About Us
What We Do
We aim to provide affordable housing and services to adult males and females in Iowa who are transitioning from substance abuse, jail and mental health facilities. We believe in the freedom that leads to making the right choices, not freedom that leads to bondage.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the destination for those who are vulnerable, homeless, hopeless and less fortunate to provide and give them hope by restoring their lives. Through faith and recovery we redefine and create a sense of purpose and meaning in an individual's life. Our goal is changing lives one person at a time.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide communities with healthy, safe, and stable environment for individuals to rebuild and renew their life.
Meet Our Team
Nada Gismelsied
The founder Nada Gismelsied is an immigrant from Sudan who came to the United States 22 years ago. She quickly adopted the American culture and Iowa became her home town. She graduated from Roosevelt high School in 2006 and moved to Wheaton, IL where she earned her degree in human services. Nada is an active member in her community where she continuously assist and support the needy and the less fortunate. She's a co - founder of an organization that empower's women to strive and build themselves. Nada loves to volunteer twice a week at Iowa youth homeless center and the Jappa donation center. Her passion for humanity has always driven her to be of service to others and giving back to the community. She has inadvertently been involved with the recovery and housing industry for the last five years. Her passion has always been to help society's most valuable persons regain their lives. Her journey started with family members suffering from mental health issues and she has always been the one reaching out and helping in some capacity. We were registered in May 2023 we understand the difficulties and struggles addicts face as they aspire to regain their freedom. We aim to provide affordable housing and services to adult males and females in Iowa who are transitioning from substance abuse, jail, and mental health facilities. We believe in the freedom that leads to making the right choices, not freedom that leads to bondage.
Lawrence Okpako
Lawrence is a leader and mentor who is passionate about helping people and offering customized solutions for their needs. He is experienced in leadership, sales and operations management and has dedicated several years to serving individuals, communities, and organizations within the Retail, Insurance, e-Commerce Telecoms Banking sectors. As a key team player, he has contributed to other organizations and major brands like Surestar, Anthem, Aetna / CVS Health, Integrity Marketing Organisation, Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot in the USA, and some others in the African market. Have multiple college undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in International Law and Diplomacy, Business Administration, Marketing, Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy etc.
Lawrence family has been in the Des Moines community for almost a decade and have volunteered and served in multiple community activities to assist the community such as the Johnston Community School District, Knights of Columbus, Marine Cadets of Iowa, US Marines, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Local churches within the parish and Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa.
Erika Bureng
Erika Bureng is an immigrant from Sudan, she migrated to the United States back in 2001 with her family to escape the endless war in South Sudan. Erika earned her degree from juba university in education. She worked as a teacher for Safa Middle School for 5 years where she later became the Principal of the school. Within the Des Moines metropolitan city, Erika has been very supportive and has worked very hard and built herself in the sudanese community. She owns and operates a small grocery store where she sells African foodstuffs, clothes and beauty products. Erika is an active member in her community and church. She is passionate about helping others and has been a valuable member in the Des Moines community.
Alex Loyo
Alex Loyo is an immigrant from Sudan, he migrated to the United States back in 2005 with his family. Alex pursued a degree in communications from Juba University. He worked as the Head of HR at Juba's airport. Alex enjoys fishing as a hobby and traveling with his families. He worked for Mosaic as a direct support professional for 10 years in central Iowa. He is compassionate about helping others in his community and church. He volunteers at the boys and girls club in Central Iowa. Alex believes that kindness and humanity is what our world needs today.
Ajongo Benjamin Anguj
Ajongo Benjamin Anguj is the co-founder of Rejoice Life International. He migrated from South Sudan 20 years ago. Ajongo lives in Ankeny with his family where he enjoys spending time with them. Ajongo earned his education back in South Sudan where he graduated with a Marketing degree in business. He worked for Burk Marketing Manufacturing as a Production Supervisor for 20 years. Ajongo is an active member in his community in Iowa where he served as a General Secretary of the South Sudanese community group called (Awiel) for 4 years. In addition to the current position he hold for another community group called ( Baher-el- Ghazel) as their Secretary of Finance. Ajongo believes that giving back to the community is the only way to practice humanity and restore faith and believe in those who lost it. He is compassionate about helping his community and individuals who are less fortunate in today's society.