DES MOINES, Iowa — Construction is now underway at a former Lutheran Church in Des Moines’ East Village that will transform the historic building into a school and housing facility for at-risk youth.
Will Keeps is the founder of Starts Right Here, an alternative school in Des Moines’ southside. The school opened in 2020 to provide educational support for kids who were at risk of dropping out of school. Since then, Keeps has helped dozens of students graduate from high school.
Over the last four years, his goal has been to expand Starts Right Here by providing additional services to young people.
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With the help of nearly $6 million in funding, this new facility is now in the first phase of construction. It’s called “Stay,” and it will not only provide additional classroom space for Starts Right Here, but also housing for young adults…