Additional Links:
Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral agencies are community based agencies that lend a helping hand to people who care for and about children.
2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free confidential access to health and human services information and referral. It is an easy to remember universal number for people to gain access to services without having to search them out on their own. Realizing people have a variety of means to seek out information, in addition to dialing 2-1-1, our database is available on this searchable website.
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) introduces a new Online Application for State of Iowa Services (OASIS). OASIS is for people applying for benefits administered by DHS, including:
- Food Assistance (formerly known as food stamps)
- Family Investment Program (limited time cash assistance for families with children)
- Medical Assistance (Medicaid, HAWK-I, other health insurance programs)
- Child Care Assistance (subsidized childcare for the working poor)
Iowa State University Extension builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC), is a supplemental nutrition program for babies, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women who have had a baby in the last six months. WIC helps families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other health care agencies.
Lead-Safe Homes
Metropolitan Partnership for Lead Safe Housing: http://www.metroleadsafe.org/The Metropolitan Partnership for Lead Safe Housing is a Public-Private partnership to provide financial assistance to repair lead-based paint hazards in homes in Polk and Dallas Counties. Lead-based paint is the primary source of lead poisoning of children in Iowa. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage in young children. Low interest loans, forgivable loans or grants are available.