• Southern Iowa Mental Health

  Adult Mental Health

  Access Center

  Children’s Mental Health

  Crisis services

  Substance Abuse Services

  Promise Center

  Sieda – Integrated AOD/MH Services
  Outpatient mental health and substance use care for adults/youth; Medicaid/private accepted.
  🔗 sieda.org/integrated-aodmh-alcohol-drugmental-health-services/

  Sieda – Mental Health Counseling
  CARF-accredited counseling for depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, families/youth.
  🔗 sieda.org/health-well-being/mental-health-counseling/

  NAMI Education & Support
  Free classes and peer programs for families and individuals; learn signs, build skills.
  🔗 nami.org/support-education

  The Awakening Grace Foundation (Grief & Loss Support)

  The Awakening Grace Foundation supports families who experience pregnancy or infant loss by providing compassionate, practical, and financial support. Services include grief care-packages, burial garments, remembrance photography, support groups, and retreats that help families process grief and honor their child.
  🔗https://theawakeninggracefoundation.org/

• Head Start (Sieda)
  Free preschool for eligible 3–5 year-olds; holistic family supports.
  🔗 sieda.org/child-development/head-start/

• Parenting Workshops (Sieda)
  Open to all caregivers; court/DHS referrals welcome.
  🔗 sieda.org/child-development/parenting-workshops/

• Parents as Teachers (Sieda)
  Home-visiting birth–5; screenings, activities, family support (multi-county).
  🔗 sieda.org/child-development/parents-as-teachers/

• MIECHV – Healthy Families America
  Free prenatal–age 5 home visits: health, milestones, safety, referrals.
  🔗 sieda.org/child-development/miechv/

• AHFA Child Care Center (Ottumwa)
  Trauma-informed, affordable care; DHS-eligible families prioritized.
  🔗 ahfa.org/child-care-center/

• Ottumwa YMCA – Discovery Lane
  Year-round care 4 weeks–6 years; Creative Curriculum; strong outcomes.
  🔗 ottumwaymca.com/childcare.html

• Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA)
  Helps pay for child care while you work/train or seek work.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance

If you or someone you know needs immediate emotional or safety support, these services are available 24/7:

Mental Health & Suicide Support

📞 Call or Text 988
💬 Chat: 988lifeline.org

For LGBTQ youth:
📞 TrevorLifeline: 866-488-7386
📱 TrevorText: Text “START” to 678678
💬 TrevorChat: TrevorChat.org

Domestic Violence Support

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Chat + resources: thehotline.org

Human Trafficking

📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
📱 Text “Help” or “Info” to 233733 (BeFree)

Emergencies

🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 911

En Español

📞 Llame o mande texto al 988 — apoyo de salud mental / suicidio
💜 Para violencia doméstica, llame al 800-799-7233
🚨 En peligro inmediato, llame al 911

Family Crisis Center: https://familycrisiscenteriowa.org/

First Resources

• Day Habilitation (multi-county)
  Daytime skill-building, community inclusion, goal support.

• Hourly Community Supports (multi-county)
  In-home help: daily living, budgeting, meds, integration; respite/CDAC.

• Residential Services (RCF, Waiver, IRSH)
  Short-/long-term staffed homes for stabilization and independent living goals.

• Employment – IPS / Supported
  Rapid job search, job coaching, development; works with IVRS.

CISS – Emergency Shelter (DSM)
24/7 shelter with case management to reach permanent housing.
🔗 centraliowashelter.org/

Family Crisis Center – Housing Advocacy
Survivor-centered housing, budgeting, applications, landlord navigation.
🔗 familycrisiscenteriowa.org | ☎️ 641-683-1750

CISS – Emergency Shelter (DSM)
24/7 shelter with case management to reach permanent housing.
🔗 centraliowashelter.org/

Rolling Hills Coalition
Rent deposits/first month support; housing search across 15 counties.
🔗 centraliowashelter.org/services/rolling-hills-coalition/

WYD, Inc. – Emergency Temporary Shelter (Women & Children)

Description:
WYD, Inc. provides short-term overnight shelter for women and women with children in Ottumwa. Stays focus on safety, stability, and connecting guests to resources that support long-term housing.

This is not a walk-in shelter. All guests must complete a scheduled intake prior to arrival.

How to Access Services:
📞 Call to schedule intake:
• 641-226-7684 (MM)
• 641-455-8334 (Leslie)

Location:
105 S. Iowa Ave., Ottumwa, IA
(Use far left door off Iowa Ave. & ring doorbell)

Intake Hours:
Daily • 3–5 PM
(Closed to new intakes Sundays)

Shelter Access:
• Residents may return 3–8 PM daily
• Closed during daytime hours so residents can pursue appointments/tasks
• Weekend daytime access depends on volunteer coverage
• Night entry is limited for resident safety; exceptions may be made with prior approval
• Residents who work evenings may request late entry approval

Warming Shelter:
Open to men, women, and children when wind chill reaches –24°F or below.

Notes:
• Guests must call ahead — no walk-ins
• WYD, Inc. may refuse entry to individuals who pose safety concerns

Blessings Soup Kitchen – Free Community Lunches

Description:
Blessings provides free, hot lunches to anyone in the community — no questions asked. Open most weekdays in downtown Ottumwa.

Hours:
Mon–Fri · 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
(Closed Sat–Sun)

Location:
Commercial St, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Phone:
(641) 777-7997

Food Bank of Iowa – Find Food
Mobile pantries, school pantries, senior boxes, veteran distributions.
🔗 foodbankiowa.org/find-food/

Ecumenical Lord’s Cupboard (Ottumwa)
Downtown pantry; monthly 3-day supply; barrier-free access.
📍 101B N Court St | ☎️ 641-684-8809

WIC – American Home Finding (Ottumwa)
Nutrition support, breastfeeding help, pumps; pregnancy to age 5.

📍333 Church St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 | ☎️ (641) 682-8784

🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/locations/wic-clinic-american-home-finding-ottumwa

Food Bank of Iowa – Find Food
Mobile pantries, school pantries, senior boxes, veteran distributions.
🔗 foodbankiowa.org/find-food/

Ecumenical Lord’s Cupboard (Ottumwa)
Downtown pantry; monthly 3-day supply; barrier-free access.
📍 101B N Court St | ☎️ 641-684-8809

WIC – American Home Finding (Ottumwa)
Nutrition support, breastfeeding help, pumps; pregnancy to age 5.

📍333 Church St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 | ☎️ (641) 682-8784

🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/locations/wic-clinic-american-home-finding-ottumwa

• Ezra Free Clinic

  Heartland Pregnancy Center

  101 S. Market Street, #302 

  Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

  641-683-3030

  Translation languages: Spanish

  Services Offered:

• Cholesterol testing

• Chronic disease management 

• Diabetes/blood glucose testing  

• Employment physicals

• High blood pressure testing

• Illness/minor injury care

• School/sport physicals

• Well child exams

• Medicaid (Iowa HHS)
  Free/low-cost coverage for eligible children, adults, pregnant people, disabled.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/medicaid/about-medicaid

• Medicare (Iowa HHS)
  Federal coverage for 65+, certain disabilities, ESRD.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/medicaid/about-medicare

• Sieda – LIHEAP Energy Assistance
  Helps pay winter heating; prevents utility shut-off if eligible.
  🔗 sieda.org/energy-assistance-liheap/

• Sieda – Weatherization
  Insulation, safety checks, furnace repair/replacement for eligible households.
  🔗 sieda.org/housing-stabilization/weatherization/

• Family Crisis Center – Housing Advocacy
  Survivor-centered housing, budgeting, applications, landlord navigation.
  🔗 familycrisiscenteriowa.org | ☎️ 641-683-1750

• CISS – Emergency Shelter (DSM)
  24/7 shelter with case management to reach permanent housing.
  🔗 centraliowashelter.org/

• Empowerment Command Center (Ottumwa)
  Coordinated help for housing, jobs, benefits; uses Bindl app.
  🔗 centraliowashelter.org/services/empowerment-command-center/

• Rolling Hills Coalition
  Rent deposits/first month support; housing search across 15 counties.
  🔗 centraliowashelter.org/services/rolling-hills-coalition/

• Rent Reimbursement (Seniors/Disabled)

  • Iowa Rent Reimbursement
    Partial rent refund for income-eligible Iowans 65+ or disabled adults.
    🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/rent-reimbursement

  • AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund (RHTF)

    The AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund helps low- to moderate-income households create and preserve affordable housing through repair, rehabilitation, and new construction across Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren, and Wapello counties.
    Learn more → https://www.area15rpc.com/rhtf

    At-a-glance (use if needed)

    • Supports projects serving households ≤80% AMI

    • At least 30% of funds benefit extremely low-income households

    • Priority for repair/rehab of aging housing

    • Eligible in rural areas + listed cities within each county (Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren, Wapello)

    • AHEAD RHTF
      Affordable housing support—rehab, repair, and new construction for low- to moderate-income households in six SE Iowa counties. Priority for aging-home repairs.
      Learn more → area15rpc.com/rhtf

      AHEAD First-Time Homebuyers
      Loans up to $10,000 help first-time buyers with down payment/closing costs; open year-round. Call 641-684-6551.

      Homes for Iowa
      Affordable homes built via Iowa Prison Industries; delivered statewide. Available to households ≤100% median income. Contact matt.naumann@area15rpc.com.

• Iowa Workforce Development
  Job search, training, unemployment, employer services.
  🔗 workforce.iowa.gov/

• SNAP Employment & Training
  No-cost education, skills training, supports for SNAP participants.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/job-training

• PROMISE JOBS (FIP)
  Work/training services for FIP participants.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/job-training

• VITA – Free Tax Filing (United Way)
  Free tax prep for incomes under $65k, seniors, veterans, translation help.
  🔗 wapellocouw.org/vita

REDI – Regional Economic Development Investments, Inc.

REDI provides low-interest loans to support business startup, expansion, and retention across the Region. Funds may be used for fixed assets or working capital, and must create or retain jobs. Since 1990, REDI has loaned more than $6.8M and leveraged over $50M in additional investment.

Learn more → https://www.area15rpc.com/businessassistance

To inquire, contact Area 15 Regional Planning Commission.

Local Revolving Loans

Area 15 RPC supports local governments in managing local revolving loan funds that can be paired with REDI financing to strengthen business development packages. Loan repayments replenish the fund for future borrowers.

More info → https://www.area15rpc.com/businessassistance

SCORE – Small Business Mentoring

SCORE offers free mentoring, business tools, workshops, and startup support for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Learn more → (South Central SCORE website link — if you want, I can add the direct link)

Optional short cards (20–25 words)

REDI – Business Loans
Low-interest loans for business startup, expansion, or retention. Supports fixed assets/working capital; must create or retain jobs. Learn more → area15rpc.com/businessassistance

Local Revolving Loans
Community revolving loan funds administered with REDI assistance; can be paired with REDI financing to support business projects. Learn more → area15rpc.com/businessassistance

SCORE Mentoring
Free small business mentoring, tools, workshops, and templates to help entrepreneurs start and grow. Learn more → SCORE (South Central chapter)

• Iowa Legal Aid
  Free civil legal help (housing, safety, benefits, taxes, disasters, seniors, vets).
  Apply: 800-532-1275 (under 60), 800-992-8161 (60+).
  🔗 iowalegalaid.org/who-we-are/projects/ | Spanish info available.

• Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (ILA)
  IRS disputes, education, outreach for taxpayers.
  🔗 iowalegalaid.org (LITC)

• Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Ottumwa)
  Low/no-cost immigration legal services; multi-language.
  ☎️ 515-255-9809 | 🔗 iowammj.org

• Legal Services for LGBTQ Iowans: https://oneiowa.org/resources/legal-and-family/

Local Support & Community - Ottumwa Pride: https://www.facebook.com/OttumwaPride

One Iowa: https://oneiowa.org/

Legal Services for LGBTQ Iowans: https://oneiowa.org/resources/legal-and-family/

Trans & Non-Binary Resources: https://oneiowa.org/resources/transresources/

Hotlines & Support Groups: https://oneiowa.org/resources/hotlines-support/

Wapello County NRC
One-stop access: Sieda programs, LIHEAP, crisis advocacy, seasonal help.
📍 725 W 2nd St, Ottumwa | ☎️ 641-682-8741
🔗 sieda.org/child-development/neighborhood-resource-centers/

Family Crisis Center
Survivor-centered housing, budgeting, applications, landlord navigation.
🔗 familycrisiscenteriowa.org | ☎️ 641-683-1750

Bureau of Refugee Services
Employment, legal, interpretation, support services statewide.
🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/refugee-services

Rent Reimbursement (Seniors/Disabled)

• Iowa Rent Reimbursement
  Partial rent refund for income-eligible Iowans 65+ or disabled adults.
  🔗 hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/rent-reimbursement

• Sieda – Substance Use Disorder Treatment
  Evaluations, individualized outpatient treatment, aftercare & referrals.
  🔗 sieda.org/behavioral-health-and-treatment-services/

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol with counseling to reduce cravings and stabilize.
  🔗 sieda.org/medication-assisted-treatment-mat/

• Gambling Prevention
  Education and low/no-risk guidelines for groups and families.
  🔗 sieda.org/gambling-prevention-services/

• Problem Gambling Treatment
  Assessments, individual/family counseling; sliding-fee, Medicaid accepted.
  🔗 sieda.org/problem-gambling-treatment-services/

• OWI 12-Hour Class
  Court-recognized education to reduce future risk and meet legal requirements.
  🔗 sieda.org/owi-class-12-hours/

10-15 Transit

Bus Routes

• Iowa Legal Aid – Veterans Project
  Barriers to benefits/justice; discharge upgrades, disability, civil issues.
  🔗 iowalegalaid.org/who-we-are/projects/

• Hotline for Older Iowans (ILA)
  Free civil legal advice/referrals for Iowans 60+.
  ☎️ 800-992-8161

Wapello Life is the official safety app of Wapello County EMA. It connects residents directly to Wapello County EMA’s safety and security systems. Wapello County developed this unique app that provides its end users with added safety and convenience.

Wapello Life features include:

• Safety Resources

• Friend Walk

• Damage Reporting

• Transit Info

• Food, Clothing, and Housing Info

• Utility Company Info

• Public Service Resources

• Wapello County Business Directory

• Health & Medical Resources

• Wapello Recreation

• Wapello Life Feedback

  https://wapelloready.org/#wapello-life-app