“Committed individuals, local agencies, and volunteers make it possible for New Opportunities Inc. to provide high quality services to individuals and families throughout our seven county service area. The ultimate goal is to “change peoples lives” through responsive, supportive, progressive, and proactive hands-on case management and support services.”
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Location Information
Statewide
“Committed individuals, local agencies, and volunteers make it possible for New Opportunities Inc. to provide high quality services to individuals and families throughout our seven county service area. The ultimate goal is to “change peoples lives” through responsive, supportive, progressive, and proactive hands-on case management and support services.”
Eligibility:
Dependent on program/services, see site for contact information and eligibility.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Head Start
As the nation’s leading federally funded early learning program, Head Start serves children and families in every state. Head Start’s role in each state differs based on local systems and models. The purpose of Head Start programs is to promote the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 years. Most of these programs are based in centers. In other programs, children and families may receive services from educators and family service staff who regularly make home visits. Parent involvement is encouraged and support is offered for children with disabilities.
Services:
- Nutrition Services
- Preschool Education
- Health Services
- Mental health
- Connection with social services
- Parent involvement
- Family literacy
Eligibility:
Head Start is accessible at no cost to children ages 3 – 5 for low-income families. Families and children experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system are also eligible as well as children with disabilities and special needs. Specific eligibility requirements are determined by each Head Start site.
Intake Process:
Call for current application. Enrollment in Head Start begins in February for the next school year. Have the following information ready when applying:
- proof of family income (for 1 year)
- child’s birth verification
- record of recent physical exam for the child
- record of the child’s lead test,
- the child’s immunization card
- record of recent dental exam for the child.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Early Head Start
The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs promote children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development, support parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles, and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.
Services:
- Provide early, individualized child development and parent education services through home visits and group settings in the community as well as the Early Head Start Center.
- Provide early opportunities for infants and toddlers with and without disabilities to grow and develop together in nurturing and inclusive settings.
- Connect with other service providers to provide support through health, nutrition, and other services.
- Coordinate with local Head Start and other child development programs when the child is 3.
Eligibility:
Families with children ages birth to 3 years of age. Must meet income guidelines. Federal poverty guidelines are used.
Intake Process:
Call for current application. Enrollment in Early Head Start is ongoing. Have the following information ready when applying:
- proof of family income (for 1 year)
- child’s birth verification
- record of recent physical exam for the child
- record of the child’s lead test
- the child’s immunization card
- record of recent dental exam for the child.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: 1st Five
Iowa’s 1st Five – Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between medical providers and public service providers to enhance high quality well-child care. Medical providers make a referral to 1st Five and a developmental support specialist contacts the family to discuss the family’s concerns. 1st Five developmental support specialists provide resources and referrals to help meet the needs of the family.
Services:
- Child development referrals, such as speech or physical therapy
- Developmental screens
- Mental health or behavioral therapy referrals
- Child development information/education
- Community resource referrals/information
- Financial resources
- Connection to resources to meet individualized family needs or concerns
Eligibility:
Families with children ages birth to 5.
Intake Process:
Referrals are made through primary care providers. Please contact your child’s primary care provider if you are interested in 1st Five.
Payment:
No Cost to Participant
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The program also fixes certain health and safety problems in the client’s homes, maintains affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces utility cost, and reduces environmental pollution.
Services:
- Insulation in attics, walls, and foundations
- Furnace or venting repairs, and replacements
- Thermostat repairs
- Refrigerator or freezer replacement
- Water heater or venting repairs, and replacements
- Energy efficient lighting
- Other eligible repairs
Eligibility:
Households with an income at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. If the household is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Family Investment Program (FIP) Assistance, the household is eligible to receive Weatherization services, regardless of income.
Intake Process:
Applications are accepted year round at local community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP are automatically sent to the Weatherization program. Applications are prioritized based on need. Not every application for LIHEAP will receive services from the Weatherization program.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC is a federally funded public health nutrition program helping families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education, and referrals to other health care agencies.
Services:
- Supplemental food benefits for grocery stores and some farmer’s markets
- Nutrition counseling and education
- Breastfeeding education, promotion, breast pumps, and support
- Immunization screening and referrals
- Health and social service referrals
Eligibility:
WIC serves women, infants, and children that meet income based guidelines.
Intake Process:
Contact the local WIC office and schedule an appointment. Bring proof of address, proof of identity, and proof of income.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website