What is CCIA?
Community Corrections Improvement Association
CCIA is a private non-profit “working foundation” that serves the community by recognizing community needs, developing innovative programs, and funding those programs. Gary Hinzman was one of the founders of CCIA in 1991 and is the Executive Director. CCIA is governed by a board of directors who are leaders in their community.
When CCIA was created it was the first foundation of its kind in the USA. The only similar foundations in the country were created through mentoring and technical assistance provided by Hinzman.
In this role Hinzman is an innovator with vision for the needs of the community and has a reputation for delivering on the needs identified by the community. He believes in building community capacity and mobilizing the community through key strategic partnerships. He has provided solutions for a safer community and has been a force for positive change.
CCIA provides over $2 million in services to the community annually. There are a total of over 200 people who work through CCIA providing these services. CCIA has traditionally taken a quiet, non-assuming role with its partners in the community.
CCIA works within the neighborhood structure to deliver key programs. This includes:
- Neighborhood Centers provide services for safe neighborhoods
- Batterers Education Program
- Victim Services
- Circles of Support and Accountability for offenders re-entering our communities
- Faith-Based Initiatives
- Cedar Rapids Drum Corps
- Weed and Seed strategies
- Volunteer Income Tax Program - VITA
- Youth Leadership Program
- Children of Promise
- Foster Grandparent Program
- Partnership for Safe Families
- Americorps and VISTA programs
- Flood Recovery and Relief
Additionally in 2009, CCIA will construct low income housing, Home to Stay, for residents of Cedar Rapids and provide a service enriched environment to enhance community safety. This is a $5.5 million project.
For more information on CCIA see the CCIA website at http://www.iowacbc.org/ccia.