Volunteer Opportunities

Jasper County Ride- RSVP program FREE

  • Free medical transportation program run by volunteers within Jasper County and to surrounding counties.

  • Qualifying individuals need to have one of the following:

    • Veteran

    • Over 65 years old

    • Receives low-income assistance

  • Donations are accepted at RSVP. Drivers can not accept tips. 

  • Approved Jasper County VA medical visit will reimburse RSVP for mileage. 

  • Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage. 

  • Search terms: transportation, rides. 

550 N 2nd Ave W
Newton, IA 50208
641-787-3078
8 AM -4:30 PM M-R, 8 AM-noon on Fridays
Other Categories: Transportation, Veteran Services

MercyOne Newton Medical Center (Hospital)

Our campus in Newton has 48 beds and about 200,000 square feet of space. Attached to the hospital is a 50,000-square-foot medical office building containing local physician practices and the hospital’s physical medicine and rehabilitation center.

Services offered at our campus include 

Mercy One

  • Sleep
  • Neurology
  • General Surgery
  • Pulmonology
  • Pain Management
  • Oncology & Hematology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology  10/2024
  • Iowa Heart Cardiology
  • Iowa Heart Vascular
  • Dietician

The Iowa Clinic

  • Sleep
  • Pulmonology
  • ENT
  • Kidney Physicians (Nephrology) 

Other Specialties 

  • Mission Health Oncology & Hematology 
  • Iowa Ear Center
  • Iowa Ortho
  • Wolfe Eye Clinic
  • Dermatology
  • Allergist

Click this link https://www.mercyone.org/newton/find-a-location/  for more information about our providers and services. 

204 N. 4th Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-1273

Newton YMCA

  • Programs include sports and recreation for youth and adults, fitness facilities and classes, swimming lessons, youth and teen activities, dance, gymnastics, arts and crafts, summer camps, and sports camps. Childcare and preschool programming is available through the YMCA Childcare Center. Financial assistance is available based on true financial need.
  • Showers are available with sign in and sign out for those in need.

Keywords: fitness, pool, daycare, childcare, summer, fitness, wellness

1701 S. 8th Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-4006

American Red Cross - Iowa Rivers Chapter

24 hour phone number: 515-243-4054

Volunteer, give blood, take a class, free smoke detectors 

Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc. The Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered – a grant or a loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources.

 

2116 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-243-7681

Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year. The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention, and much more.

Wellness clinics provide a physical exam, distemper, and rabies vaccinations, and microchipping for $35.00. Wellness Clinic Events are available by appointment only. Check the events calendar on the ARL website to find out when and where they are held.

Keywords: Adopt pets foster dog cat

5452 NE 22nd St
Des Moines, IA 50313
515-262-9503

Baxter Fire and EMS Services

The Baxter Rescue unit is ready to serve the community when an emergency occurs.  The duties not only consist of going on 911 emergency calls but members assisting the Baxter Fire Department on structure fires, storm watch, and community disasters.

Non-emergency phone number 641-227-3112

203 S Main St
Baxter, IA 50028
Emergency-911

Colfax Fire Department

Non-Emergency phone number - 515-674-9113

113 W. State St
Colfax, IA 50054
Emergency-911

Habitat for Humanity of Jasper County

A nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.

Des Moines has a store. Restore Store for appliances and furniture, etc. 

Keywords: home repair, ramps, home ownership

 

 

Contact Person: Becca Decker

2200 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317
641-521-1727

Iowa League of Heroes

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

Jasper County 4H and Youth (ISU Extension and Outreach)

Iowa 4-H Youth Development is the premier youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Providing research-based education to K-12 youth, Iowa 4-H focuses on Healthy Living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Communication and the Arts. Iowa 4-H builds upon more than a century of experience in positive youth development partnering with youth to help them find their passion. 

550 N. 2nd Ave. W.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-6433
Other Categories: Community Groups

Jasper County CERT Community Emergency Response Team

What is C.E.R.T.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. These skills include fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using this training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

History

The Los Angeles City Fire Department developed and implemented the CERT concept in 1985. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adopted and expanded the program nationally.

Benefits

  • Empowerment: Volunteers gain skills that allow them to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.
  • Community Resilience: The presence of trained CERT volunteers enhances the overall preparedness and resilience of the community.
  • Cost-Effective: CERT volunteers provide critical support during disasters without the need for substantial financial resources.

Community Emergency Response Team U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityOur Mission

Our mission is to equip community members with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters. By providing comprehensive training programs in disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, and search and rescue, we empower individuals to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors during times of crisis.

Join Us

At Jasper County CERT, there is a role for everyone. Whether you’re interested in hands-on emergency response, administrative support, or community education, your unique skills and talents are valuable to our team. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join us in making a difference. By becoming a CERT volunteer, you’ll gain invaluable skills, build lasting friendships, and contribute to the safety and well-being of our community.


Explore our website to learn more about our programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Jasper County. Join us today and be part of the solution!

Click here to complete our contact form

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasperiacert

1030 W 2nd Street South
Newton, IA 50208
(641) 792-7555

Jasper County Hunger Relief

Meal packaging events. 

Jasper County Hunger Relief is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation dedicated to the goal of fighting hunger. Our approach to achieving this goal is the packaging of highly nutritious, vitamin-fortified meals by volunteers at locations around Jasper County, and the distribution of those meals to those facing hunger and food insecurity, primarily in the communities of our county.

We recently began working with a new partner in our mission, The Outreach Program, a non-profit based in Union, Iowa. We now get our meal packaging supplies from this organization. They have 10 different varieties of nutritious meals available to us for packaging events!

The focus of our mission has become even more local, as we are now working to distribute our meals entirely within the communities of Jasper County. Our meals have been distributed in Newton, Kellogg, Lynnville, Sully, Colfax, Mingo, and Baxter through food banks, blessing boxes, churches, and other charitable organizations.

Jasper County Hunger Relief is governed by a board of local volunteers, who also handle the logistics of running the meal packaging events. The organization has no paid staff, so all donations go to the support of our mission.

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

  • Connections, Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, 306 N Third Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • American Legion, 1101 W Fourth St S, 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
  • Christian Life Church of Newton, 421 S 2nd Ave W, Newton, IA 50208
  • The Least of Saints Church, 1305 E 10th St S., Newton, IA 50208
  • Grace Church, 1620 N 11th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Parking lot across from Salvation Army

Blessing Boxes: Colfax

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

***************************************

Keywords: food, homeless, hungry, hunger, meal, meals, burritos

Holy Trinity Church
Newton, IA 50208
515-257-6460
Other Categories: Food Assistance

Kellogg Township Fire and Ambulance

100% volunteer department in a small Iowa town of 600 people

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-526-3051

414 Front St
Kellogg, IA 50135
Emergency-911

Life Serve Blood Donation

Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend, family member or a stranger in your community!

800-287-4903

Looms of Love - Recycled bags sleeping mats

Looms of Love is a new and exciting project spearheaded by a friend of Newton CUCC and involves the entire community coming together to create sleeping mats for those who find themselves homeless.  These mats are made from used plastic bags - like those you get from the grocery store, and are woven into 5'x3' mats using a large wooden loom.  Currently members have been saving their bags and will receive training shortly on the weaving process.

Donation: plastic grocery bags. 

Keywords: recycling, church groups, plastic bags, grocery bags

First Christian Church or St. Luke's United Methodist - donation of plastic bags.
Newton, IA 50208

Lynnville Emergency Services and Fire Department

Serving the community of Lynnville and the surrounding area when emergencies happen.

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-527-2790

301 South St
Lynnville, IA 50153
Emergency-911

Mingo Fire Department

Our Local Volunteer Fire Department. Mingo IA

408 E Main St
Mingo, IA 50168
Emergency-911

Monroe Fire and Rescue

The City of Monroe is served by a dedicated volunteer force of Fire & Rescue workers.

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-259-2805

110 W American St
Monroe, IA 50170
Emergency-911

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI of Central IA)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest. grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans. We offer free mental health support groups, classes, and presentations as well as free one-on-one support,

For information and support call: 515-292-9400

515-292-9400

Newton Main Street

Newton Main Street volunteers include many individuals and groups from throughout the community. Each group has a particular focus and they all share the common goal of a strong downtown business district.

403 W 4th St N, Suite 509
Newton, IA 50208
641-791-9617

Prairie City Emergency Medical Service

The Prairie City Ambulance consists of approximately 25 volunteers who offer basic life support services to Prairie City and surrounding communities. Volunteers are available 24/7 to handle calls. A number of our crew have their basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications, while all volunteers undergo annual CPR, defensive driving, and incident command training.

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-792-5912

203 E Jefferson St
Prairie City, IA 50028
Emergency-911

Prairie City Fire Department

With the help of approximately 20 volunteers, Prairie City’s fire department provides around-the-clock fire and rescue services to the community and surrounding areas. Volunteers are Firefighter One and CPR certified.

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-792-5912

203 E Jefferson St
Prairie City, IA 50028
Emergency-911

Prevent Child Abuse - Iowa

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.

501 SW 7th Street, G1
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-2200

Reasnor Fire and Rescue

The Reasnor Fire Department proudly serves a response district of approximately 36 square miles with fire and rescue services. Our response districts include the town of Reasnor, portions of Elk Creek Township, portions of Palo Alto Township, portions of Buena Vista Township and a small portion of Fairview Township.

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-521-9110

312 North St
Reasnor, IA 50232
Emergency-911

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Opportunities for volunteers aged 55 & over who are willing to share their experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their community and themselves. Volunteers have opportunities to be involved with the Heart Literacy Program helping elementary students with reading, providing transportation for citizens to vital appointments, the Tax Assistance Program helps eligible citizens prepare tax forms, warning siren monthly reporters, as well as additional opportunities with Jasper County Elderly Nutrition, Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, and many more.

550 N. 2nd Ave. W.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-6433
Other Categories: Senior Services

St. Croix Hospice

1555 SE Delaware AVe.
Ankeny, IA 50021
515-276-2700
Other Categories: Hospice

Sully Fire and Ambulance

Sully’s Fire and Ambulance services are provided by Sully Rural Fire and Ambulance Department. This is an all volunteer department served by members from the community. 

Non-Emergency phone number - 641-594-4100.

501 5th St
Sully, IA 50251
Emergency-911

Supplemental Food Program for Seniors

  • The Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP) provides supplemental food and nutrition education for the elderly ages 60 and over at no cost.

2309 Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-286-3655
Other Categories: Food Assistance, Senior Services

The Well - Newton

1810 1st Ave E
Newton, IA 50208
641-658-9258
Other Categories: Clothing- Donation Centers

Together for Good

PO Box 13170
Des Moines, IA
5153101233

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

Volunteer Iowa

  • Volunteering, Also, Mentoring and Americorp information. 
  • Mission: To improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. 
  • Vision: To create an Iowa where all citizens are empowered through service to meet community challenges and make lives better.
  • About Volunteer Iowa: Volunteer Iowa (The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service) is part of a network of state service commissions throughout the United States that exist to foster a bi-partisan state-level commitment to advancing service initiatives as well as developing, communicating, and promoting a statewide vision and ethic of service. This state agency is responsible for coordinating programs and activities formerly conducted by the Iowa Office on Volunteerism, which was launched in 1978 by Governor Robert D. Ray.
1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-348-6226

Children

Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County

The Open Arms Foundation offers a variety of programs and projects that are designed to help vulnerable children and families in Jasper County. First Night backpacks for children removed from the home.  

 

Keywords: foster care, removed from home, DHS, child abuse, child neglect, child needs clothes, car seat, foster parents, foster child, diapers, baby, crib, Punts for purpose, nonprofit, formula, food

1123 1st Ave E, Suite B
Newton, IA 50208

Christmas

Christmas Support for Kids in Jasper County

Other Categories: Other Resources

Food Pantries in Jasper County

Food Bank of Iowa

At Food Bank of Iowa, we believe no one should have to go hungry. We gather and distribute more than 1.5 million pounds of nutritious food each month to 700 partners across 55 Iowa counties, getting help to those who need it the most.

We recommend that you call a pantry or partner before you go to check their hours or any requirements they may have.

FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY https://foodbankiowa.org/find-food/

Learn about food programs for Jasper COunty Schools

2220 E 17th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-564-0330

Salvation Army- Newton (Thrift store, food pantry)

  • Emergency assistance with rent and utilities for low-income residents of Jasper County who have received utility disconnects or rental evictions. Also offers food pantry, clothing, and household assistance.
  • Emergency Food Pantry  Monday through Friday from 10-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. (as needed) 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  |  Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Free bread and sweets, donated by local Walmart and Hy-Vee bakeries, are available to any Jasper County residents in need on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no income requirements. Residents may visit the line twice a week.

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

301 N. 2nd Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-6131

Free Lunch

Discover Hope 517 Ministry

  • Free community meals are available. Hours Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
  • Showers available from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Warming and cooling location from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Men's restoration house- transitional housing (Holds up to 12 men) see website for application. 
733 1st Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-841-0598
Monday thru Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Garden

Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) privately managed, public garden. 

3030 N 4th Ave E, PO Box 321
Newton, IA 50208
641-791-3021
M- F, 8:30-12:30 PM
Other Categories: Recreation, Event locations

Home Repairs

Rebuilding Together - Greater Des Moines

Rebuilding Together volunteers will participate our annual 2024 Rebuilding Days. Volunteers will complete critical home repairs to help more than 100+ low-income families throughout Greater Des Moines.

We utilize over 700 volunteers for these projects. We join together to revitalize our city and help our neighbors stay safe, healthy and dry.

Examples of home repairs that may be provided: repairing or replacing flooring, windows, steps, wheelchair ramps, stabilizing a shower, kitchen cabinet installs, removal and install of back steps, landscaping, and repainting of exterior and many more. These improvements will enable the families to live in a safe and healthy home.

1111 Ninth Street, suite 265
Des Moines, IA 50314
515-284-7403

Networking

Jasper County Cares Coalition

  • The Jasper County Cares Coalition (JCCC) consists of numerous health, human services, nonprofits, law enforcement, healthcare, schools, etc. that serve Jasper County. Jasper County Cares aims to strategically address the health, safety, and well-being of individuals.
  • Jasper County Cares focus on gaps of healthcare service in Jasper County and the Jasper County Community Health Assessment and Health Improvement Plan. 
  • There is a leadership team that is active in decision making of the vision for the group. 
  • The group is coordinated by the Jasper County Health Department Administrator. 
  • The meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, except in January and July. Time: 10:30 AM at the Administration Building.
  • This is not a government organization of Jasper County.
  • Please contact us if you would like more information or to be added to the distribution list.  Email: jaspercocares@jasperia.org
  • The agendas and post packets are posted on the website.  Jasper Co Cares website
  • The online Jasper County Resource Guide or Directory is updated regularly. Please email changes to jaspercocares@jasperia.org
  • All agencies can submit free events to the Jasper Co. calendar. Jasper Co. Calendar

Keywords: Jasper Co Cares, JCC, Health and Human Service, Health Providers, 

315 W 3rd St N, Suite 100
Newton, IA 50208
641-787-9224, 1

Park, Camping, Trails, Biking

Jasper County Conservation

  • Quality parks, recreation, conservation, and outdoor education systems. Nearly 3,000 acres of parks, trails, and natural areas just waiting to be explored!
  • Locations: Ashton Wildwood, Jacob Krumm, Kish-Ke-Kosh Prairie, Mariposa Recreation Area, Wagaman Mill, AC & Lela Morris Prairie

 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (OWLS)

OWLS is a conservation program that encourages seniors to stay active and learn new things about the natural world. Contact the Jasper County Conservation Board office at 641-792-9780 for more information.

Bike Trails

 

Keywords: bike, biking, camp, camping, campsite, park, trail, walking, lake, Environmental Education Center, Parks, Cabin, Camping, Trails, Fishing, Hunter Safety, Sugar Creek Preserve, Earth Pack, Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors, hunter safety, earth packs

  • Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail
  • Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail
  • Third Trail
  • Ashton
  • Mariposa
1030 W. 2nd St. S.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-9780

Seniors

Jasper County Elderly Nutrition

  • Over age 60. There is no charge for the meals, but donations are accepted and needed. 
  • Home-delivered meals, on-site, Monroe & Newton, Holiday, emergency, weekend meals, & Farmer's Market. 
  • Congregate Meal Sites: Colfax Senior Center, Monroe: The Gathering Place, Newton: Jasper County Community Center.
  • Meals are served at 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday.  Call to reserve a meal. 

Keywords: seniors. food, hungry, meals, help at home, seniors, elderly, meal assistance, older adult, and socialization. 

2401 1st Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-7102

SIDS

Iowa SIDS Foundation

Support and education about SIDS in Iowa. Grief Support.

The Iowa SIDS Foundation is dedicated to providing emotional support to SIDS and SUID families, to educating Iowa families, healthcare professionals and childcare providers on SIDS and safe sleep practices, and to supporting medical research into unexpected sleep related infant deaths. 

The Iowa SIDS Foundation was founded by parents for parents. In 1993, three parent support groups formed the Iowa SIDS Alliance. In 2004, this group transitioned to the Iowa SIDS Foundation becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization. The service area for the Iowa SIDS Foundation includes all 99 Iowa counties. 

Keywords: baby, infant loss, unexpected sleep, sudden infant death, SID, SIDS, safe sleep

2963 100th St, Suite 2
Urbandale, IA 50322
515-965-7655

Wigs

Strands of Strength

Established in 2011 by a cancer survivor, Strands of Strength (SOS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide new wigs free of charge to cancer patients in financial need and suffering hair loss due to treatment. The wigs offered by Strands of Strength disguise hair loss, decrease feelings of vulnerability, and provide greater self-esteem, hopefully resulting in the personal strength needed to successfully battle the disease.

Keywords: Cancer, wig, hair loss, oncology, 

515-240-5843

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.

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive notifications when board meetings and agendas are posted, job openings are announced, and more.

Customize Your Notifications