Empowering families
through care, language
and community.
Pohnpei & Pacific Islander Alliance is a community-based nonprofit in Storm Lake, Iowa, bridging healthcare, language access, and family support for everyone in our community.
Health Education • Language Access • Family Support
Rooted in community,
built on trust.
Pohnpei & Pacific Islander Alliance (PPIA) is a community-based organization in Storm Lake, Iowa, dedicated to improving health access, education, and support services for individuals and families.
While rooted in Pacific Islander leadership and experience, PPIA serves all community members — working at the intersection of health, language access, and outreach. Through partnerships with local hospitals, universities, and community organizations, our programs are practical, trusted, and driven by real community needs.
- Bridge language and cultural gaps in real-time
- Build trust with underserved and overlooked communities
- Design programs with the community, not just for them
- Respond quickly — from health education to basic family support
- Connect local work with global impact, including outreach in Pohnpei
To empower individuals and families through health education, language access, and community-driven programs that improve quality of life for all, with a commitment to culturally responsive care.
A community where all individuals — regardless of language, culture, or background — have equal access to resources, care, and opportunities to thrive.
Programs that meet
real community needs.
PPIA's community-driven programs focus on improving health access, education, and support — designed through culturally responsive, hands-on partnership.
Diabetes Education & Support
Culturally tailored education to help individuals understand, prevent, and manage diabetes — through workshops, support groups, and one-on-one guidance on nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce
Training and supporting community health workers from within the community to serve as trusted connectors between individuals and healthcare systems.
- Patient follow-up
- Health education
- Connecting individuals to care and resources
- Workforce development pathways
Interpreter & Language Access
Language support to help individuals and families better understand healthcare, services, and important information.
- Medical interpretation support
- Assistance with forms and documentation
- Community education in accessible language
Family Support — Wrap & Return
Through programs like the Wrap & Return diaper initiative, PPIA supports families with essential needs.
- Diapers and baby supplies
- Connection to additional resources
- Support for families experiencing financial hardship
Island Bright Smile
Improving oral health education for children and families through hands-on learning and barrier-reduction support.
- Dental hygiene education
- Hands-on learning for children
- Support for families facing barriers to dental care
Partner with us, volunteer, or help us reach more families. Every contribution strengthens the community.
Meaningful, measurable change
— together.
PPIA is committed to creating real change through trusted relationships, culturally responsive programs, and hands-on support — helping individuals and families access care, build knowledge, and improve quality of life.
11Step 01Direct community outreach
Served 50+ individuals and families through health education, outreach, and direct support.
22Step 02Partner-powered meetings
Facilitated weekly and biweekly community health meetings with healthcare and academic partners.
33Step 03Diabetes prevention
Supported diabetes education and prevention efforts across the community.
44Step 04Language access
Provided language access and interpretation, reducing barriers to care.
55Step 05Essential family support
Assisted families with basic needs — including diapers and essential supplies.
66Step 06Sustained, community-led programs
Launched and sustained community-led programs focused on long-term impact.
Berselynna P. Butler
Berselynna P. Butler is the founder of PPIA and a decorated community advocate based in Storm Lake, Iowa. As a Pohnpeian interpreter and Community Health Worker, she has extensive experience supporting individuals and families in navigating healthcare systems, overcoming language barriers, and accessing essential services.
Her work is rooted in lived experience — recognizing firsthand the challenges many families face when trying to understand medical care, connect with providers, and access resources.
Through her leadership, PPIA has developed community-driven programs focused on diabetes education, workforce development, language access, and family support — building trust and creating pathways that improve health outcomes for all.
Meet the people behind PPIA
A growing team of community members, educators, and advocates working side by side with the families we serve.
Hover or tap a portrait to learn more
Help us serve more families — together.
Whether you give your time, your voice, or your support — every contribution helps PPIA reach more individuals and families across the community.
Questions, answered.
Common questions about PPIA's programs, services, and how to get involved.
Multiple ways to connect.
Reach out to learn about programs, partner with us, or request language access and family support services.