Hear From Mr. Dan Seemuth, our Board President, about Our Capital Campaign

We’re honored to share a brief message from Dan Seemuth, highlighting why this Capital Campaign is such a pivotal moment for our mission. In this short video, Dan speaks from the heart about the impact this project will have on the youth and families we serve, and why now is the time to come together and build for the future.

🎥 Watch Dan’s message: https://youtube.com/shorts/L87SoLVxjxU

Your support helps turn this vision into reality. Thank you for standing with us!

From Hope to Home The Genesis Learning Center

In this powerful and heartfelt video, you’ll hear directly from the people who make Genesis Youth Foundation what it is today. Youth share their personal journeys—how Genesis became more than just an afterschool program, but a safe haven where they discovered their voice, built confidence, and envisioned a brighter future. Parents reflect on the support they’ve received and the hope they carry knowing their children have a place to grow academically, socially, and culturally. Board members offer their perspective on why this new Learning Center is a vital investment for the community and how it will expand opportunities for immigrant and refugee families. And finally, the founders share the vision that started 16 years ago and how this capital campaign will make it possible to transform that vision into a permanent home—one where generations of young people can learn, lead, and thrive. Together, these voices paint a compelling picture of why the Genesis Learning Center matters and how this campaign will turn a shared dream into reality.

Our Future Home

This new facility will serve as a vibrant hub for education, leadership development, cultural programming, and community engagement. Your support helps make this vision possible.

A Permanent Home for Learning, Leadership, and Belonging.

Together, we’re transforming 911 E. 12th Street into the Genesis Learning Center—an inclusive
hub for preschool readiness, afterschool academics, career-track clubs, technology training, and
family support.

Why this matters now

For 16+ years, Genesis Youth Foundation has helped immigrant and refugee youth and families
find their footing—academically, socially, and economically—through afterschool programs,
leadership development, arts, and soccer. Demand keeps growing, and families need a reliable,
permanent space they can call home. Purchasing the former St. Paul building at 911 E. 12th
Street (Des Moines, IA) lets us expand programs, stabilize operations, and serve more students
with excellence.

What the Genesis Learning Center will house

Early Learning & Preschool Readiness: Foundations in literacy, math, and social skill
for ages 3–5.
Afterschool Academic Support (K–12): Homework help, tutoring, IXL practice, and
grade tracking so students pass every class.
Ubuntu Leadership Academy (Career Clubs): Healthcare, Technology, Finance, and
Entrepreneurship/Business—real-world skills and mentorship.
Performing & Digital Arts + Sewing: Safe spaces to create, express, and build
confidence.
Soccer & Movement: Discipline, teamwork, and wellness through Genesis FC and Next
Move youth programs.
Family Support & Community Hub: Parent workshops, resource navigation, and
culturally responsive services that strengthen the whole household.

Phase 1: Purchase (your gift makes this possible)

Acquire the 911 E. 12th Street building and complete due diligence.
Immediately address safety, accessibility, and essential utilities.
Stabilize a permanent home where programs can scale responsibly.

Accountability & Transparency
We’ll share quarterly impact snapshots (program participation, academic outcomes,
certifications earned, and family services accessed) and annual financial summaries. Every
dollar you give fuels real outcomes—students passing classes, parents engaged, and youth
stepping into leadership.

Join us
Your gift today helps us open the doors—and keep them open—for thousands of learning hours,
mentorship moments, and life-changing opportunities.

How Funds Will Be Used

Phase 1: Building Purchase & Launch

90% Purchase price & closing costs

10% Immediate safety/accessibility, inspections, and launch needs
Stretch (Phase 2–3)

Renovations & learning spaces (classrooms, tech lab, studio, kitchen, arts room)

Safe Haven Homes for long-term student stability

Impact

Unlock the Doors – $100
Supplies for one classroom (whiteboards, headphones, IXL materials) for a week.
Fuel Afterschool Learning – $250
Covers a week of K–12 tutoring and homework support for a small group.
Equip a Young Scholar – $500
Supports a student’s academic plan (diagnostics, tutoring, and progress tracking) for a
semester.
Power the Tech Lab – $1,000
Contributes to devices, chargers, and accessories for the Ubuntu Technology Center.
Launch a Career Club – $2,500
Jump-starts a month of Healthcare/Tech/Finance/Entrepreneurship club programming
with mentors and materials.
Name a Classroom – $10,000+
Recognition opportunity to name a classroom or learning space (see Sponsorships
below).

One-Time Donation Levels

Community Friend — $50
Learning Partner — $150 Future Builder — $300
Program Champion — $750
Tech Ally — $1,500
Leadership Sponsor — $5,000
Classroom Patron — $10,000
Founding Benefactor — $25,000+

Genesis Learning Center Capital Campaign

By Genesis Youth Foundation

Genesis Learning Center Capital Campaign

Help us purchase and launch the Genesis Learning Center in Des Moines—a safe, vibrant home for immigrant and refugee youth to learn, lead, and thrive. Hear From Mr. Dan Seemuth, our Board President.

Team Leaderboard

Team Members