November 2022 Volume 33; Issue 2

You can view the complete newsletter here.

From the Executive Director's Desk

November is busy with LIHEAP and Holiday projects. A good number of LIHEAP applications have been taken in October. Holiday activities are underway as well. Outreach staff is very busy this time of year.

Congress has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), which funds our services through December 16, 2022. Not much will happen until the election is over on November 8th. The impact on final funding numbers for the remainder of the fiscal year depends heavily on which party has control of congress.

We are providing WIC services in our new 10-county area. This continues to go well. Thanks to the staff for their hard work. Preparations for audit are taking place as we close the last fiscal year on September 30, 2022. Auditors will be in-house in December to review final numbers.

Head Start and Early Head Start classes are underway. Our facility expansion in Cherokee is complete. This additional space will be used for parent meetings and staff meetings. It is very nice to have the use of this additional space.

Inflation remains an issue for all of us. It is particularly difficult for lower-income households. I expect to see an increase in applications for our services. It is times like this when our programs become even more important.

Enjoy what is left of our fall weather and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Respectfully,
Dick Sievers
Executive Director

Child Care Collaborative of Iowa

Mid-Sioux Opportunity has secured the role of Financial Management Consultants (FMC) for the Child Care Collaborative of Iowa (CCCI) program. We will assist child care programs across the state to implement one of the identified CCMS software programs and work towards better business practices.

Learn more here: Introducing the Child Care Collaborative of Iowa

Outreach

Hello from the Lyon County Outreach Office!

Our temperatures will be changing, and we need to remind everyone that we are accepting applications for our LiHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Our Lyon County office is open in Rock Rapids every Wednesday from 9:00-4:00 PM. So far, we have had a great response from people wanting to schedule appointments to get signed up! There is a lot of need out there and we are trying to reach as many as possible.

I attended the Bread of Life food ministry in George and Little Rock last month. This is sponsored by Atlas, and they provide food for everyone that attends. It was very eye-opening. There is a lot of poverty in that area of Lyon County, and I was glad to get a few new clients from there. Hopefully, the word will spread, and more people will know that we are here to help them!

I started our Christmas Program for Lyon County. I have asked businesses & churches to sponsor the elderly and disabled. I have been receiving sponsor forms and forms from people who want to be sponsored but they have been a bit slow in responding. If you know of a business, church or family that would like to sponsor an elderly or disabled person or be sponsored, please have them contact me. Atlas will again be providing gifts for the families with children.

December Lyon County Activities:

• Community Holiday Event – Rock Rapids, Thursday, December 1 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM (Santa, Wagon Rides, Kids Activities, Live Nativity, Parade)
• Holiday Craft & Vendor Market – Saturday, December 3 Rock Rapids Forster Community Center from 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
• Sara Evans Christmas Concert at Grand Falls Casino – Saturday, December 17 at 8:00 PM

If there is anything I can help you or someone you know with, please contact me. My phone number in Rock Rapids on Wednesdays is 712-472-3746 or Sioux Center on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday is 712-722-3611.

I hope everyone has a great fall and holiday season!

Pam Ericson
Lyon County Outreach Coordinator

Housing/Energy Services

Embrace Iowa is a joint project between Iowa Community Action Association (ICAA) and the Des Moines Register. This program offers financial assistance of up to $750 towards the purchase of appliances, car repairs, dental service, medication, eyeglasses, furniture, home repairs, household items, beds and other miscellaneous needs.

Connect with a Mid-Sioux Outreach office to apply!

If you or your company/community would like to consider a donation to Embrace Iowa, please connect with ICAA here.