Building a resilient community together
MDC Iowa provides free services to the communities in Eastern Iowa at multiple locations. Each location has a specific purpose and function that aligns with the core mission of MDC Iowa. Throughout the year classes are held at each location that is open to the public. Some classes require registration while others are open to the public. As a nonprofit organization, MDC Iowa makes every effort to keep operating expenses as low as possible to maximize the impact of every donation and grant by sharing space with other community-based organizations.
An example of this is the business office for MDC Iowa which is located inside of MERGE, a co-working space operated by the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD). This partnership has allowed both ICAD and MDC Iowa to collaborate more efficiently and expand programs to support a more diverse community. Without these partners, MDC Iowa would not be able to provide the wide range of services at no cost to the community.​
Collaboration and shared space are critical to our work and thanks to our friends and partners at ICAD, we have access to a beautiful space with plenty of room to host our monthly meetups and conduct business operations. If we are not at one of our other locations, you can usually find us at MERGE located next to the Iowa City Public Library at 136 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240.
The RSFIC office is home to MDC Iowa's STEM Factory which provides hands-on, project-based learning, and INCUBATE & Microlending program services which is located at 1927 Keokuk St, Iowa City, IA 52240.
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When we first met the RSFIC team in December 2021, we immediately knew that we shared similar values and they are truly committed to leveraging their privilege and access to help make our community more resilient. Sharing space with them has been a blessing and helped us grow as an organization and made us feel like we are part of something bigger than our own work.
The INNOV8 idea Lab is Iowa's first and only community-based maker space and is located at 3555 Dolphin Dr SE, Iowa City, IA 52240.​
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Have you ever wanted to learn how to make something or just increase your creative confidence? MDC Iowa's INNOV8 Lab is the place to do that. Learn how to use laser engravers, CNC machines, 3D printers, screen printers, woodworking tools, and almost any hand tool that you can think of.