Family Development

Neighborhood Resource Centers
SIEDA's Neighborhood Resource Centers are multi-service centers housing most, if not all, of the services provided by the agency in that county. The Resource Center's Community Action Specialist provides

• Information and referral to all SIEDA Programs
• Energy Assistance and Weatherization Applications
• Assistance with utility issues
• Budget counseling
• Low income housing applications and advocacy
• Tax and rent rebate referral to other community services
• Crisis advocacy

Other direct SIEDA services are provided in the Center by the Parents As Teachers program, Substance Abuse Counselors and the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Counselors.

Neighborhood Resource Centers are located in each of the counties served by SIEDA. Each Resource Center is managed by a Community Action Specialist.

APPANOOSE COUNTY
Suite A
111 N. Main Street
Centerville Iowa 52544
1-641-856-8437

DAVIS COUNTY
300 East South Street
Bloomfield Iowa 52537
1-641-664-1911

JEFFERSON COUNTY
201 South 23rd Street
Fairfield Iowa 52556
1-641-472-6140

KEOKUK COUNTY
114 West Washington
Sigourney Iowa 52591
1-641-622-3443

MAHASKA COUNTY
114 North Market
Oskaloosa Iowa 52537
1-641-673-8758

VAN BUREN COUNTY
701 1st Street
Keosauqua Iowa 52565-0070
1-319-293-3722
1-319-293-3392 FAX

WAPELLO COUNTY
226 West Main Street
Ottumwa Iowa 52501-0658
1-641-682-8741

Parenting Wisely
The Parenting Wisely program is a SAMHSA Model Program. Parents participate in the self-administered, computer-based program that teachers parents important skills to reduce children's aggressiveness and disruptive behaviors, improves parenting skills, enhances family communication, develops mutual support and increases parental supervision and appropriate discipline for their children. Parents view typical parenting situations and choose from several different options in responding to the situation. Parents receive feedback on the option chosen as to whether it is a wise choice and why. Two programs (young children and children 9 years - 18 years are available in each of SIEDA's county Resource Centers.

There are no income guidelines for participation in the program and is free to parents participating in another SIEDA program. Non-program participants will be charged $15.00 per program for materials.

The program is available in Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren & Wapello counties.

Family Development and Self Sufficiency (FaDSS)
The Family Development and Self Sufficiency (FaDSS) program is an intensive in-home counseling program for families receiving income assistance from the Department of Human Services. FaDSS provides developmental services to families who are at high risk of long term welfare dependency. The basic program design recognizes that at-risk families face many issues and respond well to long term, intense personal interaction with trained staff to move to emotional and economic independence. FaDSS believe that families can become strong, self-sufficient community members through their voluntary participation in the array of individualized services that the FaDSS program offers.

Home visits are the foundation of SIEDA’s FaDSS program. Visits in the home allow the family and the Counselor the opportunity to met in a safe, non-threatening environment. The Counselor meets with the family at least once a month. During these visits, an assessment of the needs of the family is completed and the family is assisted in identifying long and short term goal that will enable them to become self sufficient. During subsequent visits, the Counselor works with the family to identify the progress that has been made in meeting these goals and provides support to the family as it strives toward independence.

All FaDSS counselors are certified by the Iowa State University Family Development Certification Program.
Family must be receiving FIP to be eligible to participate in the FaDSS program.

The FaDSS program is available in Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren & Wapello counties.

Individual Development Accounts
An Individual Development Account or “IDA” is a special matched savings account designed to help low-income families accumulate savings for investments in long-term assets such as a house, higher education, small business or a vehicle. The savings accumulated in an IDA are matched on 3:1 basis, $3 for each $1 saved.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Persons who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – FIP in Iowa
• Those who are eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Those whose income is less than two times the Federal poverty limit
• 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines:
  • HOUSEHOLD SIZE 200%
  • 1 $21,660
  • 2 $29,140
  • 3 $36,620
  • 4 $44,100
  • 5 $51,580
  • 6 $59,060

What kind of asset choices do I have?
Buying a home; starting or expanding a small business; paying for post secondary education, or purchasing a vehicle, if you do not already have one.

What is the maximum amount an account can be matched?
The maximum amount matched under the Federal IDA program is $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a household.

What is the minimum monthly deposit?
$25.00 per month

How long do I have to save money?
At a minimum, a participant must save for six months. The length of time may vary depending on the asset choice or their ability to qualify for a loan.

What are the requirements of the program?
Participants must attend a financial education program* that is being presented by Community 1st Credit Union and must make the minimum savings deposits each month.

Other criteria for eligibility and participation will be discussed with persons referred to the IDA program.

INTERESTED? Please contact Becky Falck, FaDSS Supervisor at 682-8741 Ext. 259 or Community 1st Credit Union at 641 684-5448

*Education program is presented in Ottumwa only.