Partner Impact on Social Drivers Of Health
Otto Schoitz Foundation funds local nonprofit organizations providing transformative services across the social drivers of health (SDOH)*.
Social Drivers of Health are the economic, environmental, and social conditions—such as housing, education, transportation, employment, and access to healthcare—that influence an individual’s overall health and quality of life.
By taking a comprehensive view of the Cedar Valley, the Foundation prioritizes efforts that support both the needs of individuals as well as the community as a whole. Our most recent grant awards fuel projects to nuture the needs of children and their families and expand access to healthcare and opportunity.
Read on to learn the SDOH impact of a few of our latest grant partners.
*SDOH framework including domains, goals and conditions as defined by US Department of Health and Human Services. More can be found at https://health.gov/healthypeople.
Education
Goal: Increase educational opportunities and the proportion of children who are developmentally on track and ready for school.
This domain includes conditions such as educational attainment in general, high school graduation, enrollment in higher education, language and literacy, early childhood education & development.
1619 Freedom School is a free, community-based, after-school literacy program that aims to help students achieve academic success by strengthening their reading skills. The program’s mission is to foster a love of reading through instruction centered on Black American history. Through an engaging, student-centered curriculum and intensive reading support—including providing each scholar with 30 books and a personal bookshelf—the program creates a space where students build strong literacy skills while developing confidence in themselves as learners.
Since its launch, the program has demonstrated encouraging results. With a 15% increase in participation this past year, every scholar who completed the full year advanced at least one grade level in reading. Students are also outperforming district averages in GPA, attendance, and behavior, pointing to broader positive impacts. In addition to weekly programming, the organization has hosted a community-wide African American Read-In, engaging more than 800 attendees and distributing over 3,000 books to families, with plans to host the event again in summer 2026. Foundation funding supports ongoing operations and efforts to strengthen and expand fundraising initiatives.
Economic Stability
Goal: Help people access resources essential to one's life and wellbeing.
This domain includes conditions such as poverty, housing stability, food security, and employment.
The Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls provides critical emergency shelter services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, operating three shelters with a combined capacity of 55 beds. As the largest shelter provider in Northeast Iowa, the organization offers immediate safety and structured support to help residents transition to stable, permanent housing. In a community where approximately 23% of residents live below the federal poverty level, many households are cost-burdened—spending more than 30% of their income on housing—leaving little margin for emergencies. Rising rents and limited affordable housing options continue to increase the risk of eviction and housing instability.
Through the Salvation Army's programming, individuals receive short-term shelter alongside personalized support to help them secure long-term housing. Staff work closely with individuals and families to navigate barriers related to employment, finances, documentation, and housing access, using a structured, goal-oriented approach to support stability and independence. Foundation funding supports shelter operations, client financial assistance, and housing staff, ensuring these essential services remain accessible and effective for those most in need.
Social and Community Context
Goal: Increase social and community support.
This domain includes conditions such as cohesion within community, workplace conditions, civic participation and other supportive environments.
North Star Community Services, Inc. empowers individuals to realize their potential, pursue their goals, and live meaningful, independent lives. For over 50 years, the organization has provided supportive, community-based services for people with a disability diagnosis in Black Hawk County, addressing a critical need for programs that promote health, independence, and social connection. With growing demand—and persistent waitlists—North Star plays a vital role in ensuring those who need additional support have access to equitable opportunities and resources that enhance overall well-being.
Through its Day Habilitation program, North Star delivers person-centered services focused on skill-building, community integration, and quality of life. Activities ranging from fitness to arts are tailored to individual strengths and needs, helping participants build confidence and independence. Foundation funding supports expansion of this work by equipping newly renovated space with an adaptive wellness center, library, and art studio—enhancing access to physical health, lifelong learning, and creative expression.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Goal: Create neighborhoods and environments that promote health & safety and create opportunities for connection & interaction.
This domain includes conditions such as quality of housing, parks & other amenities, availability of healthy foods, access to transportation, and the creation of safe, supportive communities.
Link CCD connects, inspires, and equips neighbors to build thriving, resilient communities. Grounded in the belief that “we” is stronger than “us and them,” Link works alongside residents to strengthen neighborhood identity and belonging. In Waterloo’s Walnut Neighborhood, a historically landlocked area with limited access to safe green space, residents face barriers to parks and recreation that are essential for health and community building.
In response, Link and neighborhood partners are leading a grassroots effort to transform a vacant corner lot into an inclusive, nature-themed park to serve more than 1,200 residents. Designed with community input, the park will provide safe play areas for children, gathering spaces for teens and adults, and features that promote physical activity, connection, and pride. Foundation funding supports the development of this resident-led project, helping create access to green space and strengthening social ties in a traditionally under resourced neighborhood.
Health And Health Care
Goal: Increase access to comprehensive, high-quality health care services.
This domain includes conditions such as availability of health care including primary and mental health services, health insurance coverage, and health literacy.
Peoples Community Health Clinic serves as the primary dental safety-net provider for low-income residents in Waterloo, addressing significant gaps in access to oral healthcare. Community data shows that individuals with lower incomes are far less likely to receive regular dental care due to cost, limited provider availability, and transportation barriers. The scale of unmet need is evident as free dental clinic events have served more than 1,000 patients at a time. Since launching dental services in 2003, Peoples Clinic has grown from serving 299 patients annually to more than 5,200 patients in 2025.
Peoples Clinic delivers essential dental care that improves overall health, reduces emergency visits, and supports economic stability for families. To sustain and expand this access, the clinic is undertaking a capital project to modernize its dental facilities. Funding supports the replacement of aging equipment and infrastructure, ensuring reliable, high-quality care while strengthening the clinic’s ability to recruit providers and meet growing community demand.
