Because every child deserves a story and a second chance.
Restoring Hope places free books in the hands of children in Iowa's juvenile court system — reminding them they are seen, valued, and capable of a better tomorrow.
Restoring hope. Building brighter futures.
Restoring Hope Des Moines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the juvenile court system in every way possible — showing love and giving hope to the kids in the court system, and to the teams who serve them.
Founded in memory of Judge Colin Witt, who believed one mistake doesn't have to define a child's future.
Learn more about our story
"Do good anyway."
— Words Colin lived by, remembered by his wife Jennifer and son Abram
Rooted in compassion. Driven by hope.
Restoring Hope Des Moines was founded in memory of Colin J. Witt, whose belief in children and second chances continues to inspire our work.
We partner with juvenile courts across Iowa to place free books where they're needed most — reminding kids that their future is not defined by their worst day.
Our StoryBooks open doors. We help kids walk through them.
Through Mighty Oaks Giving Libraries, Children's Acorners, and our Compassion Fund, we make books and basic dignity accessible to children in Iowa's juvenile courts.
Mighty Oaks Giving Libraries
Free book-lending libraries placed in juvenile courts so judges and their teams can reward good behavior, celebrate milestones, and connect with kids — a graduation from Drug Court, an adoption, or just a good week.
Learn moreChildren's Acorners
Special reading spaces in juvenile courtrooms where children can find books and a moment of calm while waiting — because a hard day in court shouldn't be a child's whole story.
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Compassion Fund & Community Support
Restoring Hope supports programs like Mentor Iowa and ArtForce Iowa's Pathways Program — helping normalize conditions for youth and their families.
Learn moreJoin us. Make an impact.
From trivia nights to memorial rides, our events bring the community together to support kids and strengthen our mission.
Trivia Night
Garage Sale
Memorial Bike Ride
Many ways to help. One mission: hope.
Your time, talent, and generosity help us put books — and a sense of worth — in the hands of kids who need it most.
Donate
Your gift helps us provide books and expand our programs across Iowa's juvenile courts.
Give nowVolunteer
Share your time at events, library restocks, or program projects that help kids.
Learn morePartner With Us
Business, community, and organizational partnerships help our mission go further.
Partner with us