Assistance

• 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.

• Keywords: tobacco, vaping, suicide, homeless, unhoused, assistance

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.

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

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

• 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.

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

Housing: 

• Utilities: LIHEAP (Low Income energy assistance program) help. Heat, water, and cooling. 
• Housing: Rent, deposit, and mortgage. 
• 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. 
• Air Conditioner/Fan Program: limited supplies

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.

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

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. 

----------------------------------

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

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

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.

Mid Iowa Community Action (MICA) serves Jasper County. 

A change in the Newton location in September 2025.

MICA Services in Jasper County include: 

• Maternal and Child Health
• I-smile (Dental screenings in schools)
• WIC clinics in Newton & Colfax
• 1st Five (for providers)
• FaDSS/Family Development
• Childcare Consultant- Poweshiek/Jasper https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/child-care/hcci
  • Tara Berstler, RN, 641-328-3237

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

I-Smile for dental. See website. 

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

What is Weatherization

Weatherization can help you, and your family live in a more comfortable home and lower your energy bills. This can include replacing inefficient or dangerous appliances, insulating your home, installing low-flow shower heads and faucets, insulating pipes, installing efficient lightbulbs, and more. Weatherization is not a home repair program (we can’t replace windows, roofs, or do construction work). But we can significantly increase your energy efficiency, making you safe and comfortable.

Do I qualify for Weatherization?

You qualify automatically for the Weatherization program if you have received Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. Your application for energy assistance is also your application for Weatherization. Weatherization staff works off of a list of families who need help after they have received energy assistance and contact families directly to ask them if they would like to participate in the program.

Mission: To seek, invite, and welcome people into the unconditional love of God and share with them the Good News about Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Pastoral counseling available to church members and public. 

Locations: Newton and Baxter Campus

Keyword: The Way, Way, groups, pastor, spiritual, faith

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.

• 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 rental agreement.
• Salvation Army Thrift Store: clothes, household items, and accepts donations. Volunteers neeed.
• Emergency Food Pantry is by appointment only. Accepts food and hygiene donations. 
  • 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

Also social media directory for State of Iowa

• 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