OUR THEME FOR 2023: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “HOME”?

IN A STATE THAT IS RESTRICTING LGBTQ+ RIGHTS, ONE ACTIVIST CHOOSES TO STAY AND FIGHT 

by LUCIA CHENG

Iowa native and community organizer Denver Foote is campaigning to be the next mayor of Des Moines, the city where they found a home and hope everyone else can too. Despite a past struggling with poverty and racism, through activism, Foote has found belonging in a state that has passed laws targeting LGBTQ+ people. 

FATHER STRIVES TO BUILD A HOME FOR KIDS FLEEING THE SUDANESE CIVIL WAR

by NATALIE DUNLAP

When violence erupted in Sudan, Hazim Mohamed feared he would never see his three children again. His kids safely returned to Iowa after a long evacuation journey. Mohamed feels he is losing one of his homes and has had to reckon with war making Sudan an unsafe place.

UNABLE TO RETURN TO UKRAINE, AN EXCHANGE STUDENT FINDS A NEW HOME IN IOWA

by COLSON THAYER

Liza Yaryshkina’s dream to go to the United States became a reality when she began studying abroad. Her plans to return were interrupted when Russia invaded her country. It was up to her American friends and family to make her feel at home. 

A YOUNG IOWA MOTHER’S JOURNEY TO CREATE THE HOME SHE NEVER HAD

by TRISTAN ALCORTA

Des Moines resident Emily Billington didn’t have a traditional childhood. She spent most of her childhood in an unstable home and also in foster care. Last year she had her first child Maverick with her boyfriend of two years, Cole Weatherly, and is working hard to provide her son the safe and secure home she lacked growing up.

FAMILY GIVES A SENSE OF HOME TO DACA RECIPIENT

by HUNTER VASEY

Iran Carlos-Martinez has lived most of her life in the rural town of Belmond, Iowa. But as a DACA recipient, she fears that she may be forced to leave her home — and more importantly, her family.