The Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services manages and provides a variety of direct and purchased services for families and individuals in all age groups.
The Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services manages and provides a variety of direct and purchased services for families and individuals in all age groups.
Services:
- River Place Food Pantry
- Crisis and Advocacy Services
- General Assistance
- Family Enrichment Center
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: DMARC Food Pantry
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. DMARC also operates a mobile food pantry at sites across the Des Moines metro. Pantry open hours vary. Please visit dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations for the most up-to-date schedules.
Services:
- A 3-to-4-day supply of food
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Intake Process:
Provide a photo ID for the head of household and other identification for every member of the family. Some pantries may request a current piece of mail which includes your name and primary address.
The DMARC Food Pantry Network offers a food pantry delivery service in the Greater Des Moines area. If a person is unable to obtain food by either visiting a food pantry location or by using a proxy to pick up food for them, they may call to request a delivery. DMARC asks that only those with health, transportation, or other mitigating circumstances use this service. Call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll-free to request a delivery between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Requests for delivery are taken on a first-come first-serve basis. Food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with a no-contact drop-off the following business day between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Crisis & Advocacy Services
Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services (PCCAS) is a division of the Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services that provides assistance to victims of crime in Polk County regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disabilities.
PCCAS provides a continuum of proactive services and advocacy to victims/survivors of violent crime. They promote a safe and caring community through public education and collaboration.
All services are free, voluntary, and confidential.
Services:
Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services
Provides crisis intervention and on-going supportive services to victims regardless of law enforcement involvement or length of time since the assault or abuse.
- 24 hour crisis response services
- Connection to Crime Victim Compensation Program
- Advocacy with the judicial and law enforcement agencies
- Public education
- Support groups and age appropriate education in the school system
- Victim impact panels
- Community debriefings
- Counseling sessions
- Support groups
- Referrals to appropriate community services
The Violent Crime Team
Provides counseling and support services for victims of personal violent crimes that involves a respectful and caring response to survivors of loved ones that have been murdered. Counselors are available to help families, friends and loved ones begin to cope with their loss and with the many demands placed upon them.
- Assault
- Burglary
- Fraud/Forgery
- Hate Crime
- Property Crime
- Robbery
- Homicide Crisis Response
Intake Process:
Call 515.286.3600 for more information.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (after hours answering service)
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Family Enrichment Center
For families who receive FIP (Family Investment Program) and participate in PROMISE JOBS, the state also provides the option of joining the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency program (FaDSS). The Polk County Family Enrichment Center (FEC) provides FaDSS services for Polk County.
This voluntary program provides services which aim to promote, empower, and nurture families towards economic and emotional self-sufficiency. The foundation of
FaDSS is regular home visits with families, using a strength-based approach. Core services include support, goal setting, and assessment. These case managers meet with and track each family as they progress through the case lifecycle.
Services:
The Family Enrichment Center can help participants with:
- Home visits
- Goal setting
- Advocacy
- Life Skills
- Family training and counseling
- Family assessment
- Referral services
On-Site Resources
- Clothing Closet
- Perk Pantry
- Food Pantry
- Laundry Facilities
- Employment Resources
Eligibility:
Polk County residents who are FIP recipients and who participate in the PROMISE JOBS program.
Intake Process:
Contact 515.286.3406 to find out more information or to request a referral.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: General Assistance
General Assistance 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 Assistance and a list of community resources which may be able to assist with the individual’s need.
Services:
Services provided by General Assistance vary by county.
Services for Basic Needs
- Food
- Rent assistance
- Utility payments
- Household and Personal Items
Services for Special Needs
- Funeral Services
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Property Tax Assistance
- Health Supplies
Eligibility:
Must be a resident of Polk county and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply.
If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.286.3670.
Intake Process:
Must present a valid picture ID, social security card, and verification of all household income and expenses in the last 30 days.
Call 515.286.2088 or see website for more information. An application is available on the website.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website