Variety is proud to support the work of Raise the Bar Initiative (RBI) - a local nonprofit that empowers women and girls in the Greater Des Moines area through strength training and mentorship. Founded on the belief that strength is more than physical, RBI offers a range of impactful programs including The Barbell Club, which provides strength training and mentoring to middle and high school girls. Their outreach extends further through coaching certifications, lifting seminars, and community-based programs that promote wellness, confidence, and inclusion.
Last year, RBI received a Variety Grant to help launch a powerful new initiative in partnership with the Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) in West Des Moines. YJI, which supports at-risk youth in the community, is now home to a chapter of RBI’s HERoic Program - a specialized outreach effort designed to serve vulnerable populations through strength-based programming.
With Variety’s funding, RBI was able to equip the HERoic program with brand-new gym equipment tailored for youth. Led by trained female strength coaches, this program not only teaches proper lifting techniques but also fosters emotional growth and positive self-image through mentorship and encouragement.
“I am so proud to see the girls who are part of YJI who have committed to working on their health and wellbeing through the HERoic program. I can hear a difference in the way they talk about themselves and the way they talk to each other. Girls are pushing each other to lift heavier and encouraging each other. They are supporting each other in a more positive way because of the examples they see in the HERoic volunteers, and the high expectations those volunteers have of the girls.”
Jennifer Hahn, director of YJI
These changes aren’t just physical - they reflect a deeper transformation taking place as girls gain confidence, resilience, and community support. While RBI programs are powered by dedicated coaches and volunteers, funding like Variety’s makes it possible to grow and sustain this critical work. We are honored to support Raise the Bar Initiative in its mission to uplift and empower girls - one lift, one rep, and one encouraging word at a time.
