Rippling Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to affordable housing and community development, announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Eddyville Cargill Cares council. This strategic funding will be used to establish the organization’s new Next-Generation Trades Internship Program.
The $10,000 grant will be utilized for the purchase of critical resources necessary to make the training program operational, including a secure work trailer and essential tools for student use and training.
The internship program will provide valuable, hands-on construction training opportunities for local students from Ottumwa High School and Ottumwa Job Corps. Students will gain practical skills by working directly on Rippling Waters’ housing rehabilitation and new construction projects, preparing them for high-demand careers in the trades.
“This grant is truly catalytic for our organization and our community,” said Holly Berg, Executive Director of Rippling Waters. “The support from Cargill Cares moves this program from a plan to a reality. By providing a dedicated work trailer and professional-grade tools, Cargill is not just funding a program—they are equipping our future workforce and ensuring our students learn in a safe, professional environment. This partnership is a perfect example of strategic community investment.”
The initiative aligns with Cargill’s focus on Community Impact, supporting both education and economic development in the Eddyville and surrounding areas. The grant will allow the program to operate efficiently across various job sites throughout the community.
“The Eddyville Cargill Cares Council is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our local community and foster future talent,” commented a representative from the Council. “Rippling Waters’ innovative approach to combining affordable housing with workforce development creates a dual impact that will benefit Ottumwa for years to come.”
