Community Resources

Des Moines has a lot of resources designed to help its citizens enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. The following list is a good start.

Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center This community resource provides several programs, including a distribution center for food, clothing and household supplies. It also provides a comprehensive education and care program for children 24 months – 5 years. A bedding and household supplies program helps families secure clean sheets and blankets along with other household needs.
Metro Kids Care Metro Kids is a fee-based before and after school childcare program available in elementary schools on school days. All kindergarten through fifth-grade students are eligible. Program hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. On non-school days, all-day child-care services are available at regional sites. Financial assistance through the Department of Human Services may be available to those who qualify. Call 1-866-448-4605 to see if assistance is available.
Healthy and Well Kids Iowa (HAWK-I) Health care coverage for uninsured kids is more affordable than you think. You work hard to make ends meet. That’s why Iowa offers hawk-i health care coverage for uninsured children of working families. No family pays more than $40 a month. Some families even pay nothing at all.
Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa provides medical and social services for women, children and families, adults and seniors, and communities across Iowa. Services include home visits, family support, parent education, transportation, and much more.
2-1-1 of Central Iowa 2-1-1 provides free and confidential information and referral. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.
Salvation Army of Des Moines A long list of excellent services for the community.
Red Cross Serving Greater Iowa Through community partnerships, volunteers, and donors, the Red Cross is here to build community resilience and serve those in need after a disaster strikes or an emergency happens.
Orchard Place Orchard Place’s mission is to develop strong futures for children and youth with mental health and behavioral challenges.
NAMI of Greater Des Moines NAMI, the acronym for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a grass roots, self help, education, support and advocacyorganization dedicated to improving the lives of families who have relatives with a brain disorder (mental illness). This includes families and consumers diagnosed with a mental illness, relatives and friends, professionals, and all who share NAMI’s vision and mission.
Young Women’s Resource Center At the Young Women’s Resource Center we’ve created a place for young women to connect with friends, find support and enhance their self-esteem. So they can create a life full of possibilities and influence. Because we believe they deserve to chase their dreams.

If you do not see what you are looking for, or if you would like assistance accessing other resources, Please contact Ms. Tina.