This press release details how Dr. Steven Meyer is inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame.
(DES MOINES, IA) – Dr. Steven Meyer, founder of Siouxland Tanzania Educational and
Medical Ministries (STEMM) in Sioux City, Iowa, will be inducted as a member of the
2022 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by Lt. Governor Adam Gregg in a ceremony at the
Iowa State Capitol building on Thursday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Being selected for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level
honor volunteers can receive as recognition of extraordinary donations of volunteer
service to their communities.
Meyer, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with CNOS, co-founded STEMM 25 years
ago to develop a relational bridge between Siouxland and Tanzania by addressing the
priorities of spiritual growth, medical care, and educational opportunities. In building
this relationship, the overwhelming AIDS orphan crisis was one that could not be
ignored and today is also an integral part of the STEMM ministry.
Meyer said, “It’s beyond humbling to be recognized by the leadership of our great state
of Iowa for the impact STEMM has made not only in Tanzania but Greater Siouxland as
well. This is not my award, but I receive it on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers,
donors, prayer warriors and trip participants that have been essential for our collective
success. Most of all, I thank Almighty Creator God for the inspiration, passion and
opportunity to do his work in changing lives for Christ on both sides of the world.”
During the 25 years since STEMM was first organized, yearly outreach trips have sent
hundreds of healthcare workers and other volunteers from all denominations from
Siouxland to Tanzania, along with immeasurable amounts of donated medical supplies.
Through Meyer’s vision and dedication, STEMM has developed a 100-acre campus in
Mbuguni, complete with a farming operation, educational offices and an orphanage
with capacity to care for more than 50 young African children at a time.
The campus also operates a feeding program that provides 5,000 hot lunches each
day in area schools. Prior to the inception of the school feeding program, the
percentage of local kids attending school was 375, After two years of the providing
lunch during the school day, the attendance jumped to 86% and today it is at 100%.
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