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Helping People. Changing Lives.
August 2021 Volume 31; Issue 10
From the Executive Director's Desk
August is the 11th month of our agency fiscal year. A good number of our grants/contracts end in September as well. We are beginning to hear discussions about funding levels for our federal services.

The House of Representatives is planning to move appropriation bills in August with hopes of passing them in the Senate. That will most likely not happen which means a continuing resolution will be needed in order to keep services funded through December. Then a final bill will have to be passed.

As of now, funding levels for our services seem to be in good standing. There is potential for funding increases and perhaps some additional dollars in the Infrastructure Bill as well. It looks favorable for a good financial situation in the new year.

There continues to be funding coming through related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for rent, utilities, child care and some other services are still being made available. These resources have various ending dates but most will expire in September of 2022. 

As the summer comes to an end, we will be preparing for Head Start classes, LIHEAP season, holiday projects, W.I.C. clinics, school dental sealant services and more. 

As we move toward a new year, I am hopeful that it will bring prosperity and good health to everyone.
Click the ICAA Logo above to find out what's happening in statewide Community Action.
HOUSING/ENERGY SERVICES
It is with much excitement that we welcome Beth Tentinger to the Housing/Energy Services Department. Beth has been with Mid-Sioux for eighteen years as the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant for the agency. She brings a wealth of experience, organizational skills, and computer skills to this position. Her friendly attitude and smile will be missed by all that come through Mid-Sioux’s front door.
LiHEAP (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program)
We purchase fuel for the winter at this time for a lot of our propane and fuel oil customers. Prices received have ranged from a low of $1.45 to a high of $1.70 for propane. Last year’s prices ranged from $.90 to $1.22. Fuel oil prices have gone up from a high last year of $1.89 to $2.90 this year. ☹
CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL
The number of child care providers in the state of Iowa is decreasing every year, with a 33% decline, our workforce struggles more than ever. Child Care Providers need OUR support! The task of keeping the doors open while serving children and families can be overwhelming for an organization. There are simple and proven ways of supporting a child care organization that will not only support your families but will aid your community and workforce.
The following items are ideas on how you can get involved to support our child care providers:

  • Be Informed - Learn more about the availability of child care in your county.
  • Provide Resources - Ensure all families are aware of CCR&R services. Have CCR&R representatives come out for educational opportunities for your business, employees and clients!
  • Tax Benefits - Inquire about potential tax benefits available for employers to help employees with child care costs.
  • Advocate in Community - Support community initiatives in early childhood.
  • Educate Leaders - Speak out about the need for high-quality child care and early learning settings.
  • Connect with Legislators - Convey to policymakers your support for public investment in early education.
  • Offer Shared Services – Volunteer, offer snow removal, lawn care, donated materials/supplies, technology and connections.
 
If you want to learn more about the valuable opportunities there are to support child care providers, visit iowaccrr.org.
 
Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is going to the Iowa State Fair! IowaWORKS has been so kind to invite CCR&R to the fair to share a booth on August 18, 2021 from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Child care is the engine that drives our economy and workforce and partnership is ready to show it! Stop by the IowaWORKS booth to see your local CCR&R staff Rebekah Hungate, Business Development Specialist, and Danielle Hale, Business Development Specialist. 
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 school kits. We helped 62 kids with school supplies and backpacks this year!

Our office currently has some crisis funds available to help with past-due rent or utilities. 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 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

We are still taking Head Start/Early Head Start applications for the 2021-2022 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.

If you or someone you know needs help with food for their household in Akron, appointments can be set up by calling Deb McPherson at 712-548-6592.

The Le Mars Outreach Office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. You can reach us at 712-546-6603 or 1-800-859-2025. You can always reach us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in our Cherokee office at 712-225-3322.
418 S. Marion Street | Remsen, IA 51050 | 712-786-2001 | 800-859-2025