Rising from the storm: Greenfield’s journey to recovery
“CDP provided more than just grant money, they sought us out, came to our town and offered to help when we were at our most desperate. …CDP was nothing short of a miracle in our recovery, they were also there for the long haul, with us every step of the way for 18 months.” – Jennifer Garside, Greater Greenfield Community Foundation
On May 21, 2024, a powerful tornado tore through Greenfield in Adair County, Iowa. With winds reaching 185 miles per hour, the twister flattened homes and businesses, damaged critical infrastructure, and left the community grieving multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Even before the storm, conversations with local community organizations revealed that many families were already facing challenges. Aging homes, limited health care and emergency services, and households living on fixed incomes or without enough insurance made it difficult to bounce back from even small setbacks. When the tornado hit, these vulnerabilities made recovery feel overwhelming. Families needed more than rapid response; they needed steady support to repair homes, navigate insurance and meet everyday needs for the long term.
To help meet these long-term needs, the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation (GGCF) received a $159,852 grant from CDP’s Midwest Early Recovery Fund. The funding supported a dedicated case manager who worked closely with households to address urgent needs and complex recovery challenges. As the recovery progressed, this role grew into a disaster recovery coordinator who helped families while also leading broader community recovery efforts. The project directly served an estimated 1,100 people. It also supported recovery initiatives that reached approximately 7,500 residents across Adair County, bringing stability and clarity to the entire community.
The grant did more than provide direct assistance. GGCF coordinated partners, reduced confusion and made sure survivors were not facing recovery alone. The result was a more organized and compassionate effort that helped families move forward and positioned the community for long-term resilience.
CDP is proud to have supported Greenfield and Adair County on this path to renewal. This work reflects our mission to strengthen community-led recovery, support vulnerable populations, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Story by Juanicia Crump