Change Course
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Change Course is a tuition-free career and personal development program in Des Moines, IA for those in need of a second chance.
09/21/2026
From our CEO, Joseph:
I had the privilege of representing Change Course today at the official launch of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Iowa I.G.N.I.T.E. Program.
What an honor to stand alongside Sheriff Kevin Schneider and his team as they take a major step toward breaking the cycle of incarceration and creating real opportunities for people to build a different future.
I.G.N.I.T.E. begins that work while individuals are still incarcerated—providing education, life skills, career preparation, trade certifications, and re-entry support to help prepare them for what comes next.
And that’s what excites me most. The work happening inside the Polk County Jail can set people up beautifully to continue that journey through Change Course when they are released. They can walk through our doors with a foundation already being built, and we can surround them with community, opportunity, career development, and people committed to walking alongside them.
Re-entry isn’t something any one organization can do alone. It takes people working together before, during, and after release.
I’m incredibly grateful for Sheriff Schneider and his team and for their willingness to invest in people, believe in second chances, and build pathways toward lasting change.
Nobody changes alone.
There is HOPE in this city!
Last Friday night was such a great time!
A huge thank you to American Idol Clark Beckham for coming to Des Moines, sharing his music, and taking the time to connect with the mission of Change Course.
Before the show, Clark shared about his faith, his purpose, and why opportunities like this matter to him — getting to step outside the normal music world and be part of something where he can see real change happening firsthand.
We’re incredibly grateful he chose to partner with us, and just as grateful to everyone who came out, brought friends, supported the event, and helped make the night so memorable. Big thank you to NorthPoint Church for hosting the amazing event.
Thank you for being part of our mission, Clark!
There is HOPE in this city!
For years, Bejay found herself caught in cycles of addiction, incarceration, loss and believing she wasn’t worthy of a different life.
Change Course helped her begin to believe something else.
Through community, encouragement, career development and spiritual growth, Bejay started rebuilding her life and rediscovering her worth.
“Change Course means to me a second chance. It instilled hope in me and a belief in myself that I lost.”
Today, recovery isn’t just something she’s working toward. It’s the way she lives.
There is HOPE in this city!
Today’s the day!
American Idol Clark Beckham takes the stage tonight at NorthPoint Church in Johnston for a special benefit concert supporting Change Course. And until 3:00 PM today, tickets are free.
If you’ve already purchased a ticket, thank you. Your support helped make this night possible, and this final complimentary ticket push is simply about getting more people in the room to experience an incredible show and learn more about the mission of Change Course.
Bring a friend, coworker, neighbor, or someone who hasn’t experienced Change Course yet.
Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show starts at 7:00 PM.
Free tickets until 3 PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995196656910/?discount=free
🎓 Celebrating the Elite Class! 💙
The Elite Class graduation ceremony was a powerful celebration of growth, perseverance, and transformation. This video highlights special moments from the event, accompanied by the voice of one of our Elite leaders as she reflects on her experience at Change Course.
Her story represents the courage, hard work, and determination demonstrated by every leader throughout this journey. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and we cannot wait to see where their next chapter takes them!
Congratulations, Elite Class! You came ready to grow, and you leave prepared to lead.
Help us continue creating life changing opportunities for future leaders! Join us on September 11 at NorthPoint Church in Johnston, Iowa, for a special benefit concert featuring American Idol finalist Clark Beckham.
Get your tickets through the link in our bio!
There is HOPE in this city!
08/26/2026
Our CEO, Joseph Johnson, recently joined the Iowa Business Podcast for a conversation about Iowa’s talent shortage and the capable people employers may be overlooking.
Joseph talks about hiring people with criminal records, individuals transitioning off government assistance, and others who may not fit a traditional hiring profile. He also shares what employers often get wrong, why many of the fears surrounding these hires are unfounded, and what we’ve learned about helping people succeed once they’re given an opportunity.
As someone who rebuilt his own life after incarceration and went on to become a successful business leader, Joseph brings both personal experience and practical insight to this conversation.
If you care about workforce development, second chances, or building stronger teams, this is worth a listen.
Find it on all podcast platforms or watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/tP6dJH6mtTM?si=aE4aaSSVQlo5fcqu
There is HOPE in this city!
Iowa's hidden workforce? Why is HR overlooking easy wins? One common complaint from recruiters, HR professionals, and skilled...
🌺 Luau Alumni Night Panel — Part 1 🌺
Our final Community Gathering with the Elite Class was filled with great food, fun games, laughter, and meaningful connections! As our leaders prepare to graduate next Tuesday, September 1st, this special evening gave us an opportunity to celebrate how far they have come and the community supporting them along the way.
We were also honored to welcome leaders from previous Change Course classes who returned to share their experiences during and after the program, along with what continues to keep them moving forward on the right path.
Today’s video highlights the dinner, games, and fellowship. Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring the powerful Alumni Night Panel!
You can help make more moments like these possible! Join us on September 11 at NorthPoint Church in Johnston, Iowa, for a special benefit concert featuring American Idol finalist Clark Beckham.
There is HOPE in this city!
04/30/2026
5 more Allies needed!
Our Kappa 2026 May Class is coming together, and we’re looking for five more volunteers to walk alongside Change Course participants in their new lives through meaningful relationships.
The commitment is simple:
• Mondays from 6–8 PM
• One Saturday retreat
• A heart for people and a willingness to be present
Our Allies do more than help. They show up, build trust, and love their neighbors well.
Help us fill these final spots this week.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/BYY1wDNf9LZws69T8
There is HOPE in this city!
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Address
1912 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50314
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4:30pm |
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