Free Resources for Providers

Greater Des Moines Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program 

The CAP program is a personal safety education program for schools. It uses a three-pronged approach to prevent child assault and maltreatment by presenting workshops for school staff, parents, and elementary school children. The program approaches prevention from a perspective of human dignity, mutual respec,t and basic human rights. Everyone has the right to be safe, strong and free. 

If you represent an elementary school in the greater Des Moines metro area and are interested in having the CAP Program visit your school, Contact Janelle Ballhagen at (515) 241-6703 or janelle.ballhagen@unitypoint.org. 

Children's Workshop: This empowering approach to prevention explains that when another person tries to take away our rights to be safe, strong, and free - there are problems. Through interactive role-play, we demonstrate what the problems might look like. 

The role plays include situations such as: 

• Bullying (peer to peer assault) 
• Abduction (assault by a stranger) 
• Sexual Abuse (assault by a known person) 

The role plays are each done two times. In the first role-play, the situation is not resolved. Important safety skills are introduced or reviewed for each situation. In the second role play, the situation is resolved successfully. 

There is one final role play starring the classroom teacher. This role play shows what it might be like to talk about a problem with a trusted adult. After the children's workshop is review time in which kids can talk with a facilitator one on one. Review time participation is a choice made by the kids. It is always offered but they don't have to do it. 

Staff education and parent education are approximately one-hour sessions done at the school before the children's workshop. The children's workshop takes place in the classroom and is done by a team of three trained facilitators. The children's workshop is approximately 50-60 minutes in the classroom and about 30 minutes of review time after the classroom presentations. 

Safety Concepts Presented 

Definition of basic human rights:  

•  Turning to a peer for support 
•  Safe or trusted adults 
•  Definition of a stranger 
•  Self-protection skills (kicking, yelling, elbowing) 
•  Telling vs. tattling 
•  When assault happens, it is important to tell a safe adult and keep telling until someone listens 
•  Tricks used by unsafe adults or peers 
•  When assault happens to a child it is NEVER the child's fault 
•  It is OK to say no to a grown-up or peer when they make us feel uncomfortable 

Overview of the CAP program for school staff: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/7772042414075671043

Overview of the CAP program for parents/caregivers: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2056896421600102659

AC4C (Alliance of Coalitions for Change) is a collection of coalitions that work to provide substance abuse prevention, mental health strategies & provide resources to communities.

The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Iowa is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, education, research, and support.

Resource Library

Our Resource Library is designed to provide you with a comprehensive collection of materials and tools tailored to support survivors, caregivers, and professionals.

Brain Injury Resource Facilitation

Brain Injury Resource Facilitation is a fee-free service offered by the Brain Injury Association of Iowa to help people with brain injury and their families, caregivers, and community navigate medical and general life challenges after a brain injury.

We offer support in coping with the issues of living with brain injury and transitioning back to work and the community, and we help connect individuals and families with the services and supports they may need. Support is provided in a variety of forms, including:

• Providing brain injury specific information and resources
• Enhancing natural supports and providing linkage to appropriate supports, services, and community resources
• Providing training to service providers to increase Iowa’s system capacity to provide appropriate services
• Accessing, securing and maximizing funding, both private and public
• Sharing the Iowa Brain Injury Resource Network Tote Bag, which contains important brain injury information and information on various services and supports for individuals and families experiencing brain injury.

Support Groups

Our support groups are where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. Together, we provide understanding, resources, and community to help one another navigate challenges and celebrate successes. All support groups meet in person or virtually.

Iowa Brain Injury Resource Network

We strive to continually expand Iowa’s capacity to serve individuals and families experiencing brain injury, and to increase the number of access points where people can get consistent, reliable information and referrals to get the assistance or care they need. IBIRN member sites receive monthly communication about BIAIA services and supports, updated resources, training opportunities, and the opportunity to participate in our Brain Injury Tote Bag Program

Animal-assisted therapy partnering with first responders and with community outreach efforts.

• Network of dentists. 
• Foundation Funding- Oral Health Fund and Wellness Community Fund, Smile Grants, Rethink Your Drink, Toothbrush donations
• Dental Education Loan Repayment Program
• Dental Education 

The Healthy Habit All-Stars program has been designed to assist in educating children about public health topics. Animated videos are used to communicate complex health information to children in an age-appropriate manner. 

CHPcommunity is a local nonprofit organization managing the Iowa Community HUB that is made up of a network of partners coming together to support evidence-based health promotion programs and services in Iowa.

Keywords: Fall Prevention Program, A Matter of Balance, Stepping ON, Tai Chi for Arthritis, and Falls Prevention. HARP, Better Choices, Better Health, Cancer Education, Diabetes Prevention, Diabetes Management, 5-2-1-0, Healthy LifeStars

Iowa Compass connects older adults, people with disabilities and complex health-related needs of all ages, and caregivers to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

We are a group of heroes who donate our time and resources for children fighting medical battles.

Keywords: scholarships, careers, student, loan repayment, workforce, jobs, recruitment, doctor, dentist, nurse, healthcare

Programs, resources, & educational opportunities: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Business & Industry, Communities, Continuing Education, Families, & 4H & Youth Development. 

Food and family classes and childcare training. Garden Academy, Gardening. 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardener, Growing Together Iowa mini-grants, Plant Help, Lawn, Yard, Flowers, Edibles, Houseplants, soils, trees, 

Human Sciences: Aging, Early Childhood Education, Finance, Food Safety Classes such as ServSafe Health and Wellbeing, Nutrition, Parenting, Hotlines about family and home, Mental Health First Aid classes, disaster recovery assistance, 

Training or CEU

AnswerLine Toll-free: 800-262-3804
Local: 515-296-5883

• Questions relating to home and family
• Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
• TTD (Telecommunications Device for Deaf Persons) available by calling 800-735-2942
• Multiple language interpretation available
• Email questions to answer@iastate.edu
• Available to Iowa residents only

Iowa Concern 800-447-1985

• Financial questions, legal education, stress counseling, crisis/disaster resources and referral
• Phones are answered all hours, all days
• TTD (Telecommunications Device for Deaf Persons) available by calling 800-735-2942
• Multiple language interpretation available

Iowa’s 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between physician practices and public service providers to enhance high-quality well-child care. 1st Five promotes the use of standardized developmental screening tools that support healthy mental development for young children.

By using a standardized tool for all children, providers are able to identify children at-risk for developmental concerns, and link those children and their families with community-based resources to improve access to appropriate follow-up care. Primary care providers play a key role in supporting optimal healthy mental development in children. Therefore, primary care providers can play a critical role in providing developmental screenings.

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.

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa fulfills its mission by leading child abuse prevention efforts in Iowa through:

• Advocacy – advancing the cause of child abuse prevention among legislators, administrators and professionals.
• Awareness – informing the public about the effects of child abuse and methods to prevent it.
• Assistance – offering organizational development, program guidance and grant management to local partners.

Child abuse is preventable. Prevent Child Abuse Iowa recognizes it will take Iowans working together to ensure children are raised in safe, nurturing environments. That’s why we proudly lead and inspire others to create a state free from child abuse.

This program allows Iowa residents to receive a free envelope of sexual wellness supplies delivered discreetly to their door, up to twice per 30 days. If you would like to receive a second envelope, please fill out the form twice. Please note that all addresses are subject to verification and unverifiable addresses will not receive a shipment.

Key words: Condoms, birth control, prevention, sexual health

Unite Iowa is a coordinated care network consisting of healthcare, government, nonprofit, and other organizations. These network partners use Unite Us’ software to securely identify, deliver, and pay for services that address the needs of individuals within their communities.

The network is supported by Unite Us team members focused on customer and community engagement, network health and optimization, and user support.

The following resources are free to anyone to view, download, and print.