Midwest Family Lending Blog

When it comes to buying a home or refinancing, finding the right mortgage solution is key to a smooth, stress-free experience. With so many options, you may be wondering why you should choose a local mortgage broker in Des Moines over a larger, national lender. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of working with a mortgage broker who truly understands the Des Moines market and how Midwest Family Lending can help you achieve your homeownership dreams.

1. Local Market Knowledge

• A mortgage broker based in Des Moines knows the ins and outs of the local real estate market. From understanding neighborhood trends to identifying the right loan programs, a local broker is equipped with unique insights that can make a difference in your home-buying journey.
• Example: In Des Moines, there are specific areas with rapid growth, popular for first-time homebuyers. A local broker can guide you through options tailored to these neighborhoods, helping you maximize your investment.

2. Personalized Service

• Unlike national lenders, a local mortgage broker offers a personal touch. Brokers in Des Moines take the time to understand your unique financial goals and work closely with you to find loan options that meet your needs.
• At Midwest Family Lending, we take pride in getting to know each client, ensuring you feel supported and confident in every decision you make.

3. Access to a Range of Loan Products

• Mortgage brokers have access to a variety of loan products and lenders, providing you with more options than you might find at a traditional bank. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking for specific types of loans, such as FHA, VA, or USDA loans, that might better suit your financial situation.
• Example: Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, Midwest Family Lending can connect you with programs suited to your needs, ensuring you get the most favorable terms.

4. Simplified, Faster Process

• The home loan process can be complex, but with a local mortgage broker in Des Moines, you’ll benefit from a streamlined approach. Brokers manage all aspects of the application, handling paperwork, coordinating with lenders, and keeping you updated every step of the way.
• At Midwest Family Lending, we handle the details so you can focus on finding your perfect home. Our experience in the Des Moines area helps us move quickly and efficiently to close your loan on time.

5. Better Support for Refinancing

• If you’re a homeowner looking to refinance, a local broker can be especially beneficial. Refinancing offers opportunities to lower monthly payments, shorten your loan term, or access your home’s equity. A broker in Des Moines can evaluate your current mortgage situation and help determine if refinancing is right for you.

Conclusion: Partner with a Trusted Mortgage Broker in Des Moines

When it comes to something as significant as a home loan, having a knowledgeable, supportive broker on your side makes all the difference. Midwest Family Lending is here to make your mortgage experience smooth and successful. We’re committed to providing Des Moines homeowners with the personalized service and expertise you deserve.

Call to Action: Ready to start your journey? Contact Midwest Family Lending, your trusted mortgage broker in Des Moines, and let’s explore how we can help you achieve your homeownership goals!

Introduction

HDSA Iowa chapter is dedicated to providing support, resources, and hope to individuals and families affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) in Iowa. Their mission is to improve the lives of everyone impacted by HD through community involvement, education, and advocacy. This blog will explore what Huntington’s Disease is, highlight the chapter’s activities, and provide information on how to get involved.

Understanding Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This leads to the deterioration of physical and mental abilities, usually during prime working years, and currently, there is no cure. It has been described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s at the same time. Symptoms can include mood swings, depression, irritability, and problems with coordination and cognition. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant challenges in daily living.

It’s Personal

The family of Eric Smith is personally affected by HD. They have seen the challenges, hardships, and pain this terrible disease can spread throughout a family.  Eric has two siblings whose lives were shortened because of HD and has another sibling in the final stages. Through education, advocacy, and research the Smiths feel like there is hope.  A breakthrough for an HD cure is on the horizon!  Thus, changing the course of life for the Smiths and other HD families.

About the HDSA Iowa Chapter

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Iowa Chapter is part of a national network committed to helping those affected by HD. They provide a range of services and resources, most of these are provided through The University of Iowa Center of Excellence

• Support Groups: Regular meetings where individuals and families can share experiences and support each other.
• Educational Programs: Workshops and seminars to inform the community about HD and its impact.
• Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness and influence public policy to improve the lives of those with HD.
• Fundraising Events: Activities such as the Team Hope Walk and golf tournaments to raise funds for research and support services.

Community Involvement

The chapter thrives on the involvement and support of the community. Whether directly affected by HD or simply wanting to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved:

• Volunteer: Help out at events, join a committee, or assist with administrative tasks.
• Donate: Contributions go directly towards funding research and support services.
• Participate in Events: Join fundraising events to show support and help raise awareness. Upcoming Grahlman Golf Tournament on August 10, 2024

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the HDSA Iowa Chapter and make a difference in the lives of those affected by HD:

• Spread Awareness: Share information about HD and the chapter with friends and family.
• Attend Events: Participate in local events to show support.
• Advocate: Join advocacy efforts to influence public policy and increase funding for HD research.

Conclusion

The HDSA Iowa Chapter is here to support, educate, and advocate for those affected by Huntington’s Disease. Together, they can make a difference and bring hope to the community. Stay connected through the chapter’s website and social media channels for updates on events, resources, and ways to get involved.

MFLCares about HDSA-IA

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our website to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our central Iowa communities!

Des Moines, Iowa – Des Moines Refugee Support is Midwest Family Lending’s April charity and has received a $1500 donation.

In the middle of America lies Des Moines, Iowa, a place known for its friendly folks and close community bonds. Indeed, it’s a city where refugees find a warm welcome and help as they start a new life in the United States. Leading the way in this caring effort is Des Moines Refugee Support (DMRS). Established in 2016 by Alison Hoeman and powered by volunteers, DMRS has one clear goal: to help refugee families, especially kids, as they settle into their new home.

For refugees, starting fresh in a new country isn’t easy. They have to learn new rules, languages, and ways of life. Generally, this can be even tougher for children. But DMRS is there to lend a hand. They offer all kinds of help and resources to make sure these young refugees and their families have what they need to succeed in their new surroundings.

Central to this mission is the provision of transportation to and from preschool, enabling children to access early education opportunities that lay the foundation for their future success. Additionally, Des Moines Refugee Support provides rides and necessary equipment so kids can participate in soccer and other extracurricular activities. But the help doesn’t stop there.

Below are more services DMRS provides:

• Rides to and from school, practices, competitions, swim lessons, camps, etc.
• DART passes for older students who don’t qualify for school bus transportation.
• Assistance with obtaining driver’s licenses, vehicles, and insurance for high school students.
• Help with scheduling and transportation to college visits.
• Vaccinations, physical examinations, clothing, and supplies for school.
• Supplies to pregnant and new moms to care for themselves and their new-born.
• Donation drives to collect household items, clothing, school supplies, etc. used for “free store” events.
• “Free Store” events so families can shop for household items, clothing, winter gear, etc.
• Donations and free shopping for Christmas gifts.
• Food.
• Assistance with job placement, and applications for Medicaid and food stamps.

What’s certainly special about DMRS is how it brings people together. Whenever volunteers from all different backgrounds work side by side, great things happen! There are so many people who step up to help DMRS do what they do. From providing transportation, to helping with donation drops and running the free stores, many hands are required. Undoubtedly, volunteers are there to step up to the plate. Afterall, teamwork does make the dream work!

So, as we think about what it means to be part of a caring community, let’s look to DMRS for inspiration. Together, we can create a world where everyone, no matter where they come from, can feel welcome, valued, and ready to thrive.

How can YOU help Des Moines Refugee Support?

Get involved! There are many ways you can help. From ordering T-shirts and purchasing Gala tickets, to volunteering your time. There is something for everyone.

Purchase winter coats on Amazon or at Walmart. Or donate household items via this Facebook Group.

Support with donation:

• Venmo (@DSM-Refugee-Support)
• Paypal (donations@dsmrefugeesupport.org)
• credit card
• Check sent to: P.O. Box 529, Des Moines, IA 50302

MFLCares about Des Moines Refugee Support

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a mortgage company based on Urbandale, IA, committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our website to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

As spring begins, the real estate market surges with activity, marking the busiest and most exciting time of the year for homebuyers. With warmer weather and longer days for showings, as well as the desire to secure a home before the next school year, many buyers enter the market with hopes of finding their perfect home. What this means is more competition, and buyers with all their ducks in a row have a considerable advantage. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone returning to the housing market, the steps below can set you up for success.

1. Check your credit score.

If you’re applying for a mortgage, it’s crucial to know where you stand financially. Start by checking and understanding your credit score. For a conventional home loan, most lenders require a credit score of at least 620; however, there are other options for lower credit scores, like an FHA loan.

A good credit score significantly impacts your ability to qualify for a mortgage and the interest rates available to you. Be sure to check your credit report so you can review and address any discrepancies or outstanding debts. You’re entitled to one free credit report each year, which you can request at AnnualCreditReport.com. If your score needs a boost, consider taking steps to improve it before applying for a mortgage, and be sure to protect your credit score during the home loan process.

2. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Once you know your financial standing, it’s a good idea to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. With a pre-qualification, you’re more likely to be taken seriously as a buyer since it shows your finances are in order. Many sellers won’t even consider an offer if you don’t have financing in place.

3. Plan for moving costs.

One of the bigger surprises people encounter when buying a home is the cost of moving into it. It’s important to create a moving budget, whether you plan to pay a moving company or go the DIY route. With both options, it’s smart to have an emergency fund for additional costs and unexpected expenses.

Hiring a moving company undoubtedly saves you time and effort. Some even offer packing services, vehicle relocation, and furniture assembly. If you choose to hire professionals, you should also consider purchasing moving insurance to protect against any damage to your belongings.

While moving without hired help is more effort, you may find it a better financial decision to rent a truck or moving container and do it yourself. Travel expenses will depend on how far you are moving, and there are ways you can get creative with packing supplies, whether it’s towels for “moving pads” or free boxes from your local supermarket. Once again, insurance for any truck or equipment rentals is a wise consideration.

4. Create your wish list.

With a realistic budget and plan, you can begin to envision your dream home. Create a detailed wish list detailing your desired features, such as number of bedrooms, location, architectural style, yard size, and amenities. Then, prioritize your list based on non-negotiables and preferences, allowing you to focus on homes that align with your overall vision. As you navigate the housing market, you’ll find that having a wish list narrows your search and saves you time.

5. Work with an experienced agent.

Your real estate agent will be with you through every step of the homebuying process, which is why it’s crucial to work with someone who understands the current market and your needs. Asking your lender or friends and family for referrals is a good place to start. You can also read online reviews or ask to speak to recent customers to get a feel for the agent’s reputation and working style. Ultimately, you want to find a trusted agent who understands your home goals and has the resources and knowledge to help you succeed.

Armed with the above checklist, plus patience and flexibility, you’ll position yourself for success in this bustling real estate season. Happy house hunting!

Perry, Iowa – Perry Interact Club is Midwest Family Lending’s March charity and has received a $1500 donation.

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending team members have the opportunity to nominate a charity they’d like to support. As a Perry alumni, Perry Community School District and the Perry community are important to Mike and the Draisey family. He wanted to spread some positivity on this tight knit community.

In the heart of Perry, Iowa, a small but dynamic force is at work, shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. The Perry Interact Club stands as a beacon of youth empowerment, community engagement, and service excellence. Founded on the principles of Rotary International, this club embodies the spirit of ‘service above self’, instilling in its members the values of compassion, leadership, and social responsibility.

It all started when Perry senior, Kaitlyn Leber, was given the opportunity to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening (RYLA). Kaitlyn was so inspired at camp that she met with high school counselor, Anne Horgen to talk about what they could do to bring the spirit of service to other students. With Anne’s help, Kaitlyn was able to reinstate the Perry Interact Club, a once functioning club that lost momentum due to the COVID pandemic.

The club now has 30+ members and is making a huge impact in the Perry community, and beyond!

One of the defining features of the Perry Interact Club is its unwavering commitment to community service. They organized a pet supply drive for Racoon River Pet Rescue. They sent cookies with handwritten notes to the Perry Police Department. They visited elderly residents at local nursing homes, providing them joy and companionship. They made and gifted blankets and winter survival packages to local refugee and immigrant families. At Christmas, they participated in “Shop with a Cop” and helped create a memorable Christmas experience for underprivileged kids. The list goes on and on.

It’s been a tough 2024 for the Perry community and the Perry school district. Focusing on others has been a way to help students cope. The Perry Interact Club is a platform for young individuals to come together, collaborate, and make a tangible difference in their community. Making a positive difference in the lives of others helps with healing.

By leading by example and embodying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” these young individuals prove that age is no barrier to making a positive impact. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine desire to make a difference serve as a powerful reminder that helping is indeed healing.

Seth Borgenson, joined the club because he has a heart for service that he credits to his grandmother. “She was always helping others”, said Seth. He feels that through service to others, he will honor his grandma. Through the structure of Perry Interact Club, Seth is now setting an example for others to follow.

The Perry Interact Club, is making an impact beyond Perry, as this organization serves as a training ground for future leaders. Through service projects, members develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, laying the foundation for their success in both personal and professional endeavors. Through her experience at RYLA, and her leadership with Interact Club, Kaitlyn plans to continue serving as she heads off to college this fall. Perry Interact Club is helping form today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders!

MFLCares about Perry Interact Club!

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our website to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

Ankeny, Iowa – Foster SQUAD is Midwest Family Lending’s January 2024 charity and has received a $1500 donation.

Their Mission:

To provide resources to Iowa foster families as they care for our community’s most vulnerable children.

What they do:

In a nutshell, Foster SQUAD supports foster kids and families. But that’s just the nutshell version. The impact they have is so much bigger!

Foster SQUAD…

• provides care kits to every child or teen in Polk County that is entering the foster care program. Care kits include items such as a backpack, flashlight, blanket, personal hygiene products, etc.

• facilitates support groups where foster families can voice their struggles and find solutions to their problems. Foster SQUAD advocates for legislative change to ease burdens on foster families.

• organizes training opportunities and helps facilitate required classes for licensing credit.

• coordinates Operation Santa. This event encourages biological families to come together at Christmas time. They also work with a community of donors and volunteers to ensure all foster kids receive Christmas gifts.

• advocates for foster families with the Department of Health and Human Services. They bring issues directly from foster families to the people who can make systematic changes to improve the process and the experience.

How can YOU help Foster SQUAD?

Spread the word! – Tell people about Foster SQUAD. Many people across Iowa are impacted by the foster care system. You may be the link between them and the foster community.

Volunteer – Check out opportunities to serve with your time and talent!

Support – Offer a monetary donation, or donate care kit supplies!

MFLCares about Foster SQUAD

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

Des Moines, Iowa – Garden Gate Ranch is Midwest Family Lending’s December charity and has received a $1500 donation.

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending team members have the opportunity to nominate a charity they’d like to support. Charlie Chedester nominated Garden Gate Ranch because he was blown away with their mission of helping women and families impacted by human trafficking.

“Garden Gate Ranch is helping fill the huge void human trafficking has created,” says Charlie.  “The people & families GGR serves have very specific needs that make help hard to find.  I look forward to helping support GGR so they can continue to help victims and families affected by human trafficking.”

Their Mission:

Garden Gate Ranch is a faith-based Christian organization providing safe housing and restorative and transitional services for sexually-exploited women and their children.

The need:

The numbers indicating the need for organizations like Garden Gate Ranch are staggering. According to polarisproject.org, in 2021 there were 10,359 situations of human trafficking reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline involving 16,554 individual victims. While these are the reported numbers, the actual number of survivors and those being trafficked is likely exponentially higher.

Bringing the lens closer to home, according to the 2022 Safe House Project’s “An Evaluation of Survivor Identification & Safe Housing by State,” only 1% of trafficking victims are identified. In Iowa there are an estimated 8,600 victims.

Even when a survivor is identified and wants to enter a restorative residential program, this process may be complicated when she has a child. Without homes available that can accommodate children, mothers may remain in a trafficking situation without restorative care for fear of losing their children to the system or the trafficker. According to the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance’s “National Practices Survey Report of 2017,” the #1 reason among participating agencies for a woman to be declined from their program was that she had children in her custody. This accounted for 61.7% of the surveyed declines.

Their purpose:

THIS is why Garden Gate Ranch exists and why they serve survivors of exploitation who are pregnant or are mothers with infants. It is a safe home for survivors to start a new life and enter into healing that they desperately need. At GGR, they can rest safely, their basic needs are met, their children are cared for, and healing can begin.

How can YOU help GGR?

Donate

Volunteer – There are a variety of ways you can volunteer your time and talents. Check them out!

Coordinate a Passion Project – organize an event meant to spread awareness and raise funds for GGR

Spread the word! Share this post to your personal and professional networks. You just may be saving the life of a woman caught in the snare of human trafficking.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

“To be nominated as a MFLCares charity speaks volumes about Charlie and about Midwest Family Lending. It says to GGR and to the women that we serve that you see them, you value them and you want to be part of their life change! It sheds light on very dark places and ushers in hope from our community when businesses (and the people behind the businesses) step into partnership with us. Our organization is fully funded by donations, so we truly could not serve without these partnerships. What a blessing!”

Kelly Bergquist, Development Coordinator Garden Gate Ranch

Ames, Iowa – Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County is Midwest Family Lending’s November charity and has received a $1500 donation through MFLCares.

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending team members have the opportunity to nominate a charity they’d like to support. Sara nominated BGCSC because of she kept hearing of the great things they are doing for the youth of Story County.

“I nominated BGCSC because of how often I hear of the amazing opportunities they provide for the kids,” says Sara Fuller, Loan originator for MIdwest Family Lending. “I haven’t just heard it from one or two sources, I’ve heard time and time again how they are making an impact on the kids of Story County. Fun things like carving pumpkins with cops to basketball/football clinics with ISU players.  Endless fun times with the kids, making a positive impact on their lives.”

Their Mission:

To inspire & enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County provides safe & affordable quality after school & summer programs for 6-18 year old’s. They offer daily nutritious meals and snacks. Their trained, compassionate adult staff guide, coach, & motivate youth to grow & thrive. They do this through fun and engaging programs and opportunities focused on education, sports and recreation, the arts, health and wellness, workforce readiness, character and leadership.

The numbers don’t lie, the need is evident. In 2022,

• 30% of club members lived in a single parent home.
  
• 68% of club families reported an annual income of less than $50,000.
  
• 61% of club members qualified for free and reduced lunch.
• Nearly 100 youth attended summer programs.
• Over 100 youth attended programs during the school year.

BGCSC are making a difference!

These numbers don’t lie either!

• 1500 hours of academic, healthy styles and character enhancement programs were provided last year at the Ames location.
  
• 500 hours at the Nevada location.
• 97% of Club teens expect to graduate from high school.
• 80% will submit an application to a post-secondary education program.
• 75% of regularly attending members volunteer in their community, Club, school, or neighborhood at least once per year.
• 89% of Club youth say they can stand up for what is right.
• 91% of club youth report that as a leader they make sure everyone feels important.

How can YOU help BGCSC!

Donate

Get Involved

Attend an upcoming event!

Don’t miss the Denim and Diamonds Gala!

February 17, 2024 – Denim and Diamonds Gala – There is no better use of a beadazzler than to make your jeans sparkle! So, gear up! You will see firsthand the positive impact BGCSC are making on our future generation! You are guaranteed to leave this event inspired by the great things they are doing!

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and making positive community impact. Through MFLCares, we support and promote central Iowa charities. Check out our calendar to learn about the incredible organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities!

MFLCares about Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County!

In a world filled with countless challenges, there’s an ever-increasing need for heroes who selflessly serve our communities and nations. For many, these heroes come in the form of service members, veterans, and first responders, individuals who put their lives on the line to protect and serve. They often bear the invisible scars of their experiences, leading to a pressing need for healing and support. Laura and John Ward saw firsthand the need for such healing and support for the heroes in their lives. For this reason, they took a leap of faith to offer a beacon of hope through the remarkable bond between humans and dogs.

Several years back, Laura was attending the funeral for a fallen hero. The idea of training service dogs came to her, so she sent a text to her husband John. She sent the message not thinking it would be taken seriously. When John responded with “okay,” he also didn’t think it was serious. Their inside joke turned into a reality a little over a year ago, when their non-profit organization, Canine Miracles for Heroes came into existence. “We saw a huge need for service dogs,” says Laura. “We knew we could make an impact. It was a calling we felt compelled to answer.”

Their mission:

Motivated by the love of God, we are a non-profit organization that provides military veterans and emergency personnel suffering from PTSD and other trauma, with life-altering companionship through the placement of highly trained service dogs.

Here’s a closer look at how Canine Miracles for Heroes carries out its vital work:

1. Service Dog Training: One of the cornerstones of Canine Miracles for Heroes’ mission is the careful selection and rigorous training of service dogs. These dogs undergo extensive training to perform a range of tasks tailored to the unique needs of each recipient.
2. Customized Support: The organization understands that each hero’s needs are unique. Therefore, they work closely with recipients to identify and train service dogs to address specific challenges.
3. Hero and Dog Pairing: Canine Miracles for Heroes goes beyond just providing a dog; they facilitate a genuine connection between the hero and their new canine companion. The pairing process is a heartwarming journey where heroes and dogs forge bonds that can last a lifetime.

The Impact

The impact of Canine Miracles for Heroes extends far beyond the surface. Here are some of the profound ways this non-profit organization changes lives:

1. Improved Mental Health: For many veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues, the presence of a service dog can be a game-changer. These dogs offer comfort, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of security that is invaluable.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life: Service dogs from Canine Miracles for Heroes help individuals regain their confidence and independence. They help our heroes get back out into society.
3. Strengthened Bonds: The companionship and unwavering loyalty of a service dog can mend broken spirits and rebuild trust. The heroes and their dogs share an unspoken connection that brings healing and happiness into their lives.

How You Can Make a Difference

Supporting Canine Miracles for Heroes is an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for us. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Donate: Financial contributions help cover the costs of training and caring for service dogs. Your donation can directly impact the life of a hero in need.
2. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist with fundraising events, dog training, or administrative tasks. Every bit of help counts.
3. Spread Awareness: Share the organization’s mission and success stories with your network. The more people who know about Canine Miracles for Heroes, the greater the impact they can have.

Canine Miracles for Heroes has a goal of helping as many military veterans and emergency personnel as possible throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Providing them with a service dog trained specifically for their needs helps them overcome the effects of PTSD. They will also provide training guidance to those military veterans and emergency personnel who already have a dog of their own.

Midwest Family Lending and MFLCares are impressed with the Wards and their dedication to local heroes. We’re not sure about you, but we think Laura and John are heroes too!

Help us help them save the lives of those who help save ours!

Every September, we step back and take a little time to remember Bryce Draisey. Bryce lost his life to dilated cardiomyopathy on May 3, 2010. In 2013, Bryce’s parents, Derek and Michelle, started a foundation to keep Bryce’s memory alive by helping others who are experiencing the same hardships they faced during Bryce’s medical journey.

MFLCares is honored to help keep Bryce Draisey’s memory alive by supporting Bryce’s Warriors.

“2023 marks 10 years for Bryce’s Warriors. That’s 10 years of spending time with loved ones while raising over $100,000! None of it would be possible without the continued support of our friends and family, who’ve been by our side through it all. We’ve met so many wonderful people along the way who’ve become close and cherished friends.” – Michelle Draisey, Co-Founder of Bryce’s Warriors

100% of all funds raised for Bryce’s Warriors is used to help others.

The funds are distributed in a number of different ways:

1. Multiple $750 scholarships to SE Polk Seniors. Recipients are selected based on their personal medical journeys or those of an immediate family member. Some recipients are selected based on their desire to pursue a degree in a medical profession.
2. Gas and Food cards for families of children who have received, or are waiting for, a heart transplant.
3. Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
4. Iowa Donor Network.
5. Annual funding of Thanksgiving dinner for families in the PICU.

Bryce’s Warriors has one main fund-raising event each year.

“We are excited to mix things up a bit this year with a new fundraising event” says Michelle. The Bryce Draisey Memorial Bags Tournament, 9/30/23 at the Shootout Saloon in Dexter, IA. “This is going to be such a fun new way to raise funds. We’re hoping to see a lot of new faces as well as many of the same faces who support our cause each and every year. ”

It’s not too late to sign up! Late registrations will be taken up until Wednesday, 9/27. You can sign-up by emailing Derek at derekd@midwestfamilylending.com.

Bryce was proud to spread his story to as many people as he could to create awareness for organ donation. In doing this, he also spread a story of love, courage, and forgiveness that all who knew him will remember.

To donate,
Venmo @Bryces Warriors, or mail your check to:

Bryce’s Warriors, Inc.
9237 Diamondhead Dr.
Dexter, IA 50070

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending Corp., a mortgage company located in Urbandale, IA.  The program was started in 2016 to create a conduit between our communities and the incredible causes within them. The intent of MFLCares is to promote and support central Iowa charities, to create relationships and partnerships with these non-profit organizations, and to foster an environment of service among our team. Each month, we get the opportunity to meet the real people behind these organizations, and we continue to be amazed! Monthly charities will be promoted through the personal and professional networks of our team.  Visit our website to see other MFLCares charities who are doing great things!