The Latinos Can Coalition is looking for bilingual (English and Spanish) individuals to be part of our educational video series. Contact us if you are a:
More information to come, if you have any questions contact us.
Community Resources
Statewide Interpretation Services
The Iowa International Center offers a free phone interpretation hotline for emergency situations. These services are offered for emergency personnel (police, fire, paramedic, ER, domestic violence shelters) when they determine that language is a barrier to providing appropriate services.
The Emergency Interpretation Hotline is available 24/7 and offers over 180 languages.
To access the hotline: Call 515-282-8269, Ext. 5. Answer a short series of questions about the nature of your call and request your language for interpretation.
Iowa College Aid launched the Future Ready Iowa Texting Program, which provides support to college-bound students and new college students, as well as access to one-on-one coaches.
Students who opt in to the program will receive tips and reminders about applying for college and financial aid and about making a smooth transition from high school to college. Iowa College Aid will customize text messages based on a student’s grade level and location. For instance, high school seniors might receive a reminder that a college fair is coming up at their school.
This texting initiative particularly targets prospective and current Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and Future Ready Iowa Grant recipients, but will be available to all students in Iowa. Students can opt in to the Future Ready Iowa Texting Program at IowaCollegeAid.gov/Texting.
Iowa Interactive Court Forms is specifically designed to improve access to justice for individuals who may not be able to afford legal representation. The program provides helpful information about the divorce process in plain language and uses a question and answer format to prepare approved court forms. The program is available from the Iowa Judicial Branch website and can be used to prepare the petition for dissolution of marriage, the answer to a petition, financial affidavits, and the settlement agreement, as well as other supporting documents.
The program can be used on any computer or smartphone. The user can save the answers to use in subsequent forms. Once the questionnaire is completed, the user is given instructions on how to print, sign, and file the forms with the court.
The Deadline to Apply for Energy Assistance is 4/30/20
Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Find a VITA or TCE Site Near You
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
Polk County River Place 2309 Euclid Ave., Room 3A Monday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday 5-7 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday 5-7 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Opens January 22
United Way of Central Iowa 1111 9th St., Room E Monday 5-7 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday 5-7 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
(German and Bosnian available on Monday evenings and Spanish on Saturdays) Opens January 22
Sites and times are subject to change. Please call 2-1-1for the most current information.
Announcements and Events
Webinar: Setting the Record Straight on Five Misconceptions About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Although leaders believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to their organizational performance, moving the needle towards a more inclusive workplace and workforce continues to be an aspiration versus a reality. In some instances, the lack of progress is due to persistent misconceptions about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. These misconceptions relate to talent pipeline issues, employee referrals, assumptions about future generations, definitions of common terms, language and much more. This webinar will set the record straight about these misconceptions.
Feb 21, 2020 01:00 PM i
Breaking the Chains: Juneteenth Community Mural for Teens
Use the power of art activism and learn about Juneteenth as an inspiration and catalyst to celebrate, share and create with your peers.
Participate in a weekly class at the Art Center to unravel the journey of African Americans in our community and learn the skills needed to contribute creating a community mural with artist Jordan Weber.
Gather firsthand information from Black Iowans through the process of empathy-interviewing and use design thinking practices to weave the history of Juneteenth with your own experiences and identity. Make your mark by adding to the historical record and educating Iowans about African American independence.
Program Schedule Tuesdays | February 4-June 9, 4-6pm Saturdays | May 23-June 6, 9am-3pm
Tuesday, June 16 - Iowa Juneteenth Mural Unveiling and Community Celebration
LGBTQ Experience, Captain Stehlik, a Transgender Soldier
Nominate a Program Today!
Register for the 2020 DSM Civil & Human Rights Symposium
Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival
Victory Empowerment Fellowship Institute
Mental Health First Aid Trainings Around the State
A private non-profit organization that provides vocational, residential, community employment, and living services for over 550 mentally and physically challenged persons in Southeast Iowa.
Hope Haven started out as a school program by a group of a parents in 1950. The mission has always been to assist persons with disabilities to live a life of opportunity and well-being. Hope Haven Area Development Center, through its commitment to excellence in care and services, will continue to set the standard for support to persons with disabilities.
