organization recently announced a move in their regular weekly location.

Members had met weekly at Elmcrest Country Club for a number of years, but the group voted to move to a new meeting space, at Groundswell Cafe, located next to and operated by not-for-profit Matthew 25 on Third Avenue SW in the Kingston neighborhood, near downtown Cedar Rapids.

The decision has been more than a year in the making, part of strategic reflections as the organization marks just more than 100 years in the community.

“We want to make sure we are inclusive, and we hope this location invites others in the community to consider joining us,” said Vice President Laurie Worden, noting that it could be a good fit for those newly retired or younger professionals seeking to make a difference in the Cedar Rapids community.

Kiwanis President Doug Dix agreed and said members are excited about the move in meeting location for several reasons.

“We really offer people an opportunity to help kids and have some fun along the way while making great friendships,” Dix said. “We see this as an opportunity to show the community that were helping, and hopefully we can grow our membership because of it.”

Kiwanians say they meet weekly not only for connecting but also to contribute — dollars and volunteer hours — to several youth-focused initiatives including the Kiwanis Miracle League at Prospect Meadows, HACAP’s Operation Backpack, providing shoe vouchers for Families Helping Families and addressing access and equity issues in partnership with Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and the Rollin’ Recmobile.

The organization also is the sponsor for high school Key Clubs at Xavier and Prairie.

“There are other fantastic member organizations in Cedar Rapids, but we are laser-focused on service to the youth of community and less on networking,” Worden said.

“This organization is the right fit for those looking to connect with servant leadership and a purpose driven organization.”

Second Vice President Claire Tupper, one of the organization younger professionals, said relocating meetings to Groundswell is meaningful because of that organization’s mission to serve the community at large.

“This meeting location is more aligned with our mission,” she said.

“Matthew 25 and Groundswell do such much good in our community. We want to partner with them moving forward and this is a great way to connect with their work on a weekly basis.”

The first meeting was March 30 and will continue weekly for the foreseeable future, with video-conferencing options available.

More information about Cedar Rapids Kiwanis can be found at cedarrapidskiwanis.org.