The Johnston Community School District has led the way in many aspects of education, and the founding of the Johnston Partnership was no different. 20 years ago, when school nurses noticed a growing number of students who did not have the shoes, clothing and winter gear kids need growing up in Iowa. It is hard to learn when you are cold and hungry, and they wanted students to focus on their primary job - learning. They started a small clothing closet, serving about 30 families a month. In order to expand services, the Johnston Partnership became a 501c3 community based non-profit organization in 2002. Flash forward to today, and the Johnston Partnership serves more than 1,500 people each month with basic needs. They also mentor more than 100 students to high school graduation with JUMP, and feed over 250 kids each weekend of the school year through Friday Friends. The Johnston Partnership' s services have expanded as the needs in the city of Johnston and the Johnston school district have grown, looking to meet the basic needs of all residents.