Able Up Iowa, formerly known as Iowa Able Foundation, is non-profit organization that helps people of all abilities become financially independent by providing solutions of financial needs and empowering them to achieve financial goals.

Since 1993, they have provided an accessible borrowing option to Iowans for purchasing products and services related to living independently. Able Up Iowa offers lower interest rates, credit building, emergency funding, and forgivable loans.

Information about the specific loans offered is available on the Iowa Able Up website.

Above + Beyond Cancer is a public charity with a mission to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world. Above + Beyond Cancer is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All Optimal Living Programs and Classes are free to Cancer Survivors. Our programs are also open to Caregivers and the Community. Cancer Patients and Survivors may receive a 12-week YMCA scholarship or MercyOne Health and Fitness Scholarship after a Doctor referral.

The Good Samaritan Food Pantry provides food and personal care items. The pantry also supplies weekend food packages to students in local schools. During the holidays, a Thanksgiving meal is available as well. Clients can shop for food once every 30 days. Food allotments are based on family size and are approximately 5-7 days worth of food. Clients can pick up “anytime food” more than once a month if available from local food rescue.

GSFP partners with Adel Ministerial Alliance, local churches and businesses, civic organizations, Food Bank of Iowa and area residents to provide supplemental food for those with need. The Good Samaritan Food Pantry (GSFP) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.

African Immigrants & Refugees Transition services (AIRTS) is a non profit organization founded by and for immigrants and refugees from Africa living in Iowa. Since 2016 they have provided immigrants and refugees the resources they need to successfully settle in their new home/community.

Aging Resources of Central Iowa is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3), Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Their goal is to assist older adults in leading independent, dignified, meaningful, and active lives in their communities. Aging Resources staff advocate, coordinate and provide services through federal, state and private funding to persons 60 years of age and older and their caregivers. Aging Resources is a LifeLong Links (Iowa’s Aging and Disability Resource Center) local coordination center providing information referral and assistance to adults with disabilities.

The Area Agencies on Aging respond to the needs of persons aged 60 and over by assessing current needs, services, and programs available to older Iowans. Likewise, AAAs provide information and assistance services to that population and advocate on its behalf.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Innovative grief support services that promote hope and healing to individuals, children, and families. Ranging from dinner club gatherings for young adults, to opportunities to attend local events, Amanda the Panda engages participants in activities that promote socialization and help individuals, children, and families rebuild after the death of a loved one.

Amani Community Services offers free domestic violence and sexual violence services for African Americans.

This location hosts the UnityPoint Lactation Support Group. The support group is run by internationally board-certified lactation consultants. They can help with feeding positions and baby’s latch, answer pumping questions, and do weighted feeds so you know how much baby is eating.

The Ankeny Service Center (ASC) coordinates human services and referrals for the residents of Ankeny and northern Polk County. Ankeny Service Center exists to serve the underserved in our community by meeting immediate needs, as well as providing a path to success. Ankeny Service Center partners with local service organizations, businesses, and community members.

Food pantry open to residents of Atlantic in Cass County. Two weeks worth of food provided. Seniors permitted one visit per month, all others may visit up to six times per year. Exceptions may be granted in emergency situations. Proof of residence required.

Baby Boutique participants earn points through healthy behaviors (such as attending prenatal or well-child appointments, immunizations, participating in WIC). Points can be spent in the boutique on necessities such as diapers, wipes, car seats, and cribs. Baby Boutique also offers educational classes each month for families. Both mom and dad can participate for points. Topics presented are determined by the participants. Interpretation and child care are provided during the class and while the boutique is open. These classes give parents an opportunity to obtain education on topics decided by participants, share their experiences, listen to and learn from those who are both similar and different, assume responsibilities and leadership capacities, and participate in community activities. All of these things enable them to create and/or strengthen their informal support network.

Bidwell Pantry operates a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month.

Bidwell Pantry has additional daily food items available. Bidwell Pantry also provides clothing, and household items. All services are first come, first served.

Capitol Hill Lutheran Church is a religious organization that offers services and outreach to the surrounding community.

Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners serving eastern Polk County. A food pantry is available and can be used once per week.

Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) covers includes the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion and Story (does not include the cities of Knoxville or Pella).

Individuals entering a residential-based substance use treatment program need a safe place that will offer education, support, and encouragement to interrupt the cycle of addiction and develop the life skills necessary for productive, healthy lives. Community and Family Resources offers residential treatment opportunities and programming to help clients complete each step of the recovery process. Individualized treatment plans include group therapy, individual counseling, education, and recreation activities to help clients make the transition to a recovery-oriented lifestyle.

Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout Iowa. With offices across the state, CFI supports Iowans with services ranging from family support and childcare to career training, behavioral health, and much more.

The mission of CFUM is to create a community that supports the potential of children, youth, and families through educational success, healthy living, and community engagement.

Christ the King Free Clinic is a member of Free Clinics of Iowa
( www.freeclinicsofiowa.org). It offers free medical care to the community! Our free clinic was created using a network of dedicated, talented medical professionals, who volunteer their time to serve those who are unable to attain and maintain quality, affordable health care. Our hope is to provide essential minimal health assistance to children and families in need.

Clive Behavioral Health offers a broad range of treatment for individuals who struggle with a behavioral health disorder or co-occurring disorders. Our vision is to provide family-centered care that helps patients achieve a brighter future.

The new 100-bed facility spans more than 83,000 square-feet, with a one-story area for clinical and support services and a three-story unit for inpatient and outpatient services. We welcome our patients into a network of care by partnering with academic, regional and community-based entities.

Clive Community Services was approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation on December 9, 2014 and opened its doors in August 2016. It was founded by Linda Shanks, Chad Whitmore, and Stephanie Horak in response to a growing level of need in the Crestview School neighborhood.

Their location, within walking distance of Crestview School of Inquiry, is convenient for many in the neighborhood.

Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Free healthcare services for un and under insured Iowans.

Creative Visions Human Development Institute was founded in 1996 to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth in Des Moines. Creative Visions Human Development Institute provides programs and services which work to stabilize family units and empower communities. Creative Visions Human Development Institute is accredited with the Iowa Registry of Non-Profit Accountability having adopted the Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Excellence to govern its operations. This designation means that Creative Visions is recognized for its strict adheres to standards of transparency and accountability in its program governance.

Creative Visions has partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide a food pantry. The food pantry’s goal is to provide healthful and nutritious food to area families in need.

CROSS Outreach helps families “stay housed” by assisting with rent, deposits, and utility bills. Assistance is limited to once in a 12 month period. Assistance is not guaranteed but will be determined on an individual basis.

CROSS also assists with an array of basic needs including personal hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, bus tokens or passes, and vouchers for the laundromat. Assistance is limited to once in a three month period.

Crossroads Church hosts a Free Medical Clinic that provides basic healthcare services to anyone who needs them.

General Relief provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs. The program serves individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical disability.

Typically the program may only be used once per calendar year. If already used within the year, an individual can obtain a Notice of Decision declination letter from General Relief and a list of community resources which may be able to assist with the individual’s need.

The Dallas County Health Department serves the citizens of Dallas County and is governed by the Dallas County Board of Health. Our programs and services, implemented in collaboration with State, Federal and private partners, touch the lives of all Dallas County residents. We’re here to help, because your health matters!

The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA) provides Public Housing rental units for low-income qualified families and administers the Section 8 rental assistance program for Polk County.  These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing And Urban Development (HUD).

The Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program is a discount program for families to receive 50-75% off recreational activities offered through Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

The Youth Recreational Scholarship Program is for Des Moines Public School students who qualify for free/reduced fees based on their household income. They will receive discounts on youth sports and swim lessons.

The Des Moines Public Schools Welcome Center provides assistance for families new to the district who want to learn more about the many educational opportunities available

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is part of a national network of protection and advocacy systems established in the 1970s by the U.S. Congress to respond to repeated abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in large institutions. They are an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation funded through contributions, corporate and foundation funding, and grants from the Federal Government. They use federal funding to serve people with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and other disabilities. DRI advocates for the rights of Iowa citizens with disabilities regardless of the setting they live in.

DRI envisions a world in which individuals with disabilities and mental illness have equal access and opportunity to live, work, and learn in the most integrated settings. Each year, DRI allocates limited funding to designated areas of focus to capture the needs of as many Iowans with disabilities as possible. DRI looks to the community to provide insight into their needs and adjusts their Areas of Focus to reflect that.

This is a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month. Pantry open hours vary. Please visit dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations for the most up-to-date schedules.

Free medical clinic

Serves families with children from birth to age three through Early Head Start. Serves children ages 3-4 through the Head Start program. Early Head Start home visiting program offers families a weekly, 90-minute visit which provides families with education and strategies to enhance learning at home.

The Drake Legal Clinic allows students the chance to gain practical experience by working with actual clients. The clinic also serves the community by helping those who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.

The Easter seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program helps Iowans learn about and access the assistive technology (AT) they need as part of their daily lives to live, learn, work, play, and participate in community life safely and independently.

Camp options for people with and without disabilities where they can learn and grow

Clients Socially Integrated is a community-based day program for adults with disabilities focused on learning transferable skills that lead to independence in the community. This is achieved by spending the day out in the community, learning to navigate the public transportation system, relationship building, problem solving and deciding as a group what activities to do.