Learn more about AFIL

Americans for 
independent living

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Resource Center
Capital Campaign Project

$0

$2M

 
$1.8M

capital campaign and endowment goal

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Who IS AFIL?

In 2015, Tim Combs founded Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) because he felt Veterans deserved more support than what was available to them. Since that time, the organization has provided transitional housing, home modifications, furniture and clothing, and additional resources to homeless Veterans in our area. Through Tim’s work and the work of the staff, Board of Directors, donors, and volunteers–AFIL has grown in size and scope since its inception and needs help to continue to improve the lives of Veterans in our community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AFIL
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RENDERING OF THE RESOURCE CENTER
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Our Future plans

This capital campaign will be a transformer for the community, expanding our programs and services thus increasing capacity. These expanded services will offer a range of support to Veterans, addressing multiple dimensions of their well-being.

This project will serve as a rallying point for Veterans and sends a powerful message that our community recognizes the sacrifices they have made and are committed to supporting them. This sense of belonging can help combat feelings of isolation or disconnect that many Veterans experience.
Relocating the Resource Center

Why Relocate?

Opening the new Resource Center at 4020 University Ave in Waterloo will allow us to accept more donations, serve more people more often, and offer new program offerings in dedicated program areas. The new space will boast 30,000 square feet, 22,000 square feet more than our current building and hold over 300 individuals for larger program events.
Increase the number of veterans and their families served within 2 years by 40%.
Hold community meals for Veterans and their families.
Increase the number of dependent children of Veterans served by 30% in 2 years.
Increase the number of Veteran home modifications by 35% in 2 years.
Increase internet and computer accessibility for Veterans at AFIL offices by 100%.
Increase housing for homeless Veterans by 50% in 2 years.
Increase our area of coverage by 40% over 2 years.
Funding will allow AFIL to add 2 more needed Veteran programs, the Community Room and the “Can Do” Center.

What's included?

Although this new facility will boast a larger space, 2 floors, a conference room, and program areas, office resources, and more, here are details of just a few of the planned spaces.

Donation Resource Hub

This will be an on-site room housing all of the donations from the community. This allows for smart financial accountability for AFIL by having all items in one building but it will make it easier for a Veteran to pick out furniture items for their home and take part in programming, all in one location.

These areas will hold all household items, such as, dishes, small appliances, cookware, garbage cans, fans, rugs, towels, as well as furniture. All clothing will be displayed within the room allowing for ease of use while a Veteran strolls the isles picking out the necessary items needed for them and their families. With a larger room for clothing and household items, AFIL will take in more donated items to assist more Veterans and their families.

Community Room and Kitchen

This room will hold trainings and be a place of comradery for Veterans which can improve mental health and overall well-being. Job training, education training, CPR, cooking classes, Veteran community meals, these are just a few of the things being planned in this area. Veterans will find job listings, practice new skills, learn about education offerings, and/or prepare for employment. Veteran groups could use the space for a free and accessible place to gather and meet. Veterans have a wide range of disabilities and our building will be set up to meet those accessibility needs.

“Can Do” Center

We anticipate for this workshop to offer woodworking or metalworking machines with the possibility of 3D printers. This program will foster a sense of camaraderie among Veterans. Working together on projects and sharing experiences can create a supportive and collaborative environment. This allows Veterans to build relationships, share knowledge, and develop a strong support network while also creating potential small business opportunities.

Campaign Chairs

Glen Keith

Co-chair

Yolando Loveless

Co-chair

Since 2015, Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) has positively impacted over 1,500 Veterans in the Cedar Valley. Veterans served our country to defend our freedom, now, you can serve those Veterans with your financial donation to AFIL.

Tim Combs

Executive Director

Susan Entriken

Resource Development Director

Teresa Tjaden

Director of Operations

Amanda Erpelding

Community Engagement Manager

Board members

Glen Keith - President

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)

Wendell Lupkes

Partner in VJ Engineering Consultants

Deanna Wheeler

Broker/Owner Re/Max Home Group

Deon Clabby

CEAC Consultant for NuCara Medical Home Modifications

Kelly Sullivan - Vice President

USS The Sullivan's Foundation, Cedar Falls School System

Christine Rolf - Treasurer

Lincoln Savings Bank

Trent Hunter

Iowa National Guard 2009 – Present

Martin Edwards

Cedar Falls Counseling Associates/ Facilitates Mental Health support for former military US Army Reserve

Testimonials

  • “As Mayor of the City of Waterloo, I see first-hand the needs Veterans have in our community. The things we take for granted on a day-to-day or minute-by-minute basis are too often times a great struggle for others. This troubles me because in a Country rich in so many ways due to sacrifice and valor of those who served their country, there are those who struggle with food, housing, physical and mental health care, and employment.
    Americans for Independent Living opened the first Veterans Transitional Home here in April 2017. We are fortunate to have Tim Combs and the entire AFIL team here wanting to do for our Veterans what no government-federal, state, or municipal-can do alone. On behalf of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts put forth by Americans for Independent Living.”
    Quentin Hart
    Waterloo Mayor
  • "I graduated from the AFIL Veteran transitional home in May 2018 and I have since worked steady employment with a large home improvement company. In addition, AFIL counseled me on working with a bank to set up a budget and how to manage money smarter. I now have a savings and checking account, a credit card, purchased stock through my company and set up a 401K.
    It is the first time in years that I have my own apartment, car, and can pay my bills. What this is, is a way to restore a person's dignity and regain the confidence to do whatever you set your mind to. AFIL is not a babysitting service it is a rebuilding program for Veterans who are willing to face the obstacles head on and make the sacrifices and correct choices to improve their life.”
    Cory
    Disabled US Navy Veteran
  • "I'm a vet and I would just like to tell you about how much AFIL has helped my family. We were helped during the process of buying our house and getting it in shape to qualify for a VA loan. Once we got the house, we were helped with furniture, clothing, household items, food, and self- care basics.
    In October, Tim came and rebuilt my deck. It had rotting boards and it was a hazard. Instead of just replacing some boards, he tore it all down and made me a beautiful deck twice the size. Sitting out on my deck now provides me with peace and enjoyment of the outdoors, and last but not least, they helped me feel whole again”
    Richard
    Vietnam Army Veteran
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