Amanda the Panda Ribbon Now Able to Help More Grieving Families

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) Class of 2013 and Amanda the Panda are nearing completion of the newly renovated “Amanda’s House, The Center for Grief and Loss” and will hold a ribbon cutting and open house  from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today at 1821 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines. 

The program will take place at 3:30 p.m. and volunteers will be available to give tours of the project and renovation. The event is open to the community.

Recently, Amanda the Panda had exceeded capacity for its programming and did not have space for program expansion at its former location.  Working together, Amanda the Panda and the GDMLI Class of 2013 have undertaken a three-phase renovation project in the new facility. 

Phase 1 of the project was completed on March 1 and staff moved into the space on March 7  Once all three phases are complete, the facility will double Amanda the Panda’s space, eliminate the need for offsite storage and will provide a fenced outdoor space for activities. 

Phase 2 will be completed on May 5 and will include finishing the rest of the first floor with a new kitchen, as well as completing outdoor areas like the parking lot and landscaping. Phase 3 will be completed as funding allows on the lower level and exterior care areas.

For more information about GDMLI and the partnership with Amanda the Panda, visitwww.gdmli.com/ProjectPanda.

About GDMLI

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) is a premier leadership organization, guiding graduates to greater public awareness, commitment, and involvement – improving the overall quality of life in our community.  Each year, GDMLI unites a group of 50 leaders to work together to make a meaningful change for the betterment of the greater Des Moines area.  This year, the GDMLI Class of 2013 chose to work in partnership with Amanda the Panda to address a critical need in our community by creating the first, solely-dedicated grief center in central Iowa.  For more information, visit www.gdmli.com.

About Amanda the Panda

Amanda the Panda provides support for those struggling with the death of a loved one by giving them hope, courage, and a safe place to grieve.  Amanda the Panda offers, at no charge, comprehensive, peer-support programs including camps, groups, school visits, community outreach, Fun Days, and holiday support.  For more information, visitwww.amandathepanda.org.