The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute announced that it is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Community Connect program, which begins in February. The Community Connect program aims to inspire participants and teach them that leveraging their purpose and passions improves their lives and their community. Thirty program participants will move through an in-person, five-session curriculum of self-discovery, while mentors provide guidance and connections that encourage community engagement. Past mentors include Traci Galligan, NCMIC; Blake Campbell, Best Buddies; Elizabeth Presutti, DART; and Joe Gonzalez, Latino Resources and Latino Heritage Festival. Mentors for the next program are currently being secured and will be announced soon. Potential applicants are invited to learn more about the Community Connect program at a virtual informational session on Oct. 19, starting at 6 p.m. Registrations for this free event as well as program applications are currently being accepted at this page on the leadership institute’s website.