Welcome to The Stork's Nest!

Serving expectant families and babies in Black Hawk County*

The Stork's Nest program is an incentive based program for income-eligible pregnant women, post-partum mothers up to one-year, and their children up to thirteen months. Participants earn incentive points for healthy behaviors such as keeping doctor appointments and attending parent and preventative educational classes. The points are then redeemed for incentive items ranging from diapers, wipes, bathing supplies, baby clothes, cribs, car seats and educational books.  For a complete incentive list, click here. Participants must be residents of/or receive health care services in Black Hawk County.  Participants are income-eligible if their income is at or below 185% of the Federal poverty level.  Once in the program, participants can continue to earn points to be redeemed at the Stork’s Nest by maintaining good health habits and participating in Stork’s Nest approved educational programs. 

Stork's Nest Order & Pick up Hours: 

 Mondays from 4:00 to 5:00pm, and after Stork's Nest class from 11:00 to 11:30am, (during ordering weeks only.)  Order and pick up are done at the building next to Operation Threshold, 316 West Third St.

You may also contact Stork's Nest Coordinator, Andrea Magee at amagee@operationthreshold.org.

Stork's Nest Classes & Support Group "Expecting & Connecting"

2008 Class Schedule (English)

2008 Class Schedule (Spanish)

Morning Classes, Evening Classes and Support Group meetings are held at the Waterloo YWCA, (room 222), 425 Lafayette Street. FREE Childcare is provided for Stork's Nest participants.  For the monthly class/support group schedule please see the Monthly Class Calendar below.

• Participants earn 25 points for each class they attend if they are signed in and seated by 10:10 am. When both parents attend together, they earn an additional 25 points.

• Classes are offered in an educational series. Series bonus points are awarded at the end of each month of classes. Participants earn an additional 50 points when they attend all classes in a month. Participants will earn an additional 25 points if they have only one absence in a monthly series.

• In addition, evening classes are offered on a monthly basis.  Childcare is NOT provided at evening classes so please make other arrangements.

• Monthly Class Calendar

Car Seats

A car seat safety video will be shown the first Monday of each month at both 4:00 and 5:00pm at the building next to Operation Threshold, 316 West Third Street.  No appointment is necessary. You can also schedule an appointment to view the video. You MUST view this video to purchase a car seat.   *In order to purchase a car seat, you must be at least seven months pregnant.*

Garage Sales     

Periodically we hold garage sales at Operation Threshold.  This is a great way to redeem points and purchase bargains.  If you have gently used baby items you would like to donate to the Stork's Nest, please let us know.  We CANNOT take used car seats.  Please clean all items prior to drop off.  Thank you in advance for your diligence in sorting and removing stained and/or ripped clothing.                                                   

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering for the Stork's Nest, please contact Andrea Magee at amagee@operationthreshold.org.  Stork's Nest participants who volunteer earn 25 points per hour of service.

Pregnant Moms

If you are interested in breastfeeding, contact the Waterloo WIC Department to find out how you can participate in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program.  This is a free, supportive service designed to help make breastfeeding easier.

Donations and Drives

Donations of new and gently used items can be dropped off at Operation Threshold.  We do not accept used car seats.  We accept checks, money orders and cash. Please do not send cash in the mail. Operation Threshold is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit. Your donations to the agency are tax deductible.

Want to help?  Consider scheduling a Community Baby Shower at your church, school, store or organization. Community Baby Showers collect donated incentive items for participants and their babies. To schedule a Community Baby Shower, please contact Andrea Magee at amagee@operationthreshold.org.

If you would like more information about the Stork's Nest program, such as how to enroll,  help with income guidelines, or to volunteer, please call the Stork's Nest Coordinator at (319) 291-2065.

For a downloadable Stork's Nest brochure that includes store and class schedules, click here.

*Nest programs are also available in Buchanan and Grundy Counties, for more information select the appropriate county:

Church Women United, ISU Extension, Nazareth Lutheran Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Victory Chapter of IAAP, Zion Lutheran Church, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center, Starmont High School, and generous individual donors. Thank you for your support!

(c) 2006. Operation Threshold. All rights reserved.