United Way of Central Iowa is fostering a thriving community, one that is equitable, engaged, and empowered. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

If you are seeking assistance for yourself or another person in your life, view our list of programs below. 211 should be your first stop, as a certified navigator can listen to your challenges and find exactly what you need.

211

211 is United Way’s trusted information and referral service that provides expert, caring help to meet your needs. No matter the situation, the help navigators at 211 listen, identify underlying problems and connect people in need with resources and services in our community that improve their lives.

Contact 211 to find information on:

• Rent assistance
• Food pantries
• Affordable housing
• Utility assistance
• Health and mental health resources
• Child care and afterschool programs
• Elderly care
• Job training programs
• Legal services
• Crisis intervention
• Disability services
• Volunteer opportunities
• And more

211 is available 24/7, and your information is kept completely confidential. A language line translates 150 languages.

To access the service:

• Dial 2-1-1 at any time
• Text your ZIP code to 898211
• Visit 211iowa.org
• Download the 211 Iowa App

VITA

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is United Way’s free tax-preparation program, staffed by trained volunteers, for low- and middle-income central Iowans.

Individuals and families who make $58,000 annually qualify to use the service at one of two Des Moines locations January through April. It’s a free, accurate, and convenient way to file your taxes and potentially qualify to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Care Tax Credits.

In 2019, VITA filed more than 4,000 returns for central Iowans, with the average return amount of $1,740.

United Way also provides the online service MyFreeTaxes.com for individuals and families who make less than $68,000 annually.

If you’re interested in becoming a VITA volunteer, either as a tax preparer or greeter, check out our VITA volunteer page.

Bridges to Success

Bridges to Success is United Way’s collaboration with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to help adults earn their high school equivalency diploma, or HISET, (formerly known as the GED). The program provides free classes, testing, and books, as well as individualized career coaches who support you through the program and help you find a job after you’ve finished.

Within 18 months of graduating the program, 614 adults have achieved at least a 45% increase in their income.

Central Iowa HealthWorks

Central Iowa HealthWorks connects central Iowans to careers in health care. The program provides free tuition, books, and testing, as well as supportive case management to help support individuals as they work through their respective health care training. HealthWorks also helps graduates find jobs after earning their certificates or degrees.

Career options include certified nursing assistant (CNA), home health aid, lab support technician, paramedic,  medical assistant, registered nurse, and many more.

Central Iowa HealthWorks has already enrolled more than 500 adults in health care training. 70% of those individuals represent minority populations.

5-2-1-0

United Way’s 5-2-1-0 initiative provides resources to parents, educators, and health care professionals to help kids learn and demonstrate healthy habits in their lives.

The daily formula is simple and easy to remember:

5 fruits and vegetables

2 hours or fewer of screen time

1 hour of physical activity

0 sugary drinks, more water

In 2018, the 5-2-1-0 initiative reached more than 170,000 children in central Iowa through schools, child care centers, and health clinics.

Find resources you can use in your own family, school, or clubs on our 5-2-10 website.

You can also follow our Facebook page for simple and fun ideas to implement the 5-2-1-0 formula in your family’s life.

Funded Programs

United Way of Central Iowa funds more than 130 programs at local nonprofits in the areas of education, income, health, and essential needs. One of these programs may be a good fit for you or your family. If so, please contact the program directly rather than United Way. You can also call 211 for ideas on what local programs might fit your needs.

Special Note

In general, United Way of Central Iowa is not a direct-service organization, except in a few unique cases. Our collective impact model focuses on uniting the community around the toughest challenges, investing in local programs , and evaluating the results in order to make sure we are making the most progress possible. If you are in need of assistance, please call 2-1-1 rather than dialing our direct number or visiting our office location.