July 2023 Volume 33; Issue 10

This month we are busy preparing for the start of a new Head Start year. Staff in-services are being held and student rosters are being finalized. Recruitment of students for Head Start and Early Head Start is ongoing. Please refer families to our local Outreach offices or the central office in Remsen for details.

The State of Iowa, Health and Human Services Department, is continuing to evaluate services to determine if efficiencies can be found. Input from providers and community members is continuing through a contract with a consulting firm. Results and plans are to be released sometime this fall.

With fall approaching, staff are busy preparing for Back-to-School projects and the beginning of LIHEAP season. Thanks to all of our donors for Back-to-School and to those that give to our local Crisis funds. All of these projects help us to meet family needs when federal and state funded programs do not fit the need.

The expansion of WIC services has gone very well. We are seeing an increase in families served and staff are pitching in to make sure all clinics are staffed appropriately.

Child care efforts continue to grow as we work with child care providers to increase their financial management skills. Although much has been accomplished there are many providers that need support. Child care is certain to be a hot topic in the coming year.

Summer is about over, and students are returning to school. We hope for another great school year and a bountiful harvest for the farmers.

Respectfully,



Dick Sievers

Executive Director

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HOUSING/ENERGY SERVICES

Sioux Center Iowa was devastated with 10-11 inches of rain on August 4, 2023. Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Sioux county at that time. Since we oversee the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program (DCAP), applications started flooding into us. To date, we have received 35 applications from households claiming flooding losses.

The IIAGP provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses related to storm recovery. 

Potential applicants have until September 20, 2023, to apply for this program. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance or by contacting the Mid-Sioux Sioux County Outreach staff at 712-722-3611, pericson@midsioux.org or adegroot@midsioux.org. 

PLYMOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH

Hello from the Plymouth County Outreach office!

We recently held our Back-to-School special project. In Plymouth County we received donations from local businesses and organizations. With those funds we purchased backpacks and supplies. We helped 73 kids with school supplies and backpacks this year!

Our office currently has crisis funds available to help with past due water or electric. If you are going through a tough time financially and could use a little extra help, please give us a call to complete an application over the telephone or stop in on Tuesday or Thursday from 9 AM-4 PM.

We are still taking Head Start/Early Head Start applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Head Start is a free pre-school program for 3- and 4-year-old children. Applications can be taken over the phone by calling the outreach offices and can also be completed online by visiting www.midsioux.org.

Akron office and food pantry are open the Second Tuesday of the month from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM, or you can reach us by phone for assistance Monday through Friday at 712-546-6603.