HISTORY OF I-CARE

          I-CARE is a not-for-profit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.  I-CARE was founded in April 2005 by Ben Parrott and Kirk Schuler, when they were students at the Drake University Law School.  The seeds that grew into I-CARE were planted a few years earlier.

          In 2002, Ben studied in Managua and traveled throughout Nicaragua.  He lived with a local family, and fell in love with the warm people and vibrant culture.  In 2004, Ben returned to visit Nicaragua and introduced Kirk to the country and people that have occupied their thoughts ever since.  As a result of those trips, I-CARE was born with the, admittedly vague, mission to “improve the quality of life of our less fortunate Central American neighbors through the charitable delivery of goods and services.”  Our mission is broad because we enjoy traveling, meeting people, hearing their stories, and helping in whatever way we can.  At the same time, we enjoy introducing new people to Nicaragua (and Central America in general) and supporting them in making a difference in whatever way touches their hearts.

          In December of 2005, I-CARE was officially awarded 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the United States government.  As a result, I-CARE is exempt from paying taxes and donations to I-CARE are tax deductible.

          Over the past several years, I-CARE has completed some diverse projects as we've refined and focused our mission.  Our first project benefitted the Hospitál Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales in León, Nicaragua.  We provided the hospital with bedding, air conditioning, plumbing, vitamins, and other necessities.  We have also collected clothing and medical supplies, delivered them to Nicaragua, and distributed the goods to cancer patients.

         To meet our goals and improve our services, I-CARE doubled the size of its board of directors in August 2012.   

          Looking to the future, I-CARE has a few simple goals: 

1)      develop projects that will change lives now and have lasting impact into the      future; and

2)      ensure that every dollar raised directly benefits needy Iowans and Central Americans.