The Family Help Guide is designed to help you locate community resources and support services across central Iowa. The amount of information and resources available in our community can be overwhelming to access, we can help you navigate the search. This directory includes resources and information about the people and programs available in your area to support and empower you. |
Statewide
Phone 515-282-8550
The Central Iowa Office maintains lists of local AA meeting groups to provide connection to services for those looking to address their alcohol use.
- Answer enquiries about AA.
- Maintain information about local hospitals and recovery facilities for alcoholics.
- Local AA meeting lists.
- Newsletter about local AA events.
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Intake Process:
Contact the 24-hour helpline at 515-282-8550, or visit the website to find upcoming meetings.
Hours:
Meetings offered at various times throughout the week, at multiple locations in Central Iowa. Helpline answered 24/7.
Website: View Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am–7:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am—12:00 noon
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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.
- Perishable food items
- Non-perishable food items
Eligibility:
There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.
Intake Process:
There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.
Hours:
Can be accessed during library hours.
Website: View Website
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Hours:
2nd Tuesday of the month 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: View Website
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.
Eligibility:
Children (Kindergarten and above), teens, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. Childcare is available for younger children upon request.
Interpreters Available:
Interpretation available
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: View Website
Amani Community Services offers free domestic violence and sexual violence services for African Americans.
- Outreach
- Individual Counseling
- Advocacy
- Legal assistance
- Information & Referrals
Eligibility:
Any individual who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
After hours crisis calls: 888.983.2533
Payment:
No Cost to Participant
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: View Website
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 & personal care kits
- Available twice per month
- Transportation assistance available for medical and other necessary appointments
- Volunteer based program with drivers using their own vehicles
- Holiday Assistance Program
- Durable Medical Equipment rental (free)
- Community resource connection
- Lawn care/snow removal
- Minor home repairs
Eligibility:
Residents of Ankeny. Other eligibility requirements may apply for each service.
Intake Process:
Contact Ankeny Service Center to determine availability of each service.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: View Website
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Hours:
1st & 2nd Monday of the month 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
4th Tuesday of the month 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: View Website
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.
- Food pantry
Eligibility:
Residents of Atlantic, Iowa.
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.
Hours:
Thursdays 12:30 – 3:00 pm or until all available food is distributed.