Annual Report

helping build stronger communities by addressing
the effects of poverty on individuals and families
2014 Annual Report
A path to success.
1
How wonderful
it is that nobody
need wait a single
moment before
starting to
improve the
world.
Anne Frank
Dear Friends,
We’ve come a long way on this “path to success” since
President Johnson’s declaration of “War on Poverty”
in 1964. Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. was
established one year later and over the next fortynine years we have garnered an incredible amount of
experience in providing poverty focused programming
for individuals, children, families and communities
throughout Northwest Iowa. We are still going
strong. We have confronted many obstacles and had
to fight a lot of tough battles and through it all we
continue to keep our focus on our mission and remain
“dedicated to building stronger
communities by addressing the
effects of poverty on individuals
and families”. We have done this by advocating
and supporting individuals and families with a variety
of services, giving them a chance to overcome the causes
and effects of poverty while striving for self-sufficiency.
The 2014 fiscal year has been no different than the
previous forty-eight. We have worked hard to maintain
the funding for the various programs offered. We
actually increased our funding from fiscal year 2013. We
were able to expand our housing services by increasing
our Emergency Solutions Grant. We were also able to
strengthen our partnerships and increased our federal
funding by $374,015! Our Head Start and WIC
programs both saw stable services. Weatherization
Brett Johnson, UDMO Board President
and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs
though reduced slightly, were able to sustain and meet
our customers’ energy needs. However, 2014 revealed
that funding and expectations of programs such as the
ones provided by UDMO are no longer the same as
they have been over the last fifty years. Accountability
will continue and success; and only success will be
awarded with continued support. The new focus is
“sustainability”.
We see a continually increasing need for our services in
the more populated communities. However, families
who remain in smaller communities and rural areas
struggle to make ends meet. Our efforts need to be
concentrated at working with these individuals and
families to develop the skills necessary to stretch their
budgets and still meet their goals for the future. We
need to grow partnerships within our communities to
provide assurance to individuals and families that their
success means a better future for everyone. We need to
provide a “path to success” for those who wish to work
hard and make themselves, their children and their
communities the best they can be. I am certain that
our board and staff are committed and dedicated to
providing this opportunity and services to meet the ever
changing needs of the low-income individuals, children
and families; just like we have since September 1965. We
will be the guidepost along their journey on their “path
to success”.
Jamie M. Whitney, Executive Director
3
Table of Contents
Outreach..................................................................... 5
Hand in Hand............................................................. 6
LIHEAP...................................................................... 7
Head Start & Early Head Start.................................... 8
Policy Council............................................................ 10
Weatherization............................................................ 11
CACFP....................................................................... 12
Poverty Guidelines...................................................... 13
FaDSS......................................................................... 14
Grantee Report Outcome Results............................... 15
Housing Services......................................................... 16
Power Up YOUth........................................................ 18
WIC............................................................................ 20
The Free Clinic............................................................ 21
Board of Directors/Outreach Assistance Locations..... 22
Funding...................................................................... 23
Client Characteristics.................................................. 24
Years of Service........................................................... 25
Volunteers................................................................... 26
4
Outreach
The gateway to many of UDMO’s services.
UDMO’s outreach centers are the gateway to many of
the agencies services. Individuals and families in need of
assistance rely on our outreach offices to support them in
meeting their needs. The outreach offices, located in each
of the 12 counties UDMO serves, are a vital source of
information and assistance for thousands of individuals
and families. The staff are well-trained, compassionate
professionals and volunteers who possess a vast
knowledge about the resources available at UDMO and
throughout the individual and unique communities that
we serve.
Each outreach center offers a spectrum of services under
one roof to families in crisis or in need of assistance. In
emergency situations, a family may receive immediate
food, shelter, or clothing; assistance with rent or utility
bills; or some type of health service. Outreach staff
members also provide information, referrals, and help
in applying for other UDMO programs. If the needs of
the individual or family are beyond the scope of what
UDMO has to offer, outreach staff will make referrals
to appropriate organizations and assists the family in
obtaining the needed services. In conjunction with the
basic services offered in each outreach center, some
counties may operate additional programs unique to that
community’s/county’s need that have been identified
and provided through community collaborations and
fundraising activities. In the future, outreach will be
providing case management services to families and
individuals so they can develop the tools and skills
needed to sustain them beyond their efforts to achieve
Last year over 21,272 unduplicated individuals were
served by our programs, many through our outreach
centers. Below, is a table that identifies the type services
and number of service units provided, specifically
through our outreach offices. Please note that these
numbers may be duplicated.
Some FY 2014 Services
Food Pantries
Food For Life
Surplus Foods
Clothing
Back to School
Household Goods
Sr Farmer’s Market
Holiday Projects
Transportation
Youth Development
CHORE
Home Repair
Individuals Served
21,602
3,768
5,564
1,569
2,324
503
393
9,607
264
254
392
4
self-sufficiency.
5
Hand In Hand
To support early care providers in creating caring and nurturing learning environments
and developing caring and nurturing relationships with the children in their programs to
support healthy social and emotional development.
The Hand In Hand program (2.0 FTE) is funded by
Early Childhood Iowa – Lakes Region to improve the
quality of early care and learning programs in Clay,
Dickinson, O’Brien and Osceola counties. Specifically,
Hand in Hand staff provides professional development
and on-site coaching and mentoring service promoting
social-emotional wellness in children Birth to age 5.
Services are targeted at early childhood professionals
working in child care centers, preschools and family
child care environments.
Utilizing Positive Behavior Intervention Supports
(PBIS), Hand in Hand staff not only assists early care
professionals in reducing and preventing the occurrence
of challenging behaviors in the classroom or family
child care environment; but also helps programs
promote universal practices for the healthy development
and long-term success of all children involved in the
program.
Support services may include:
• Adult-child relationship building
• Environment design and layout
• Resource development
Hand in Hand staff has offered PBIS professional
development on-site in child care centers – training
entire programs, at one time, in their environment
and also at centralized locations for family child
care providers. Fiscal Year 2014, Hand in Hand staff
provided training and coaching to 93 early childhood
professionals; exponentially impacting children and
families with every provider served. Hand in Hand also
provided emotional and behavior support to programs
trained in past years. Hand in Hand was able to impact
a combined total of 803 children from 622 families.
This breaks down to 270 children ages 0-2 years and 533
children 3-5 years.
Responses from Training Participants
I really gained a new perspective and like being
encouraged to look at myself to when making changes to
the child care classroom.
I liked that it was only our staff attending because we
could be open in our discussions and really problem
solve and come up with ideas to try!
I learned a lot from this class, a lot of things that I am
now trying in the classroom and at home with my own
children!
• Strategy Implementation
• Observational Data Collection
• Referral to Outside Support Services
We can’t help everyone, but
everyone can help someone.
Dr. Loretta Scott
6
LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
was established to help low-income Iowa homeowners
and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating
costs for the winter heating season, to encourage regular
utility payments, to promote energy awareness and to
encourage reduction of energy usage through energy
efficiency and client education. The assistance is based
on household income, household size, type of fuel and
type of housing. This year applications for assistance
were taken from October 1st through April 30th at each
of UDMO’s outreach centers.
Those with an income at or below 150% of the federal
poverty income guidelines qualify for the program and
are protected from disconnection of natural gas and
electric service from November 1st through April 1st
under Iowa’s moratorium law.
Households who are over LIHEAP regular income
guidelines may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits through
our medical waiver component. The medical expenses
must be documented, paid, and non-reimbursable.
During the 2014 fiscal year, LIHEAP assisted 14,697
individuals in 5,916 households in UDMO’s 12-county
service area. The average amount of LIHEAP assistance
paid to heating vendors was approximately $452 per
household. The total allotted for this assistance was
approximately $2.6 million dollars.
In addition, the program spent $296,662 for 699
households to receive additional fuel and other types of
assistance. This assistance comes in many forms such
as: emergency LP gas or fuel oil deliveries, reconnection
or service continuity of electric or natural gas service,
space heaters, blankets, furnace repair/replacement or
temporary shelter, if necessary.
During the summer of 2014, UDMO contracted
$281,992 in LP gas and fuel oil for fall delivery.
UDMO also provides emergency assistance through
several other programs and services, including: customer
contribution programs such as Mid-American Energy’s
I-CARE, Alliant Energy’s Hometown Care and Black
Hills Energy Project Share and programs funded by local
utility/customer donations. Through these programs,
UDMO’s outreach center staff members are able to
provide emergency assistance to area residents facing
energy crises.
The LIHEAP program is funded by the Department of
Health and Human Services. UDMO contracts with the
Iowa Department of Human Rights to administer the
program.
Low-income households spend approximately 15 to 20
percent of their income on utilities so programs like
LIHEAP contribute greatly to freeing up household
income for other critical expenses such as food and
medicine.
7
Head Start & Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded
programs that builds a foundation for young children’s
future educational success. UDMO offers services to
children with disabilities, infants and toddlers and
preschoolers. The programs are designed to encourage
the healthy development of young children from low
income families through a wide range of services. Head
Start serves children ages three to five years old. Services
for pregnant women, infants and toddlers are also
provided through the Early Head Start program sites
located in Buena Vista, Clay and Emmet Counties.
Upper Des Moines Opportunity Head Start and Early
Head Start programs served 569 children and their
families during the 2013-2014 program year. Head Start
was funded to serve 312 children and Early Head Start
is funded for 176 children. All programs maintained
full enrollment throughout the program year. The
return of Sequestration funds during the spring of 2014
allowed the program to add a classroom in Estherville
with 16 children but implementation was not possible
until August of 2014 (the beginning of the 2014-2015
program year). Head Start serves many more children
in partnerships with school districts in its eight-county
service area. Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s Head
Start programs are available in Buena Vista, Clay,
Dickinson, Emmet, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, and
Pocahontas Counties.
16 lived in families above 130% of poverty, 20 received
public assistance and 7 were in foster care or were
homeless. Of the 225 children served by Early Head
Start, 191 lived in families with incomes below 100%
of poverty, 30 lived in families with incomes between
100% and 130% of poverty, 4 received public assistance
and 0 were in foster care or were homeless. Head Start
served 52 with disabilities. Early Head Start served 31
children with disabilities.
Head Start and Early Head Start have adopted the
researched-based curriculums: Creative Curriculum,
Second Step and Writing without Tears (Head Start
only). Teachers work cooperatively with parents to
identify goals and to develop individual educational
plans for all children. Positive Behavior Intervention
Support (PBIS) has been implemented by Head Start
and Early Head Start. This program initiative focuses
on promoting the social and emotional development of
children birth to age five.
Priority is given to providing services for the neediest
children. Of the 344 children served by Head Start, 246
lived in families with incomes below 100% of poverty,
In addition to activities promoting educational, social
and emotional development, children also benefit from
access to dental, physical and mental health screenings
and services. Physical exams were provided to 344 Head
Start children, and 205 Early Head Start children.
Health related services were provided to 14 women
during the program year. Dental exams were provided
to 338 Head Start children and 205 Early Head Start
children. At the end of the year, 344 Head Start children
and 206 Early Head Start children were up-to-date for
all immunizations appropriate for their age. Head Start
56 lived in families between 100 and 130% of poverty,
offers family support services and the chance for families
8
to participate as full partners in the education of their
children. Families can take part in training classes; to
learn about health and nutrition, child development and
the variety of resources in their community.
The UDMO Head Start and Early Head Start programs
strive to provide the highest quality of comprehensive
early childhood services for children birth to five. Head
Start and Early Head Start classrooms are accredited by
the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC). The triennial on-site monitoring
review conducted by the Administration of Children and
Families during the week of April 15, 2012 determined
the Head Start and Early Head Start programs are in
compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance
Standards, laws, regulations, and policy requirements.
The annual independent fiscal audit conducted by
WIPFI during November 12, 2014, received an
unqualified opinion of no findings or questioned costs.
9
County
Delegate
Alternate
Community Rep
Elsa Gonzalez, 1
Paula Suarez, 1
Maria Garcia, Lutheran Social Services, 2
Khrustel Huerta, 1
Baleria Soto, 1
Nyacamp Gatwech, 1
Tut Wuol, 1
Victoria Arbizu, 1
Jackie Carcamo, 1
Toddler Room
Diosava Medina, 2
Xiomara Hernandez, 1
Home Base
Rosaana Borjas, 1
Herminia Munoz, 1
Alta
Rosario Cervantes, 1
Buena Vista
Head Start
Early Head Start
Clay
Head Start
Ralph Brausey, 1
Maria Sanchez, 1
Amy Davis, Lutheran Social Services, 1
Jessica Schmidt, 1
Early Head Start
Toddler Room
Karissa Brewer, 1
Judy Brausey, 1
Home Base
Justina Waterman, 1
Angie Sik, 1
Cristina Besaw, 1
Dickinson
Milford
Jaylinda Jensen, 1
Brittni Davis, 1
Pat Burke, 3
Dawn Westlake, 2
Spirit Lake
Mary Robertson, 1
Renee Bradham, 1
Katie Lavender, 1
Diana Diaz, 1
Katrina Lutzow, 1
Melanie Glenn, 1
Emmet
Head Start
Bernice Jensen, 1
Early Head Start
Toddler Room
Home Base
Anna Origer, 1
O’Brien
Hartley
Ashley Daggett, 2
Sheldon
Stephany Smith, 1
Susie Schneidermann, 1
Pastor Wil George, 1
Monica Don, 1
Barbara Schuster, 1
Osceola
Sibley
Tania Martinez, 1
Palo Alto
Emmetsburg
Amanda Lewis, 1
Jessica Hember, 2
Pocahontas
Laurens
Tabbatha Winkler, 1
Multi County & Policay Council Representatives
Chava Castleberry, 1
Cynthia Larson
Katrina Heller
* the number after the name denotes number of years as a member
10
Robin Nissen, 1
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the
grandest intention. Oscar Wilde
Policy Council 2014-2015
Weatherization
To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with
disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
In the U.S., the major focus of the Weatherization
Assistance Program is helping low-income families pay
their high energy costs so they may avoid loosing their
homes.
The Upper Des Moines Weatherization program staff
conducts a health and safety inspection on every home
that is weatherized. All combustion appliances (furnaces,
wather heaters, gas dryers, and stoves) are checked for
carbon monoxide, for proper venting of combustion
gases, and for gas leaks. A staff member will also do a
visual inpection of the electrical system, looking for
loose or bare wires. Another health and safety concern is
moisture problems in a home. When damp conditions
are identified, we locate the origin of the moisture issue
(attic or basement crawl space) and determine how to
mitigate it.
Professionally trained technicians use advanced energy
audits and diagnostic equipment, such as a blower
door and infrared camera, to identify the most costeffiective, energy-saving measure for each home. Using
the blower door to de-pressurize the house, a technician
can use the infrared camera to see where air is getting in.
Contracted crews then do weatherization work which
may include adding insulation to attics, walls, and crawl
spaces, and “infiltration” work like caulking, sealing and
weatherstripping doors and windows.
During fiscal year 2014, 137 homes were weatherized
at a total cost of $1, 614,870. That averages out to
approximately $11, 624 per home. These efforts helped
upgrade and weatherize homes for individuals in
UDMO’s 12-county service area.
The Iowa Wetherization Program provides many
benefits to Iowa and its residents. The program results
in millions of dollars of additional value added to the
Iowa economy. The program also mitigates certain health
and safety problems in the client’s homes, maintains
affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces
utility averages, and reduces environmental pollution.
The Weatherization Program is funded by federal monies
from the Department of Energy as well as funds from
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Local energy utility contributions from Iowa’s three
major utility companies also assist with funding, they
include Alliant, Mid-American Energy, and Black Hills
Energy. Upper Des Moines Opportunity contracts with
the Iowa Department of Human Rights to administer
these funds.
Top Ten Measures in CY’ 12 - First Year Program
Client Bill Savings and Installation Rates
Average
Measure
Savings
Heating System Replacement
$128
Wall Insulation
$95
Unfinished Attic Insulation
$67
Open Blown Ceiling Insulation
$52
Water Heater Replacement
$46
Refrigerator Exchange
$33
Foundation/Crawlspace Insulation $22
Infiltration Reduction
$20
Lighting
$17
Other Water Heating Measures
$8
Percent
Reveiving
Measure
60%
63%
44%
79%
21%
38%
42%
85%
98%
72%
11
CACFP
Child & Adult Care Food Program
The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a
federal program under the Department of Agriculture
administered by the Iowa Department of Education.
The CACFP program offers financial reimbursement
to childcare providers and childcare centers for serving
meals that are full of nutritional value to children
in their care. The program assures parents that their
children are receiving healthy, nutritious meals and
snacks while in the childcare setting. The program
encourages children to learn wholesome eating habits
at a young age, encouraging a lifetime of healthy and
nutritious eating.
Participating in-home providers are required to submit
daily menus of the meals they serve. The meals must
meet nutritional standards determined by the United
States Department of Agriculture. The Child & Adult
Care Food Program staff provides education and
assistance with menu planning through workshops and
in-home reviews.
During the 2014 fiscal year, Upper Des Moines
Opportunity’s CACFP providers were reimbursed for
serving nutritious meals and snacks to children through
the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The value
of the reimbursements to childcare providers totaled
$433,017. The Child & Adult Care Food Program is
available to registered providers in Buena Vista, Clay,
Dickinson, Emmet, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto and
Pocahontas counties under the sponsorship of Upper
Des Moines Opportunity, Inc.
12
FY 14
County
Reimbursement
Buena Vista $68,161
Clay
$82,271
Dickinson $8,424
Emmet
$87,517
O’Brien
$93,736
Osceola
$11, 865
Palo Alto
$49,804
Pocahontas $31, 239
Total
$433,017
Number
of Providors
12
17
4
17
17
3
8
5
83
What this world
needs is a new kind
of army – the army
of the kind.
Cleveland Amory
Poverty Guidelines
# in Household
50%
100%
110%
130%
150%
185%
200%
HS/EHS
LIHEAP WIC
IDA WAP
1
$5,835
$11,670 $12,837 $15,171 $17,505 $21,589.5 $23,340
2
$7,864
$15,730 $17,303 $20,449 $23,595 $29,110.5 $31,460
3
$9,895
$19,790 $21,769 $25,727 $29,685 $36,611.5 $39,580
4
$11,925 $23,850 $26,235 $31,005 $35,775 $44,122.5 $47,700
5
$13,955 $27,910 $30,701 $36,283 $41,865 $51,633.5 $55,820
6
$15,985 $31,970 $35,167 $41,865 $47,955 $59,144.5 $63,940
7
$18,015 $36,030 $39,633 $46,839 $54,045 $66,655.5 $72,060
8
$20,045 $40,090 $44,099 $52,117 $60,135 $74,166.5 480,180
* HS = Head Start (At least 90% of children must be from families that meet the federally regulated
income guidelines. No more than 35% of enrolled children may be between 100-130% families living
in poverty and 10% of enrollment opportunities must be available for children with disabilities.)
*WAP = Weatherization Program
*LIHEAP = Low Income Home Enery Assistance Program
*WIC = Women Infants and Children
*IDA = Individual Development Account
In fiscal year 2013 Community Action Agencies served
323,696 of individuals and 125,397 of households.
29.8%
of families are at or below 50% of poverty
16.6%
of families are at 51% - 75% of poverty
18.0%
of families are at 76% - 100% of poverty
16.2%
of families are at 101% - 125% of poverty
11.8%
of families are at 126% - 150% of poverty
3.9%
of families are at 151% - 175% of poverty
1.6%
of families are at 176% - 200% of poverty
2.1%
of families are at 200% of poverty
13
FaDSS
Family Development and Self-Sufficiency
Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) is
a voluntary self-sufficiency program for participants
of the Family Investment Program (FIP). Participants
may be referred from a variety of sources, such as
the Department of Human Services, Promise Jobs,
community partners, or even individuals. Upper Des
Moines Opportunity offers its FaDSS program in
Buena Vista, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, Palo Alto,
Pocahontas, Webster, and Wright Counties.
One of the keys to the program, and an integral part of
achieving self-sufficiency, is goal setting. In addition to
the basic goals established by the program, each FaDSS
family determines what types of changes it would like to
make, then sets their own timely goals for improvement.
Certified Family Development Specialists within the
FaDSS program help area families experience individual
growth and move toward job retention and economic
stability. Families enrolled may increase their job skills,
learn to budget, improve the safety of their homes and
children, and learn to access other community resources.
Certified Family Development Specialists offer this
ongoing education and support through a series of
visits to each family’s home. Program participants may
also take part in parent support activities, prescription
assistance programs, enrichment classes,
and achievement recognition activities.
14
Aria enrolled with FaDSS as a single
mom separated from a violent spouse.
FaDSS was able to refer Legal Aid
to keep Aria and her daughter safe
and helped to start the divorce
process. Indomitably, Aria enrolled
in the local community college. She
excelled, receiving excellent grades
and obtaining glowing references.
Accepting extra help was tough for
Aria, but FaDSS connected her with
energy assistance and the Embrace
Iowa program. Working with local
organizations, FaDDS set up support
so Aria and her daughter could have
access to affordable and fun family
activities. After 2 years of dedication
to school and work, Aria graduated!
With full time employment Aria was
able to get off of FIP!!
Grantee Report of Outcome Results
for FY 2014
Contract Measures
Barrier Reducation Measures
Treatement access to SA (Adults)
Treatement access to MH (Adults)
Families involved in activities to increase work
preparedness skills
Self Sufficiency Directive Measurements
Families increasing their income when they leave
the FaDSS program
Families continuing to receive services (transition)
after the last month of FIP is received
Target 2014
Start 2014
UDMO
79%
55%
82%
84%
84%
87%
94%
98%
45%
44%
51%
60%
51.80%
54.43%
State 2014
2.9
1.21
20.49%
9.08
42%
14%
UDMO
3.10
1.17
5.925%
8.61
40%
17%
$256.88
44.16%
$1.11
$9.42
29%
$290
44.30%
$1.02
$9.40
21%
93%
98%
Demographic Information
Average Familiy Size at Exit
Average # of Monthly Home Visits per Family
Percentage of Quality Visits to All Visits
Average Length of Stay (Months)
Minority at Enrollment
Families That Have Submistted Applicaiton for SSI/SDI
Results for FY 2014
Cost per Home Visit
Head of Household Employed at Exit
Return on Investment
Exit Wage of Head of Household
Individuals Involved in an Educational Program That Completed
the Program During the Program Year
Treatment Access for Chronic/Acute Physical Illness (Adult &
Children)
15
Housing Services
Upper Des Moines Opportunity offers two types of Housing Programs; Emergency
Solutions Grant (ESG) and Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA).
ESG
The ESG has two components; Homeless Prevention
and Rapid Re-Housing. This program focuses on helping
families and singles to remain in their current housing
or to re-locate if necessary. We further assist families
and singles in getting back on their feet and working
with them in becoming self-sufficient. During fiscal year
2014, $80,000 was used to help homeless individuals
and families with covering the costs in homeless
prevention and rapid re-housing, housing relocation and
stabilization.
The ESG program assists low income families and
individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless. The program is managed by a Housing
Coordinator that is based out of Webster County. They
provide services and case management to individuals
and families in six (6) counties of UDMO’s 12 counties
including Buena Vista, Clay, Emmet, Hamilton, Palo
Alto and Webster.
Eligibility for the program is based on family income
as well as several risk factors and barriers. In Fiscal Year
2014, a total of 112 individuals in 58 households were
served using the funding from the ESG grant; all clients
had a median income of 0-30%. The FY 2014 budget
was used in assisting families and individuals to become
stable. The Housing Coordinator provides guidance
and support to individuals and families in becoming
stable and self-sufficient once they are enrolled into the
program.
16
Stephanie is a single mother of
five who fled a domestic violence
situation. With few resources, she
moved in with a friend who also had
five children. One afternoon, she
and her children were asked to leave
immediately. With no one to turn to
for help, she contacted UDMO.
UDMO was able to contact the
motel where Stephanie worked and
establish temporary housing through
the Rapid Re-Housing program for
six days. In that time, Stephanie was
able to find permanent housing for
her and her family through a partner,
Fort Dodge Regional Housing.
TBRA
The Tenant Based Rental Assistance program is
designed to provide rental assistance by helping eligible
household’s secure affordable housing. The program
provides a rental subsidy for a longer time period not to
exceed two years. Payments from TBRA are intended to
make up the difference between the amount of rent and
housing expenses (including utilities) that the family or
individuals can afford to pay on a monthly basis and the
actual monthly cost of the housing. The program criteria
is as follows:
• Low income or at least 60% of the median income.
We focus on families with children and those that
are participants of UDMO’s Family Development
Self Sufficiency program or Head Start/Early Head
Start programs as well as those families on the verge
of eviction.
• The apartment or home must meet certain quality
standards that are established by HUD Section 8.
The housing needs to be affordable and safe.
• The rent for the unit must meet rent reasonableness
which varies from county to county.
The program is covered by a housing coordinator which
is based out of Fort Dodge. The coordinator provides
services and case management to individuals and families
in all of UDMO’s 12 counties.
In fiscal year 2014, we had a budget of $53.073. 82
individuals in 30 households received assistance with
the funding. The majority had a median income of
0-50%. The budget was spent in assisting families and
individuals to become stable and self-sufficient.
Esmerelda, a single mother of
four, lost her job and was living on
unemployment. Funds were limited
causing her to fall behind on her
monthly rent and leading to an
eviction notice. Esmerelda reached
out to UDMO outreach for help. She
met all of the criteria and received
help from the TBRA program. The
program was able to pay a portion,
of her rent with Esmerelda paying
the other portion allowing her to
stay in her home. Esmerelda started
attending college to upgrade her skills
so she can gain better employment
and take care of her family. Without
the help of the TBRA program
Esmeralda and her children would
have been homeless.
17
Power Up YOUth
Secure the future of our youth by the reduction of substance abuse and risky behaviors.
Power Up YOUth is a different kind of team member
among Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s line-up of
services. We are a coalition, or a group of agencies
and individuals working to eliminate or hamper the
conditions in the community that support the abuse or
misuse of substances among youth. Instead of focusing
all of our energies on serving individuals by providing
information, building skills and providing support, we
also work with organizations and businesses to change
policies and practices, reduce barriers, and change
consequences. This year we made a concerted effort to
focus more of our energy on specific drugs rather than
overall drug use. We also support our partners in their
efforts to reduce teen pregnancies and tobacco use.
This work is accomplished through co-leading by
community members and our staff. Staff members
include Kathy Getting, full time Coalition Coordinator/
Director, and Kristi Schrad, part time office assistant
at the inTANDEM Workspace in Webster City. We
limit our efforts to the residents of Hamilton County.
Some of the primary actors in the coalition are from
Hamilton County Public Health, Building FamiliesECI, Hamilton County Extension, Community and
Family Resources, and Hamilton County Crimestoppers.
Contracted marketing and evaluation services are funded
through grant dollars and used to inform decisions and
the community.
Our Drug Free Communities Support Grant targets
the residents of Hamilton County to ultimately reduce
and prevent substance abuse among K-12 youth. In the
2014 fiscal year, we provided services to 448 individuals.
18
Services included drug free activities for youth,
presentations to civic or religious groups and medical
staff, and numerous trainings. The trainings include the
Crucial Accountability workshop that target parents and
youth workers, targeting parents and youth workers and
Responsible Beverage Server Training targeting bars and
restaurants.
Also during this year, we in cooperation with other antidrug coalitions across the state, successfully advocated
for a state social host law so that adults who allow
underage drinking parties on their property can be
charged even if they do not purchase the alcohol. Then
Power Up YOUth created public service announcements
and found low-cost methods of delivering them to each
of the nine communities within Hamilton County.
Other community changes that occurred as a result of
our efforts include:
• Established an alcohol free kid zone during the
Webster City RVTV event,
• Successfully advocated that the WC Chamber adopt
a policy where profanity, intoxication, or aggressive
behavior are ground for dismissal from the tailgating
area during their events,
• Shared examples of drug policies that led to Kendall
Young Library adopting a policy that forbids the use
of alcohol or other drugs on their property,
• Began the formation of a local health promotion
coalition as part of our sustainability plan (We
continue to support the process by offering backbone
support by organizing meetings and sending emails
to interested parties.),
• Posted permanent signage telling how to provide
anonymous tips to local law enforcement in public
parks and on main street, and
• Increased the total amount of electronic tips to the
three law enforcement agencies from the previous
year.
The above list shows our successes but some community
changes require long term commitments. Coalition
members are advocating for an evidenced based delivery
system of evidenced based curricula for the schools,
advocating for the evidence based best practice of
Screening Brief Intervention or Referral to Treatment
with medical providers, and recruiting participation in
the system analysis of the Webster City School District,
Hamilton County Public Health, and Hamilton County
Juvenile Court Services around the issues of mental
health and substance abuse. We are also discussing
among ourselves the growing national support for
making marijuana more available and how it might
affect our work. We anticipate even more changes next
year.
Children are likely to liv
e up to what you believe
Lady Bird Johnson
of them.
19
WIC
Women, Infants, and Children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, infants and Children (WIC) has an
extraordinary 40-year record of preventing children’s
health problems and improving their health, growth and
development. WIC children enter school ready to learn
and show better cognitive performance.
The WIC target population is low-income, nutritionally
at risk:
• Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6
weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends),
• Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1st birthday),
• Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to
6 months after the birth of an infant or after
pregnancy ends),
• Infants (up to 1st birthday). WIC serves 53% of all
infants born in the United States,
• Children up to their 5th birthday.
The following benefits are provided to WIC participants:
• Supplemental nutritious foods,
• Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics,
• Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and
social services.
Upper Des Moines Opportunity is proud to offer this
successful program in eight counties (Buena Vista, Clay,
Dickinson, Emmet, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto and
Pocahontas).
During the 2014 fiscal year, UDMO served over 3950
participants. In addition to meeting the needs of its
participants, the WIC program saves taxpayer dollars
20
every month. Monthly financial allotments, in the form
of WIC food instruments, are offered to pregnant,
postpartum or breastfeeding women, or the parents of
children under age five so they can purchase healthy
foods from WIC-approved vendors. In addition, some
states issue an electronic benefit card to participants
instead of paper checks or vouchers.
Iowa WIC is moving toward the use of electronic benefit
cards instead of paper checks. Iowa’s goal is to initiate the
use of electronic cards by the end of 2015.
In order to be eligible for the WIC program, applicants
must have incomes at or below 185% of the federal
poverty guidelines, or be an active participant with the
Medicaid program. At the WIC clinics, registered nurses
and dietitians provide health screenings and dietary
assessments along with education, referrals and followup as needed. The professional support staff handles data
entry and check distribution.
The WIC program continues to build partnerships to
develop the most effective delivery system to ensure the
health of all pregnant moms, moms with new babies and
young children.
The Free Clinic
A wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.
The Clinic began seeing patients in September 1999.
It provides medical services for the uninsured and
underinsured who have acute health needs. The Clinic
meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
at the First Christian Church located at 205 N 7th Street
in Estherville, IA. Check-in is between 6:30 and 7:00
pm. There are no appointments. While the Clinic is
located in Estherville, it provides services to anyone who
has need. For more information stop by the Clinic or
call 712-209-1213.
Since April 1999, the Clinic has been a part of Upper
Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. (UDMO), a Community
Action Agency located in Graettinger, IA. It is through
UDMO that the Clinic is able to function as a 501(c)(3)
agency.
The Clinic staff is 100% volunteer. The volunteers
currently include a nurse practitioner, four doctors,
a staff of nurses, a translator, and a number of nonmedical personnel. It is governed by a 13 member
Advisory Board, all of whom are volunteers and on
which the UDMO Executive Director serves as an exofficio member.
Much of the Clinic’s funding comes from State monies
that have been secured through the work of the Iowa
Primary Care Association. At various times in its history,
the Clinic has received financial support from UDMO
through the Community Service Block Grant funds it
administers. It also accepts contributions, which are tax
deductible.
The Clinic is an Associate Member of the Free Clinics of
Iowa. Also, it is a participating member of the Volunteer
Health Care Provider Program, which is administered by
the Iowa Department of Public Health.
The Clinic is a wonderful example of what can happen
when a community comes together in support of a
particular need. The volunteers, Avera Holy Family, the
local pharmacies, and UDMO are the ones who make
it happen month after month, year after year. While the
future is not in our hands, it is the hope of the Clinic
that it will be able to provide health care services to the
uninsured and underinsured as long as there is need.
The free services provided include the office visit as well
as the cost of prescriptions minus a $15.00 co-pay for
those who can afford such. If tests or x-rays are ordered,
those are done at Avera Holy Family Hospital in
Estherville. Those costs are also covered by The Clinic. It
is able to do so because Avera Holy Family significantly
discounts them. To date the Clinic has registered over
1,800 patient visits.
21
Multi-County Board of Directors
Don Altena, Buena Vista
Carolann Fullerton, Clay
Joe Skow, Clay
Latrelle Stapleton, Dickinson
Lavonne Kirk, Emmet
Rick Pederson, Humboldt
Jayson Vande Hoef, Osceola
Vincent Triggs, Pocahontas
Dr. Fran Pettigrew, Wright
Outreach Assistance Locations
Buena Vista County Outreach
Office
620 Michigan Street
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Emmet County Outreach Office
508 South 1st Street
Estherville, IA 51334
O’Brien County Outreach Office
140 2nd Street Southeast
PO Box 462
Primghar, IA 51246
Pocahontas County Outreach
Office
406 Northwest 7th Street
Pocahontas, IA 50574
Elano Gaffey, Buena Vista
Katrina Heller, Clay
Mardi Allen, Dickinson
Glenn Bohmer, Emmet
Ron Smith, Emmet
Jim DeBoom, O’Brien
Ron Graettinger, Palo Alto
Kim Alstott, Webster
Rick Rasmussen, Wright
Sandy Johnson, Buena Vista
David Scott, Clay
Brett Johnson, Dickinson
Beverly Juhl, Emmet
Doug Bailey, Hamilton
Larry Pedley, Osceola
Jill Conlin, Pocahontas
Bob Singer, Webster
Clay County Outreach Office
407 East 3rd Street
Spencer, IA 51301
Dickinson County Outreach
Office
1575 18th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Hamilton County Outreach Office Humboldt County Outreach
711 Seneca Street
Office
Webster City, IA 50595
Humboldt County Courthouse
3rd Floor, PO Box 100
Dakota City, IA 50529
Osceola County Outreach Office Palo Alto County Outreach Office
1672 Highway, Blvd 60
2905 25th Street
Sibley, IA 51249
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Webster County Outreach Office
900 Central Avenue, Suite 11
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Wright County Outreach Office
221 West Broadway
Eagle Grove, IA 50533
We are trying to construct a more inclusive
society. We are going to make a country in
which no one is left out.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
22
Federal Funding
Head Start (including in-kind)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program
Early Head Start (including in-kind)
Weatherization
Child and Adult Care Food Program
WIC
Community Services Block Grant
Child Care Food Reimbursement Program
WRAP Around
Power Up YOUth (including in-kind)
Family Development / Self-Sufficiency
Emergency Solutions Grant
Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood
Home Visiting Program
Affordable Care Act
Tenant Based Rental Assistance
WIC Farmers’ Market
Subtotal Federal Funding
State Funding
Community School 4-Year-Old Programs
Child Development Centers (including
in-kind)
Family Development/Self Sufficiency
Empowerment Programs
Iowa Individual Assistance
Senior Living Trust Programs
Subtotal State Funding
3,346,452
3,263,540
2,375,944
1,330,658
520,012
438,473
410,236
275,778
260,063
251,059
127,583
94,901
44,485
33,785
15,347
479
12,788,795
Other Funding
Weatherization – Utilities
Donations
Counties and Cities
HOME Project Rents & Other Rental
Income
Project Share/Project Care/Project Helper/ I CARE/Hometown Care
United Way
Embrace Iowa
Palo Alto Gaming
MIHOPE
Share Our Strength
Program Income
Interest
Other Income
Subtotal Other Funding
398,637
332,543
209,054
115,181
49,511
45,769
10,877
69,706
3,064
330
14,626
3,132
94,879
1,347,309
Total FY ’13 Funding $15,200,148
412,261
295,217
139,911
105,260
72,728
38,667
1,064,044
Federal Funding
State Funding
Other Funding
Never believe that a few caring people
can't change the world. For, indeed, that's
all who ever have.
Margaret Mead
23
Client Characteristics
Total unduplicated number of persons whom characteristics were obtained: 20,551
Total unduplicated nuber of families containing one or more persons served: 8,379
Gender
Education (age 24+)
Sources of Family Income
Male
9025
0-8th grade
622
No Income
573
Female
11526
9-12 grade/non-graduate
1465
AFDC/FIP/TANF
389
Unknown/Not Given
0
High School Graduate/GED
5779
SSI
1345
12+ some post secondary
1604
Social Security
3182
2 or 4 year graduate
1233
Pension
439
Age
0-3
1621
Non HS grad/GED
394
General Assistance
12
4-5
996
Unknown/Not Reported
28
Unemployment Insurance
311
6-11
3122
Other Characteristics
Employment + Other Sources
921
12-17
2300
Health Insurance
16566
Employment Only
2768
18-23
1387
Disabled
3452
Other
227
24-34
2841
Veteran
380
Unduplicated # of Families
7910
35-44
2222
45-54
2027
Family Type
55-69
2317
Single parent/Female
1564
70+
1718
Single parent/Male
140
Unknown/Not Given
0
Two-parent Household
1773
Single person
3589
Two Adults/no children
1313
Ethnicity/Race
reporting income source**
Hispanic/Latino
2832
Other
0
Not Hispanic/Latino
17218
Unknown/Not Reported
0
Unknown/Not Reported
501
Family Size
Black/African American
817
One
3588
White
18257
Two
1756
American Indian/Alaskan Native 93
Three
1135
Asian
231
Four
914
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 115
Five
549
Multi-race (2 or more of above)
855
Six
273
Other
124
Seven
92
Unknown/Not Reported
59
Eight +
72
Unknown/Not Reported
0
Of particular interest...
households below 100% poverty level 63%
individuals with health insurance 81%
households with at least one working member 44%
households with Social Security retirement benefits 38%
24
Level of Family Income
(% of HHS Guideline)
Up to 50%
2362
51 to 75%
1450
76 to 100%
1477
101 to 125%
1481
126 to 150%
972
151% to 175%
39
176% to 200%
127
201% and over
121
Unknown/Not Reported
0
Housing
Own/Buy
3476
Rent
4655
Homeless
85
Other
163
Unknown/Not Reported
0
Other Characteristics
Receiving Food Stamps
4941
Farmer
21
Migrant Farmworker
1
Seasonal Farmworker
22
UDMO’s greatest assets is it’s devoted staff. We
could not ask for a more wholehearted and
loyal group of people who are committed inspite
of the challenging circumstances UDMO works
under. UDMO would like to honor these team
members for their years of service.
35 years SharonGrothaus
Jennifer Corley
25 years Karen Carey
Lori Smith
Ann Dodge
Diane Helget
20 years Starr Abbas
Shelly Charapata
Pamalee Polson
Michella Koppen
15 years Lora Bilney
Peg Martini
Carol Chicoine
Brandy Freeman
Jacky Hersleff
10 years Kerry Bennett
DeniseHull
Michael Leonard
Deb Weir
5 years KaelahBalmer
Margaret (Peg) Arnts
Shelly Berning
Melanie Biddle
Dawn Hill
Jodi Shirk
DeAnn Sandgren
Chelsea Johnson
Juana Flores
Julie Hanson
25
Without the support and dedication of our
volunteers we would not be able to accomplish all
that we do. UDMO would like to give a gigantic
thank you to these very special people.
Buena Vista
Emily Jackson
Sherrille Elliott
Angie Wilde
Esmerelda Espinoza
Jessica Vega
Marilyn Fields
Linda Weaverling
Joe Karstens
Steve Smith
Jerri Hummel
Nancy Hoch
Megan Fassler
Jessica Thuma
Duane Queen
Donna Queen
Manual Gomez
Lydia Smith
Eric Ramos
Nicole Goodman
Teresita Cepada
Samuel Kelley
Jim Elliason
Clay
Ben Grimmius
Brenda Keniston
Gary Holck
Gary Tolzmann
Gene Thill
Jake Long
Jeff Huckfelt
Jiggs Jorgensen
Jim Pitts
Joan Kallsen
John Kluver
Kathy Halverson
Mark Feldman
Mike Elder
Paul Brenner
26
Sandi Witt
Shannon Mccallister
Spencer Jaycees
Adopt A Family Volunteer
Duane Holck
Dave Helgeson
Mark Keniston
Tammy Brown
Ron Hansen
Kevin Boyens
Nancy Grimmius
Dickinson
Beth Hagberg
Charlene Wartnaby
Curt Anderson
D. Ludwig
Danielle Nelson
Dean Madagan
Helen Smidt
Jessica Nikkel
Julie Anderson
Karen Van Guilder
Kya Kalsow
Latrelle Stapleton
Lori Birkland
Maureen David
Mike Strum
Thelma Madagan
Dorothy Wagner
Brenda Hawn
Carol Coleman
Everett Johnson
Caleb Jennings
Jeff Johanson
Judy Gard
Tom Jansen
Krystal Price
Karl Whiteman
Jeff Weir
Edwin Dowd
Karleen Noteboom
Mick Noteboom
Darla Zellmer
Jim Valen
David Halsrud
Vick Perry
Penny Perry
Marshall Crane
Rhonda Crane
D. Twentyman
M. Twentyman
S. Shuety
K. Petersen
Alyssa Weir
John Barlow
J. Amsler
K. Amsler
Warren Baker
Karen Baker
Jerry Staukweather
Diane Zempel
Shauna Wahl
Keith Oosterbrug
Doug Serck
Jerry Cook
Craig Anderson
Wayne Northey
Bob Moore
Frank Kennedy
Joseph May
Emmet
Dee Iseminger
Delores Inman
Lois Jensen
Mary Ann Breiner
Paulette Graff
Robin Lary
Hamilton
Amanda Hilpipre
Ann Crosby
Arnold Zinnel
Barb Law
Barb Wollan
Becky Koppen
Bob Schultz
Brandy Storm
Cierra Graesch
Deana Mcintire
Doris Lind
Dylhan Weets
Erin Storm
Janet Toering
Jean Mcdowell
Karyl Bonjour
Laura Koppen
Leslie Andrews
Marge Krieger
Mr. Ann Crosby
Rhonda Masser
Sara Chellen
Shelby Kroona
Tony Smith
Dereck Tincher
Jean Schwandt
Kim Lewis
Dale Knight
Sue Fonken
Donna Foster
Doug Kolbeck
Lois Olson
Trudy Anderson
Ann Kennedy
Maribeth Moulan
Marilyn Walker
Deacon Garvey
Chris Mehrens
Loween Getter
Peace begins
with a smile.
Mother Teresa
Doug Getter
Eric Peterson
Peggy Vanarsdale
Doug Bailey
Kathy Theobald
Gayle Anderson
Roma Johnson
Kary Bonjour
Christy Fiala
Humboldt
Dave Rundle
Donna Cooper
Duane Larsen
Gary Goetsch
Lois Nerem
Pat Hill
Shirley Robertson
Marlys Johnson
Candy Robinson
Candy Robertson
Bruce Gunderson
Jo Heinrichs
Rick Pedersen
Mariah Boucher
Jessica Kelley
O’Brien
Jamie Sage
Linda Frangenberg
Ryan Deberg
Dorthy Wagner
Charlene Wartnaby
Pam Culler
Osceola
Lois Boorsma
Casey Vanengen
Sierra Whipple
Ron Vanengen
Palo Alto
David Libke
Randy Lewis
Marvin Fehr
Mason Carrigan
Fabian Garcia
Todd Gisch
Beth Bradstreet
Dylan Rehm
Braeden Bennet
Pocahontas
20 Hs Students
Webster
Diane Johnston
John Ohrtman
Linda Sessler
Nancy Teske
Ruth Mccollough
Brooklin Border
Justin Vaughan
Danae Pingel
Christian Lundberg
Derrick Murry
Morgan Border
Riley Border
Dj Powell
Claire Fleming
Luke Vaughan
Kadyn Lundberg
Maric Saloker
Liam Conran
Taylor Hintch
Maddison Hepperle
Reagan Black
K.g.
Cooper Fleming
Jaime Vaughan
Keaton Hepperle
Sydnee Waggoner
Liese Vaughan
Dalten Dencklau
Linda Cline
Makaye Pingel
Kannrn Graham
Rob Hepperle
Madison Hepperl
Makayla Pingel
Jean Black
Lana Waggoner
Shelia Border
Brianna Luke
Wright
Beverly Vance
Joyce Halbach
Donna Hossman
Dr. Fran Pettigrew
Linda Thiele
Blanche Bosteder
John Ohrtman
Al Jensen
Rick Rasmussen
Alexis Morgan
Sherry Ellis
Pastor Jim Harbaugh
Gayleen Rutherford
Buster Brown
Barb Dooley
Donna Madson
Audrea Lee
Wyn Ann Allen
Becky Wachowiak
Pamela Kruger
Marlene Brown
Alan Jensen
James Harbough
27
We are Upper Des Moines Opportunity