Resource Directory

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. 

Note: Distances are approximate.

Displaying locations 76 - 150 of 200

The Well Covenant Church operates a food pantry.

  • Food Pantry
  • Clothing Closet

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.

Hours:

2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) offers food and medical assistance to those struggling to make ends meet. Supported by area churches, businesses and community organizations, WACS includes a food pantry, free medical clinic, clothing closet, community garden, and seasonal programs.

 

  • Clothing Closet
  • Food Pantry
  • Anytime Food Room
  • Fruitful Vine Community Garden
  • Health Clinic

Intake Process:

Waukee Area Christian Services is located in the Northwest Entrance of Westview Church.

Hours:

Food Pantry hours: Monday 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Free Medical Clinic hours: Mondays 5:30 – 7:00 pm walk in or by appointment.

Fruitful Vine Garden: Mondays 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 9:00 – 11:00

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Food Bank of Iowa Mobile Pantry Program is designed to provide a flexible food assistance resource in locations that don’t have access to traditional resources. At each mobile pantry distribution, a Food Bank of Iowa truck delivers a customized load of food—produce, meat, bread and non-perishable items are common—to the prearranged mobile pantry site. Local volunteers set up a distribution system that looks much like a farmers market, distributing food to families and individuals in need throughout the scheduled time.

Food Book of Iowa partners with school districts across the state to provide food pantries in area schools. Information about which schools have Food Bank of Iowa pantries is available on the Food Bank of Iowa website.

  • Mobile food pantries
  • School food pantries

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Visit the Food Bank of Iowa’s webpage to determine upcoming mobile pantry distributions, or to locate local school pantries.

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1517
Des Moines, IA 50305

Website: Visit Website


The Food Bank of Iowa Mobile Pantry Program is designed to provide a flexible food assistance resource in locations that don’t have access to traditional resources. At each mobile pantry distribution, a Food Bank of Iowa truck delivers a customized load of food—produce, meat, bread and non-perishable items are common—to the prearranged mobile pantry site. Local volunteers set up a distribution system that looks much like a farmers market, distributing food to families and individuals in need throughout the scheduled time.

Food Book of Iowa partners with school districts across the state to provide food pantries in area schools. Information about which schools have Food Bank of Iowa pantries is available on the Food Bank of Iowa website.

  • Mobile food pantries
  • School food pantries

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Visit the Food Bank of Iowa’s webpage to determine upcoming mobile pantry distributions, or to locate local school pantries.

Website: Visit Website


The Friendship Center has been in existence since 1982 and has been a fixture in the MLK neighborhood of Des Moines, for more than 20 years. The Friendship Center begun through the ministry of the Baptist Convention of Iowa, the center now exists as a nonprofit organization. The Friendship Center offer several services that meet family and individuals’ physical needs in the community.

The Friendship Center offers a food pantry & clothing closet during their monthly Family Game Nights.  Anyone is welcome to participate. The Friendship Center also offers a supplemental Food program to neighbors in the immediate area.  Baby supplies and personal care items may be available as well. English as a Second Language classes are offered with childcare.

  • Food pantry
  • Clothing closet
  • Family game night
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Intake Process:

ESL classes offered Mondays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

Food pantry and clothing closet are available during Friendship Center’s Family Game Nights.  Upcoming Family Game Nights are posted on the Friendship Center’s website.

Hours:

Family Game Nights are currently held on the last Saturday of the month from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Check website to confirm schedule.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Since being established in Des Moines in 1924, the main focus of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) work is to assist those living in poverty in becoming self-sufficient by helping to remove roadblocks as we walk with them on their journey out of poverty. The Des Moines Council operates two thrift stores, two social services departments, an education center, and a child watch center.

  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Adult Education
  • Food Pantries
  • Iowa DOT Written Test Location

Eligibility:

St. Vincent de Paul’s accepts refrigerators, in good working condition, but not other major appliances. Donations of furniture, clothing, household, and other miscellaneous items, as well as food/bread donations, can be made at any of their three locations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Pick up of donations are done by zip codes on the following days:

  • Monday: 50111, 50325, 50324, 50323, 50322
  • Tuesday: 50312, 50311, 50310, and 50309
  • Wednesday: 50035, 50327, 50317, 50316, 50314, 50313, 50021, 50023, 50131 and 50009
  • Thursday: 50266, 50265 and 50263
  • Friday: 50321, 50320, 50315, 50211, 50125 and 50047 (every other Friday)

No pickups are made on Saturdays or holidays.

Items unable that cannot be accepted: computers, printers, entertainment centers, exercise equipment, medical equipment, televisions that are older than five years old, pianos, organs, water beds, metal desks, car seats, strollers, baby furniture, furniture that is torn, stained or in need of repair, and home improvement item.

Intake Process:

In order to make an appointment please contact Social Services staff. Appointments can be scheduled for the current day in the thrift store, or for the following day over the phone.

Bring social security cards for every member of the household, a photo ID for the head of the household.

1426 6th Avenue: 515-282-8327 Ext. 140

Hours:

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Donation Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Food pantry by appointment only.

Mailing Address:

1426 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

  • Utility Assistance
  • Short-Term Homelessness Prevention Program
  • RAYS
  • Knoxville Recreation Pass
  • Food Cards (limited availability)
  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Intake Process:

Located in Knoxville Library

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

  • Utility Assistance
  • Personal Hygiene Pantry
  • Food Cards
  • Norwalk NICE Water Assistance
  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
  • RAYS
  • Indianola Key Cards
  • Long-Term Homelessness Prevention Program
  • Short-Term Homelessness Prevention Program

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am – 4:30 pm *closed 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Case Management Services
  • Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness Program
  • Family Caregiver Support Program
  • Information & Assistance
  • Nutrition Program

Eligibility:

Aging Resources of Central Iowa serves residents of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story, and Warren counties who are:

  • Adults 60 years old and older
  • Adults – 18+ years of age and older with a disability
  • Family Caregivers
  • Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

87

Statewide

Phone 877-428-8844


Iowa Housing Search is a free online database for locating rental housing in the state of Iowa. Property providers can list apartments or homes for rent at any time, which means the list is constantly updated.

  • Housing search database
  • Website available in English or Spanish

Eligibility:

Open to anyone searching for housing in Iowa.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Website: Visit Website


Iowa Mortgage Help (IMH) provides a state-wide referral hotline, foreclosure intervention and negotiation and mediation services with loan servicers and lenders. Additionally, IMH is able to provide free legal services to Iowans who participate in our process, through a partnership with Iowa Legal Aid. Hotline operators at Iowa Mortgage Help will gather basic data and will refer callers’ cases to one of the local counseling agencies that are part of IMH. The certified counselors will then gather more in-depth financial information and will determine the appropriate level of counseling.

Iowa Mortgage Help is supported by Iowa Legal Aid, Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and Iowa Finance Authority.

  • Statewide referral hotline

Intake Process:

Call the Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline at 877.622.4866 or complete the form found on the website for a certified counselor to contact you.

During your initial call, the counselor will ask you a series of questions about your current situation. When you call, have the following ready:

  • a list of your major monthly bills
  • most recent pay stubs
  • other documents that indicate income you receive on a regular basis
  • mortgage payment statement and mortgage loan number

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Website: Visit Website


Since 1985, Urban Dreams has been providing Des Moines’ inner city with a wide range of human service programs in a comfortable and non-threatening environment. Just as the problems that plague the inner city continue to evolve, Urban Dreams continues to change to meet them. Urban Dreams offers programs that are in tune to the unique issues affecting Polk County’s economically depressed areas.

  • Community refrigerator & food shelves
    • Availability of food items, personal hygiene items, and baby supplies changes daily and is often updated on their Facebook page
  • Outpatient substance abuse treatment and OWI treatment
  • Workforce Development
  • Community connectivity events
  • Mental health treatment and services in partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center
  • Information and referral- free internet and phone services available
  • Social mediation and consultation
  • Voter education

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Granger Public Library offers a community refrigerator inside the library. 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.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Madison County General Assistance provides assistance to Madison County residents who meet county eligibility guidelines. General Assistance follows the guidelines set forth in the county ordinance established by the Madison County Board of Supervisors. 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.

  • Rental assistance
  • Utility assistance
  • Medical
    • Dental
    • Prescription assistance
  • Transportation (employment purposes only)
  • Funeral assistance (cremation only)

Eligibility:

Residents of Madison County. Must be a legal resident of the county  and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.462.4680.

Intake Process:

Must present a valid picture ID, social security card, and verification of all household income and expenses in the last 30 days.

Application with all eligibility requirements available on website.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Rental assistance
  • Utility assistance (must have a disconnect notice and made payments)
  • Medical, dental, and prescription assistance

Eligibility:

Serves residents of Warren County. Must be a legal resident of the county and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply. See website for details.

If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.961.1045

Intake Process:

Appointments recommended. Application and list of requirements located on website.
Please provide the following for everyone in the household:

  • A completed application
  • Income Verification (i.e. pay check stubs for the last 30 days, employers written statement, Social security Administration statements (SSI, SSA, SSDI), Child Support, Foster Care Income, FIP, Veterans Benefits, etc.)
    • If you cannot work, a current doctor’s statement
    • If you have no income in past 30 days, a White Sheet from Iowa Workforce Development
  • 30-days of bank account transactions or other means of showing how money has been spent over the previous 30-days
  • For Rental Assistance: A copy of your lease agreement, completed landlord verification form
  • For Utility Assistance: Copy of utility bill and disconnect notice

 

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am –  4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Emergency food assistance
  • Shelter
  • Utilities
  • Medical Services
  • Burial

Eligibility:

Must be a resident of Dallas county and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.993.5809.

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 515.993.1731 or see website for more information. An application is available on the website.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • 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

Website: Visit Website


Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families helps families and individuals improve their financial position and connects them with their work and career goals.

The Center is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). The partnership is providing solutions to three crucial needs identified by local residents: workforce training, employment opportunities and grocery and retail services.​

  • Job Development
    • One-on-one career coaching
    • Career fairs
    • Mock interviews
    • Resume assistance
  • Men on the Move (clothing closet)
  • Polk County Financial Empowerment Center
  • Digital Skills Course
  • Parenting Classes

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


West Des Moines Human Services has been assisting low-income, older seniors and disabled residents since 1979. They currently provide assistance to more than 1,600 households in West Des Moines and surrounding western suburbs.

  • Food & Personal Care Pantry
    • Dog & cat food sometimes available
    • DMARC Pantry & Anytime food
  • Clothing Closet
  • Medical Clinic
  • Energy Assistance & Weatherization
  • Holiday Assistance
  • School Supplies
  • Winter Coats
  • Youth Rec Assistance & Pool Passes
  • Birthday Heroes
  • Homeless Prevention & Assistance
    • Rent/Mortgage
    • Utility Disconnections

Eligibility:

Eligibility varies by program. Residency and income requirements apply. Clothing closet available for income-eligible residents of West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Windsor Heights. DMARC Food pantry & Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic open to anyone regardless of residency boundaries.

Intake Process:

Bring the following information to apply:

  • Proof of address (current piece of date-stamped mail or a lease)
  • Proof of gross income for past 30 days
  • Photo id for head of household
  • Identification for all household members (e.g., photo id, health insurance card, school id, or other valid form of identification)

Individuals may also register online by completing an intake form on the website.

Hours:

Food & Personal Care Pantry Hours: Monday & Thursday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm; Tuesday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm & 4:30 – 6:30 pm; Wednesday & Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 noon; 1st Saturday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 am

Clothing Closet Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 noon; Tuesday 4:30 – 6:00 pm; 1st Saturday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 am

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • DMARC Food Pantry
  • Anytime Food Room
    • Stocked by donation, selection varies
    • No ID needed to visit Anytime Room
  • Clothing Closet
  • Free Medical Clinic

Eligibility:

Services are available to anyone.

Hours:

Pantry & Clothing Closet Hours: Monday 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Free Clinic Hours: Monday (registration from) 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Johnston Partnership serves families and individuals in Johnston who are at-risk due to financial insecurity.  They do this by creating programs to address specific needs in community. The Partnership also serves as a catalyst for uniting local organizations and individuals to provide services that are not currently available through other resources.

  • Benevolence Fund
    • Rent assistance
    • Utility assistance
    • Emergency financial needs
  • DMARC Food Pantry
    • Bakery items & some fresh foods available daily (No ID required)
    • Clothing Closet
    • Personal Care pantry
      • hygiene products
      • cleaning supplies
      • diapers & wipes
  • Back to School Health & Resource Clinic

Eligibility:

The Benevolence Fund is open to individuals and families who reside within the Johnston School District boundaries. Funding is limited.

The food pantry and clothing closet are open to Polk County residents.

Intake Process:

To receive services from Johnston Partnership provide:

  • Form of identification for everyone in the family seeking assistance (picture ID, school ID, health insurance card, court document, or any identification issued by any state, US government, or other foreign country)

To apply for the Benevolence Fund, complete and application and interview with Johnston Partnership Place.

Hours:

Tuesday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Thursday & Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Mailing Address:

PO Box 975
Johnston, IA 50131

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The mission of Child Care Resource & Referral of Iowa (CCR&R) is to actively respond to community needs for affordable and accessible quality child care by providing resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, child care providers, and employers. CCR&R is a program to support quality child care throughout the State of Iowa. CCR&R is available to assist families in selecting child care providers who best meet the needs of a child and their family. Child Care Consultants provide on-site consultation to licensed preschools, centers, non-registered home providers, and Child Development Home providers. Child Care Resource & Referral is available statewide, with locations across the state of Iowa. Individuals may contact the statewide line to connect to local resources.

CCR&R gives referrals instead of recommendations because CCR&R encourages parents to take the time to research child care programs and providers and make the decision that they feel will be best for their family. Referrals provided for:

  • Licensed Child Care Centers
  • Licensed Preschools
  • Registered Child Development Homes
  • Nonregistered Child Care Homes
  • Department of Education Programs

Parent education guides to choosing child care also available on CCR&R website.

Eligibility:

Anyone seeking child care providers.

Intake Process:

Call 855-244-5301 Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, or visit www.iowaccrr.org for referrals and resources.

Texting available by texting “IAchildcare” to 59925.

Hours:

Contact the parent referral line at: 855-244-5301
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
Or email Parent Referral team: childcare@caeiowa.org

Website: Visit Website


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.

 

  • Homelessness Prevention
    • Rental assistance
    • Deposit assistance
    • Utility assistance
  • Basic Needs
    • Gift cards for personal hygiene items & food
      • For households with children
    • Laundromat vouchers
    • Storage costs for households in transition from homelessness

Eligibility:

Polk County residents who have not received financial assistance from CROSS in the past 12 months. To determine eligibility for assistance call 515-279-9998.

Intake Process:

Individuals seeking financial assistance will need to call 515.279.9998 to hear the most current information on seeking assistance.

Those who are applying for assistance will be asked to email crossoutreachhelp@gmail.com with the following information:

Rent or Security Deposit Assistance:

  • Photo ID for head of household and social security card for each member of household.
  • Your first and last name and phone number must be in the subject line of the email.
  • In the message please state what bill you are trying to pay.

Electric or Water Assistance:

  • Utility Bill. (Utility must be in the name of a resident of the household.)
  • Photo ID for head of household and social security card for each member of household.
  • Your first and last name and phone number must be in the subject line of the email.

CROSS will respond to emails in the order they arrive and as time and funding permits. All applicants will have a phone interview as part of the application process.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Mailing Address:

PO Box 12121
Des Moines, IA 50312

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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

  • Clothing closet
    • Adult & children sizes
    • Toys & books for children
    • Small housewares (dishes, pots, pans, tableware)
    • Home decor
    • Hygiene items

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Hours:

Tuesdays 1:30 – 3:30 pm

*closed on Holidays & days adjacent to holidays

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit 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: Visit Website

103

Statewide

Phone 515-421-4021


Can Play provides access to sports and recreation programming for thousands of underserved youth in central Iowa with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers to play.

  • Courage Programs
    • Adaptive sports & fitness, and social programs
    • Kids, teens, and adults with special needs or disability
  • Opportunity Programs
    • No-cost athletic & youth development

Eligibility:

Eligibility requirements vary by program. Contact Can Play to determine which program fits your needs.

Locations available in Ames, Carroll, Des Moines metro, Quad Cities, and Iowa City.

Intake Process:

View programs on Can Play’s website or contact them to learn more.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit 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.

  • Aquatics & cycling
  • Adventure fitness
  • Nutrition Classes
  • Mind & Spirit Wellness
  • Medication & music therapy
  • Art therapy & book club
  • Cancer education series & support groups
  • Sound healing & Reiki
  • And more

Intake Process:

For more information, call 515-669-9879. Medical referrals can be faxed to 515-635-1286.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP) is Iowa’s Foster Care Youth Council that meets in Councils throughout the state. AMP seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among Iowa’s foster youth ages 13-22. Together, they provide opportunities to build life and leadership skills while advocating for positive change to Iowa’s child welfare system.

Summarized by the motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” AMP is a youth engagement program.  AMP involves young people as advocates for themselves and as a voice for system-level improvements in child welfare laws, policies and practices. When supported through productive partnerships with adults, youth can be authoritative advocates for making foster care more responsive and effective.

  • Camps, conferences, and activities
  • Legislative advocacy
  • Grants

Eligibility:

Iowa children and youth in foster placement or kinship placement. Eligibility varies by program and grant.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Parenting tools
  • Citizenship classes
    • Interpretation offered
  • Driving lessons
  • Resource and referral
    • Help with filling out applications
  • Interpretation and translation services

Eligibility:

Open to any African immigrant or refugee.

Intake Process:

Call for more information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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).

  • Low-income housing units

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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).

  • Income based housing units
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
  • Family Self Sufficiency Program
  • Emergency Housing Vouchers
  • Home Ownership Program

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


WCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in Warren County via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, WCHA pays a portion of eligible families’ rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in Warren County throughout the cities of Indianola, New Virginia, Milo, St. Marys, Cumming, Hartford, Lacona, Martensdale, Ackworth, Spring Hill & Sandyville. Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, WCHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet HUD’s income guidelines, which are found on the application. Priority is given to veterans, and current Warren County residents.

Intake Process:

Application available on WCHS website, along with a list of all other required documents. Applications and documents can be returned via drop box, located outside the WCHS office or mailed to the office.

Eligible applicants will be assigned to the waiting list according to the date & time application is received and will be moved to the preference section of the waiting list once preference is approved. Preference will be ranked in the following order:

  • Veteran Preference

  • Warren County Preference

  • All Other Applicants

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 noon; 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website

110

Statewide


AffordableHousing.com, formerly GoSection8.com, is a free website to search for rentals, including those who accept Section 8. The site it nationwide, and searches are completed by zip code or city.

  • Housing search website

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Search by zip code or city/state on AffordableHousing.com.

Website: Visit Website

111

Statewide

Phone 1-800-784-8669


Quitline Iowa is a free telephone service for Iowa residents trying to become tobacco free. Members receive special tools, research-based information, and a community of other individuals trying to become tobacco free. Services are individualized to meet specific needs of each person.

The quitline provides three different quit programs, designed to meet your style of communication, and the support you’re seeking as you quit tobacco. All quit programs will help you deal with the emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects that make quitting so hard.

  • Phone + Online
    Coaching over the phone, plus email, text, chat, web-based materials, and quit progress tracking through our website.
  • Phone Only
    Coaching over the phone, plus materials, quit planning, and quit progress tracking.
  • Online Only
    Materials, quit planning, and quit progress tracking through our website.
  • Tobacco cessation resources
  • Coaching
  • Tobacco cessation community

Eligibility:

You must be an Iowa resident to participate in the program. To qualify for nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, you must be 18 years of age or older. It may also be helpful to discuss quitting tobacco with your medical provider.

Intake Process:

Enrollment takes place on the Quitline Iowa website or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Afghan Legal League (ALL) Iowa is a collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Law’s Legal Clinic and Center for Human Rights, Drake Refugee Clinic, and Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice to provide and facilitate immigration legal services to Afghans in Iowa. The ALL Iowa Project is funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services.

  • Information about legal services & legal service providers for Afghan individuals
  • Information about social service programs for Afghan individuals

Eligibility:

Anyone can utilize the site to find resources for Afghan individuals and families.

Website: Visit Website


The Ames Area 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 515-232-8642, or visit the website to find upcoming meetings.

Hours:

Meetings offered at various times throughout the week, at multiple locations surrounding Ames. Helpline answered 24/7.

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Residential Treatment
  • Intensive Outpatient Program with Room
  • Halfway House

Eligibility:

Individuals over the age of 18.

Intake Process:

Contact Community & Family Resources to discuss programing options.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


  • Prevention & Education Services
    • Youth Services
    • Gambling
    • Drug Education Awareness Program (DEAP)
  • Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Services
    • Evaluation & Assessment
    • Intensive Outpatient and Extended Outpatient Program
  • Continuing Care
  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Problem Gambling Services

Hours:

Same-Day Access Substance Use Evaluations:

Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

119

Statewide


Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; they are self-supporting through our own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Their primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.

The Gamblers Anonymous website offers information about virtual, phone, and in person meetings.

  • Closed meetings – only those with a gambling problem, or those who think they may have a problem, with a desire to stop gambling, are eligible to attend and participate
  • Open meetings –  family & friends of he gambler are welcome to attend and observe the meeting

Eligibility:

Open to anyone who wants support for problem gambling.

Intake Process:

Visit the website for meeting times.


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.

  • Adult Services:
    • Inpatient
    • Intensive Outpatient
    • Partial Hospitalization
    • Mind, Body, & Skills Group
  • Child & Adolescent Services:
    • Inpatient
    • Intensive Outpatient

Intake Process:

Call to schedule an assessment or receive more information. You may also walk in anytime to the Clive location. In the case of a medical emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Hours:

Open 24-hours a day 7 days a week.

Website: Visit Website


6th floor of the Insurance Exchange Building in downtown Des Moines

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Counseling Services
  • Substance Abuse Services
  • Workplace Wellness
  • Psychological Testing
  • Prevention Services

Intake Process:

For counseling, call the intake specialist at 515-471-2357.

For Substance Abuse Services contact 515-243-4200.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Payment:

Costs of services vary. Contact EFR to determine which insurance providers are accepted. Sliding fee scale available for self-pay.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Counseling Services
  • Substance Abuse Services
  • Workplace Wellness
  • Psychological Testing
  • Prevention Services

Intake Process:

For counseling, call the intake specialist at 515-471-2357.

For Substance Abuse Services contact 515-243-4200.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Payment:

Costs of services vary. Contact EFR to determine which insurance providers are accepted. Sliding fee scale available for self-pay.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Everyone needs help sometimes. If you or a loved one are facing a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health or suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone. That is why the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services has created YourLifeIowa.org so Iowans can chat live, text, or call and get reliable information and treatment options, and find nearby help. Your Life Iowa is your everyday life support.

  • Educational resources about alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicide, mental health, vaping & E-cigarettes
  • Online risk assessment screening tools
  • Calendar of events and training
  • Statewide crisis line open 24 hours a day
  • Interactive resource map

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

To speak with someone on the crisis line call: (855) 581-8111 or text: (855) 895-8398. You can also visit www.YourLifeIowa.org to view resources, complete screenings, and search the interactive map.

Hours:

Crisis line calling and texting, as well as online resources available 24 hours a day.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


With Care for Yourself, many women are eligible for free or low-cost breast cancer screenings (clinical breast exams and mammograms), and cervical cancer screenings (Pap testing and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing). Care for Yourself program participants receive local patient navigation services. Coordinators help individuals walk through the breast and/or cervical screening process.

  • Breast cancer screening
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Educational information about breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings on website
  • Connection to WISEWOMAN cardiovascular screening program for eligible participants.

Eligibility:

Iowans between the ages of 21 and 64 years of age who meet income requirements. Care for Yourself can also make recommendations for individuals that are not eligible to participate in the program.

Intake Process:

Call the Care for Yourself coordinators at 866-339-7909.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Website: Visit Website