“Seeing the kids being free, running around and dancing with joy on their faces. Knowing that joy comes from having a new haircut and backpack full of supplies on the first day of school… that’s why we do this.”
— Alicia Brooks, Chair, Black and Brown Employee Network (BEN) Business Resource Group
Business resource groups (BRGs) and employee resource groups (ERGs) have a decades-long history of bringing employees together to address shared challenges. BRGs and ERGs are employee-led and made up of employees who share specific characteristics or life experiences. Groups provide support, advise their organization on best practices for supporting employees, and engage in community service. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLBank Des Moines) has five BRGs, including the Black and Brown Employee Network (BEN).
BEN was formed in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. Amid nationwide discussions about police brutality and the stress of the ongoing pandemic, employees created a safe place to support one another. They also created a place where joy and hope could thrive. BEN knew that career development was important, but serving their community was key to long-term success.
BEN supports two philanthropic initiatives, both focused on literacy. BEN runs a book drive during Black History Month (February) and supports the nonprofit Back 2 School Iowa’s Back 2 School Bash in August. According to Shayla Deering, Vice Chair of BEN, “We wanted to partner with schools that weren’t getting attention from other organizations, schools that mainly serve Black and Brown inner-city students. When we learned how many kids in Iowa fall behind in reading, and how that affects them later on, it really resonated with us.” By turning their efforts outward, toward the community, BEN laid the foundation for a long-term partnership between the bank, a regional non-profit, and under-resourced schools in their region.
During Black History Month, BEN partnered with local schools to provide two new books to every second grader at King Elementary School, Edmunds Elementary School, and Moulton Elementary School in Des Moines. Why second graders? Literacy test scores for Iowa’s third graders showed that only 66 percent of students were proficient in reading at grade level. Research has found that students who are unable to read by the third grade face poorer outcomes in several areas, including education, health, and personal finance. After learning this, BEN decided to focus on second graders, hoping to spark their excitement about reading.
That’s exactly what happened. All books provided by BEN were written by Black or African American authors, which was powerful for students to realize. According to Ms. Brooks, “When we deliver the books, the kids and their teachers are so appreciative. Seeing the kids realize the books were written by someone who looks like them… it’s bittersweet. Representation matters. It’s amazing to share this with them, but it’s also tough knowing it’s the first time most of the kids have seen someone who looks like them in this context.”
It's powerful to read a book by someone who looks like you, but many students need school supplies as well. For the past three years, BEN has been a key supporter of Back 2 School Bash. Back to 2 School Bash is an annual event hosted by the nonprofit organization Back 2 School Iowa. Students who attend the event receive a backpack filled with the school supplies they need to be successful. Attendees can also receive a haircut, a physical, and other services.
In 2005, when the program was started by students from Drake University, they filled 100 backpacks. In 2024, the bank helped Back 2 School Bash reach almost 800 families. According to Deidre DeJear, Founder of Back 2 School Iowa, “Organizations like FHLBank Des Moines play a crucial role in the success of the Back 2 School Bash by providing financial support, resources, and volunteer assistance. Their involvement underscores the importance of community partnership and corporate social responsibility, highlighting how businesses can make a tangible impact on the lives of local families. This year, they helped meet the immediate needs of 750+ families and 3000+ people in a single day.”
Mrs. DeJear continues, “The Back 2 School Bash is more than just a fun event: it’s a lifeline for many children and families in Iowa. By providing essential school supplies, health services, and a supportive community environment, the event helps level the playing field for children from all backgrounds. It ensures that every child starts the school year prepared and confident, which is critical for their academic success and overall well-being. The Bash also fosters a sense of community and belonging, showing children and families that they are supported and valued.”
Connecting with the community is important for the Black and Brown Employee Network BRG. According to Nyra Bottley, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager at the bank, “It’s important to know your community. If you think there is a need, make sure you really speak to the community that’s being affected. Don’t just do something because you want to put your business name on it — find something that aligns with your mission and values. If you do that, you can get the entire organization behind you.”
The philanthropic work initiated by BEN continues beyond Black History Month and the start of the school year. BRGs at the bank work year-round to make sure their community outreach, polices, and internal procedures align with their mission. As BEN’s impact on FHLBank Des Moines and the broader community demonstrates, effective employee-led groups are crucial to the long-term success of any organization.