EveryStep has proudly been named Des Moines’ best non-profit in consecutive years by the Des Moines Business Record. That recognition is shared not only by EveryStep’s staff, but also by our army of volunteers, donors, and a team of amazing sponsors – including Homesteaders Life Company.
‘Amazing’ is the perfect word to describe Homesteaders Life Company – they fielded five teams at the 2026 Amazing FundRacer, the most of any company. Homesteader Chief Human Resources Officer Justine Bell serves on EveryStep’s Board of Directors as well. She shared with us recently why the two organizations are such a perfect fit.
How did you and Homesteaders Life Co. first become involved with EveryStep?
I first became aware of EveryStep through Suzie Glazer Burt when I was serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa - she was on the Board of Trustees and very involved with Amanda the Panda. What stood out to me was how deeply she cared about the organization and the impact it had on families. That was my first real introduction to EveryStep and the important work they do.
I became much more involved when I joined Homesteaders Life Company as CHRO. Homesteaders is in the preneed insurance space, meaning we partner with funeral homes to help families plan ahead for end-of-life arrangements. It’s a very unique industry, but at its core it’s deeply human work. It requires kindness, empathy, and a real commitment to caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
What makes EveryStep and Homesteaders Life Co. such a strong match for our partnership?
I am someone who genuinely wants to serve others, and I’ve been fortunate to do that in two very meaningful ways - through my role at Homesteaders and through my service as a Board Director for EveryStep. The alignment between the two is incredibly strong, and it makes it easy for me to be passionate in both spaces because the mission and the work are so connected.
That alignment is really what makes the partnership between Homesteaders and EveryStep so special. We are both serving families in moments of loss and transition, just in different but complementary ways. The shared values show very clearly how naturally the organizations work together.
What is your favorite thing about your connection with EveryStep?
One of my favorite parts of the partnership is seeing how engaged our Homesteaders teams are in supporting EveryStep. The themed basket fundraisers, where employees contribute and purchase tickets, have become something people genuinely look forward to. It’s not just a fundraiser - it’s a way for employees to come together around something that matters and directly support a mission they care about.
We truly love EveryStep at Homesteaders. And now, serving on the board as well, it’s been incredibly meaningful to see the organization from both sides. What stands out most is that EveryStep doesn’t just talk about mission - they live it. The consistency, compassion, and the way it shows up in real families’ lives is what makes it so powerful.
