vision statement

“Empower West Side Kids”

CR netWORK was started by a group of people with roots in west side neighborhoods who see opportunities to positively impact the lives of area youth.  We seek like minded people to donate their time, skills and monetary contributions.

background

In September of 2008 Clint Twedt-Ball brought the concept of a giving circle for youth of the west side of Cedar Rapids to Chad Spore and Brian Christoffersen.  A few weeks later the three of them had an exploratory meeting where they discussed the concept.  The focus of that discussion: There is a huge need to empower youth in many different ways on the west side of Cedar Rapids.  By the end of the discussion, the three were convinced that if an organization with this structure and vision existed, there would be a strong demand from people with ties to the west side to contribute.  They also brainstormed on potential members to build a team that (1) would be passionate towards the cause and (2) would get it done.  A month later, an initial group of eight individuals met for the first official board meeting and got to work.

CR netWORK currently has 10 board members.  The group has spent the end of 2008 and the first half of 2009 focused on getting key pieces of infrastructure in place before actively taking on new members.  The reason for this is two-fold (1) to make sure the tools are in place to effectively communicate with members and get them involved as much as they would like to be and (2) to make sure we had the internal processes and procedures, as well as legal obligations in line before allowing the general fund to grow past the initial board member donations.

Why the name CR netWORK?:  “CR” is for Cedar Rapids.  The capitalized “WORK” stands for West Of the River Kids.  The word “River” in the acronym is additionally significant in that the group was established in the year of the flood.  It is important to note the group was not formed because of the flood.  The need was there before and is only greater now.  The integration of “net” in “netWORK” describes the reality that this group’s strength will be drawn from a strong network of people as well as their talents and resources.

board members

Chad Spore (President)
negotiates technology contracts for AEGON USA and has a BA in Finance from Northern Iowa.  He is a 1992 graduate of CR Jefferson and also attended Taft and Coolidge.  His recent non-profit work includes the setup and administration of a free computer lab for Matthew 25 as well as updating their website.  Chad also stays busy coaching his daughter's (K-1st) girls t-ball team.
    "In 2007, Clint spoke at my church about the great things that they were doing for children in the Taylor Elementary neighborhood.  I was moved by the opportunity to help in a community that was tied to my youth.  I initially assisted with the planning and setup of their free computer lab and that is where it started.  In September of 2008, Clint brought the concept of a giving circle to Brian and me, with the thought that our ties to the west side could make this happen.  From this initial discussion came the idea of CR netWORK.  I believe in this team and its pure intentions.  My involvement in CR netWORK has me excited about our potential to make a difference."
 
Sean Neilly (Vice-President)
is a Social Studies teacher at Jefferson High School, joining the staff in 2000. He serves as Jefferson’s National Honor Society Faculty Advisor and as the assistant coach of the men’s tennis team.  He is also an instructor in Social Studies Methods at Coe College.  
    Sean feels that “CR netWORK will be a great asset to the community.  It is an organization I jumped to be a part of when Chad contacted me.  I believe that coordinated action by a small but committed group can make a positive impact even in a large community.  CR netWORK gives me a chance to give back to the neighborhoods I use to run around in as a child but also to the kids I see in my classroom.”
 
Tory Meiborg (Treasurer)
is President and equity partner at World Trend Financial.  He and his wife Kara have established the Maxwell Meiborg Foundation.  This organization raises money to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the U of I Children’s Hospital. 
    Tory is enthusiastic about the potential of CR netWORK.  “As a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, I have met a number of generous and talented people who care very deeply about the long-term well being of our community.  By providing a mechanism to poll these resources, I believe CRnetWORK will be a positive influence on west side youth.”
 
Clint Twedt-Ball (Secretary)
is the founder and Co-Director of the non-profit Matthew 25 Ministry Hub and a United Methodist pastor. Matthew 25 works in the Taylor and Time Check Neighborhoods to help empower children, youth and neighborhoods through mentoring programs, a Tool Library and creative community engagement. 
    Clint says of his involvement with CR netWORK, "I believe some of the most talented and gifted kids live in the flood-impacted neighborhoods on the west side of Cedar Rapids. I want to give all I can to help these kids break through any barriers that might get in the way of them striving towards their dreams. CR netWORK is a great way for people to come together and support west side kids." 

Courtney Ball is Co-Director of the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, which he founded with his brother Clint Twedt-Ball.  Courtney is also a Deacon in The United Methodist Church.  Courtney and his family moved to the Time Check neighborhood in Cedar Rapids in 2006, and have grown to love the community here.  When asked why he is involved in CR netWORK, Courtney says, "I really like the people I have met in my neighborhood and in the Taylor neighborhood where I work.  I want to be a part of helping kids here flourish and contribute to their community.  And honestly, I also just like hanging out with the other people in the group!"

Casey Boyles
is an M.D. in family practice at Westside Family Medicine in Cedar Rapids.  "I am a member of CR netWORK to further the potential of westside youth and take a position important in the lives of those who need it most.  CR netWORK is an excellent engine to accomplish these goals."
 
Brian Christoffersen
has served as the principal of Taylor School for the past three years.  He previously worked for Northside ISD in San Antonio, TX before returning to his childhood hometown in 2006 with his wife, Lory, and their two children. 
    When asked about his involvement in CR netWORK, Brian says, "What's not to love about being part of a group that's primary focus is doing positive things for kids.  In today's world, we hear all too often about 'what's wrong' and why things 'can't be done'.  When a dedicated, caring group of people come together and ask "how can we make this happen?", the winners are the youth of the community...windows open to new opportunities and a future full of hope and dreams!  And it feels good.  Now that's one investment that pays dividends for more than a lifetime." 
 
Selita Jansen
manages business assurance programs at AEGON USA and was the primary coordinator for her company’s volunteer efforts in response to the flood of 2008.  A former Cleveland Charger, Roosevelt Roughrider and Jefferson J-Hawk, she has firsthand knowledge of the skills and talents that the youth of Cedar Rapids bring to the community.  
    When approached to join CR netWORK, Selita’s response was “Absolutely, I was fortunate enough to be raised by a passionate and caring father who always stressed the importance of education and teamwork.  Now I’m in a position to offer the same type of passion and caring by investing in the future of those that are growing up in the neighborhoods of my past.”
 
Steve Koepke
has been teaching in the Cedar Rapids Community School District since 1998.  He has spent the last 10 years at Taft Middle School as a science teacher and basketball coach.  Steve also coaches men’s and women’s golf at his alma mater, Jefferson High School. 
    Steve believes that CR netWORK is going to be a “template for how communities come together in a time of need.”  He strongly believes in the grassroots movement that CR netWORK has for its vision and sees Cedar Rapids as a shining example of what can happen when local community members work together to help our future leaders. 
 
Brian Winders 
is the owner/operator of Genghis Grill the Mongolian Stir Fry.  Growing up on the SW side of Cedar Rapids, Brian attended Coolidge, Taft and Jefferson HS.  Brian believes that if the westside youth are given the opportunity to make a positive connection with others in their neighborhoods they will have a better chance to be positive and productive members of our westside community; allowing the revolving door to be set in motion.  Brian feels that the CR netWORK will be the catalyst for keeping that revolving door moving.

non-profit status

We have temporary non-profit 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and will be filing for permanent status by mid 2010.  All donations are fully tax deductible.