Community and Family Division

The Polk County Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides supplemental foods and nutrition education in order to promote good health for women, infants, children, and seniors at no cost.

The program is provided through the Polk County Department of Community, Family, and Youth Services and the United States Department of Agriculture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Polk County Financial Empowerment Center offers free individualized 1 on 1 coaching sessions to help people reach financial freedom. They also offer free coaching for small businesses and non-profits.

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.