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Assistance

Disclaimer: This information was provided by agencies in the community. It may not be all-encompassing and some information changes often. For Jasper County offices and contact information, browse our county directory.

Updates: If you have an addition or edit to our Resource Guide, please contact us at jaspercocares@jasperia.org.

2-1-1 Resources and Referral Hotline (211)

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember three-digit phone number that provides information for basic health, human services, or community resources and is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Dial 211.

211
Other Categories: Hotlines

988 Lifeline Available 24/7

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress in the U.S.
  • 24/7/365 via text, call, and chat services. No judgment, just help 

Search terms or Keywords: 988, need to talk, emergency, suicide hotline, crisis, crisis line, help, emotion, distress, problems, hotline, suicide prevention

988

AEA Heartland Area Education Agency - Newton Office

Works in partnership with public & accredited private schools to provide educational services, programs & resources for improving student achievement & building cultural competence. serve children from birth to age 21, families, educators, & communities.

Additional phone number: 800-670-5740
Fax: 641-792-4518

600 N. 2nd Ave. W., Suite 259
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-4870

Capstone Behavioral Healthcare (Mental Health and Substance Outpatient, Housing, Justice Involved)

  • Designated Mental Health Center for Jasper and Poweshiek Counties.

  • Services: diagnosis and treatment through psychotherapy interventions.
    • mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric, including medication management
  • Substance abuse/misuse, addiction, groups, assessments, and chemical dependency counseling
  • Community Support: Supported Community Living and Independent Living (Housing), Connections Peer Support, Justice Involved Services, and Representative Payee Services.
  • Serves EVERYONE; ALL ages and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and insurance. In office and telehealth. 
  • Extensive experience: children, adults, couples, and family services. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay. 
  • Psychological Testing: ADHD, ID Waiver, Bariatric, Dementia, and MMPI 
  • Children Focused Therapy: Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
  • Programs: mandated drinking driver educational program course. ( Other keywords: OWI. driver's license, court-ordered class)
  • 24/7 Crisis Line: (800)332-4224
  • Mission: To promote mental health and reduce the impairments associated with mental health disorders, substance abuse, and chemical dependency by providing education, support, and treatment services.
  • Motto: Let us be part of the solution!
  • For Employees: National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site. Scholarships and loan repayment programs. 
  • The therapy dog is in training; contact Maddie Ellis. madisone@capstonebh.org
  • Emergency appointments are available. 
  • Housing options are available for those who qualify, if receiving services. Schedule an appointment today. 
  • If someone is struggling with anything in Jasper County, Capstone will serve as a contact for the resource guide.
  • Also see Connection Center. 
  • Donations accepted.
1123 1st Ave. E., Suite 200
Newton, IA 50208
641-791-4012
see website

Diability Access Point DAP New 7.1.2025 Behavioral Health & Disability Services

 

Polk County
Des Moines, IA
515-286-3570

IMPACT Community Action Partnership

IMPACT Community Action Partnership reduces the barriers and burdens that families in poverty experience by increasing access to essential needs. Assistance may be available for food and personal hygiene, utilities (heat, water, and cooling), housing (rent, deposit, and mortgage), and emergency needs.
All services are available in the office, over the phone, and by a scheduled home visit. Several programs can also be accessed via online application, email, or postal mail. See our website or contact our team by phone or email to learn more. 

Offers assistance with emergency applications, such as those related to flood or weather damage events. 

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Housing: HOME ARP funds - allow eligible individuals with housing start-up costs (application fees, deposit, rent, and utility arrears).  This program is for those who have been recently released from incarceration in the last year.

HOME CHAMP program -  a housing assistance initiative in Iowa, a collaboration between IMPACT Community Action Partnership and Wellpoint. It provides case management and direct financial assistance for housing costs to eligible Wellpoint members in Iowa. 

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Food Cards: IMPACT Resource Centers located in counties where we do not have a food pantry (Jasper, Marion, and Warren) offer limited access to food cards for local grocery stores. Please call 515-518-4770 to check on the availability of the cards.

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RAYS Scholarship: for eligible low-income students to participate in sports, band, dance, etc.

AIR CONDITIONER/FAN PROGRAM | IMPACT COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER or (ECAP) Emergency Cooling Program: Applications accepted June 1 - September 30 or until all units have been expended. Must meet income guidelines for the LIHEAP program, must provide a statement from a physician indicating medical need and must take Energy Wise class within 3 business days of application. Renters, allowed window unit only, will need a signed landlord approval statement. If the client rents and the landlord provides central air or a window unit it is the responsibility of the landlord to repair or replace. If the client rents and must provide their own window air conditioner they may be eligible. Household cannot have received an air conditioner from Impact in the previous seven years.
Home Visit Available, Newton, IA, 50208 

(515) 518-4770

From 211.

3226 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-518-4770

Jasper County General Assistance

Jasper County General Assistance

General Assistance is a county-funded program that can help eligible low-income residents of Jasper County with one-time emergency assistance for partial rent payment (eviction notice required), utility bill (disconnect notice required), one month of certain medications, and cremation assistance for indigent residents.

 

315 W. 3rd St. N. Suite 200
Newton, IA 50208
641-791-2609
Apointments, 8-4:30, M-F

Your Life Iowa

  • Crisis line and resources. 

  • Live chat is available.

  • Your Life Iowa also has a hotline and treatment search function. Use their facility locator.

  • When you don’t know who to turn to about a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health, Your Life Iowa is here for you 24/7. We provide free, confidential support and connect you to resources meant to help you get your life back on track.

855-581-8111

Behavioral Health System Navigation over the telephone

Iowa PCA (Iowa Primary Care Association) Behavioral Health Service System

Iowa PCA (Iowa Primary Care Association): Behavioral Health System Navigators

After Hours: 988 or Your Life Iowa

Keywords: crisis, mental health, support, psych beds, DAP partner, warm hand-offs, navigation, beds, mental hospital, psychiatric care, community-based crisis care

500 SW 7th Street, Suite 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-505-8988
8-4:30 PM, after hours call Your Life Iowa or 988

Blessing Boxes in Newton, Colfax, Baxter, Prairie City: food

Blessing Boxes (Boy Scouts) in Newton: food for those in need. 

  • Connections, Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, 306 N Third Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • First Baptist Youth Blessings Box, 620 S Eighth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Christian Reformed Church, 511 S Fifth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • First Christian Church, 314 E 2nd St N, Newton, IA 50208
  • The Least of Saints Church, 1305 E 10th St S., Newton, IA 50208
  • Parking lot across from Salvation Army

Blessing Boxes: Colfax

  • Howard Street Christian Church, 101 N Locust St, Colfax, IA 50054

Blessing Box: Baxter

  • Baxter Church of The Way, 102 East Watson, Baxter, IA 50028

Blessing Box: Prairie City

  • Prairie City First Reform Church, 300 E 5th St, Prairie City, IA 50228

 

If the above information has changed, please email jaspercocares@jasperia.org and we will correct it. 

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Key search words: food, hungry, homeless, blessing, box, canned goods, hunger, no food, church, no money, starving

 

Other Categories: Food Assistance

Cooling and Warming Center

  • Consider a friend or families home.
  • All Jasper County public libraries and community centers along with some public buildings throughout Jasper County during normal business hours.
  • In Newton, Salvation Army, Discover Hope and Capstone Connections Center during business hours.  
  • Many other human service agencies, stores, and churches are willing to have a temporary assistance. 
  • Also see Central Iowa Shelter. 
  • Many communities have public swimming pools. Search swim in resource guide. 

(Addtional search: extreme weather, air conditioner, heat, fan, hot outside, heat, cool, cooling center, warm center)

Other: Iowa Cooling Center search 211 Cooling Centers in Iowa

Polk County residents  Polk County

Also see IMPACT programs. 

 

Find Help (find assistance)

Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
Help starts here.

MICA (Mid-Iowa Community Action) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Maternal Child Health programs

Mid Iowa Community Action (MICA) serves Jasper County. 

A change in the Newton location in September 2025.

MICA Services in Jasper County include: 

WIC: Pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infant, children up to age 5. 

WIC Times and locations:

Location: Newton Capstone BH, Lower Level, 1st Ave

  • 1st Monday of every month
    9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • 2nd Tuesday of every month
    10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • 2nd Monday and Wednesday of every month
    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Howard St. Christian Church in Colfax

  • 1st Wednesday of every month
    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Keywords: pregnant, breastfeeding, breastfed, milk, WIC, postpartum, baby, infant

Keyword search: pregnant, infant, breastfeeding, breastmilk, new mom, postpartum, food, WIC, WIC coupons, formula, milk

1123 1st Ave E, Lower Level - certain days
Newton, IA 50208
641-752-7162

Refugee Services

The Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services (BRS) is a federally funded office of the Iowa Department of Human Services and is charged with supporting the resettlement of refugees in Iowa. BRS works with a network of resettlement agencies (RA) across Iowa who do the bulk of the direct resettlement work with refugees.

Lucas Building 321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-344-3675

Salvation Army- Newton (Thrift store, Food pantry/breadline, Rent Asst)

  • Emergency Assistance Housing Related: by appointment only.
    • limited rent and utilities for low-income residents of Jasper County who have received utility disconnects or rental evictions, as funds are available.
      • Must provide proof and no more than once per year. 
      • Must provide a copy of the lease for the rental agreement.
  • Salvation Army Thrift Store: clothes, household items, and accepts donations. Volunteers accepted.
  • Emergency Food Pantry is by appointment only.
    • Jasper County residents can use the emergency food pantry once every 30 days for canned goods, packaged foods, and other staples. Those wishing to use the pantry are required to complete a form provided by The Salvation Army as well as give identification, employment verification or paycheck stubs, a piece of current mail to validate residency, and Social Security cards for all members of the household. The food pantry may be closed for restocking two days a month.
    • Bread Line and Produce Giveaway: In Newton, Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Outside of Newton, check with your local food pantry.
      • Any Jasper County residents in need on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no income requirements.

Keywords: food, clothes, pantry, hungry, rent, homeless, household items, utility, eviction, bread

301 N 2nd Ave E
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-6131
by appointment only

State of Iowa Online Services List

Also social media directory for State of Iowa

United Way of Jasper County

  • Provides financial assistance to a variety of health and human services programs. 
  • Funding for agencies https://www.unitedwayofjaspercounty.org/how-to-apply-for-funding.html
312 1st Ave. W., PO Box 844
Newton, IA 50208
641-791-1684

Free Lunch / Peer Support

Connections Peer Support- Capstone Behavioral Health Program

  • Mental Health and substance Peer Support and activities
  • Lunch service Monday - Friday.
  • Warming and Cooling Shelter from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
  • For Mental Health - see Capstone BH link
  • Laundry Program: Must meet certain criteria. Sponsored by Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Free to those who qualify.
  • Help with Community Resources
  • Keywords: food, help, connect, homeless, support,
306 N. 3rd Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-275-3516

Free Lunch Weekdays

Discover Hope 517 Ministry (DH517)

  • Faith-based ministry
  • Free community lunch are available. Hours Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
  • Showers available by appointment (Men only)
  • Warming and cooling location certain hours
  • Men's Restoration House- transitional housing (Holds up to 12 men) See website for application. 
  • Housing, Homeless, Food, and Substance Referrals for Treatment and Support Groups
733 1st Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-841-0598
by appointment, see website

Laundry

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Laundry program through Capstone Connection who meet certain criteria.  If you have laundry detergent containers with a screw top lid for donation, please drop them off at the Pregnancy Center. 

Other Categories: Other Resources

mammograms and pap smears

Care for Yourself- Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings (Mammograms) (Pap)

It is important that you schedule your routine breast cancer and cervical cancer health screenings. 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).

If you are between 21 and 64, you can count on us to help you with free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings. We are here to help you find confidential, caring health care so you can be around to experience even more special memories.

Keywords: breast, mammograms, pap, HPV

Lucas Building, 321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(866) 339-7909
8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Travel Immunizations

Travel Immunizations - CDC, TripPrep, and other clinics

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in the United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.

Check needed immunizations:

If you are traveling out of the United States, you can check recommended vaccines on the following sites: 

  1. CDC   Website: CDC Travel destination  1-800-232-4636 or 800-CDC-INFO
  2. TripPrep.com TripPrep  

Locations near Jasper County that offer Travel Medicine Clinics: 

  1. Iowa Clinic Travel Medicine Website: Iowa Clinic Travel Clinic Telephone: 515-875-9190  Location: Urbandale 
  2. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics  Website: UIHC Travel Clinic Telephone 319-356-8133 Location: Iowa City
  3. Polk County Health Department  Website: Polk County Travel Clinic- Immunizations  Telephone: 515-286-3798 Location: Des Moines
  4. McFarland International Travel Clinic Website:  Travel Clinic Telephone 515-663-4892 Location: Ames

Please check with your pharmacy or medical providers. Jasper County Health Department does not offer privately paid vaccines. 

Keywords: travel vaccines, immunizations, abroad travel, international trips

800-232-4636 or 800-CDC-INFO

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