ARK Advocates

ARK Advocates is a group of concerned adults and parents advocating with and for the needs of persons with disabilities. The ARK in our name stands for Advocacy, Respect, and Knowledge. Our goals are to educate persons with disabilities and their families of their rights; to advocate for persons with disabilities on legal, governmental, educational, housing, health, and employment issues; and to provide referral services, disability awareness, financial assistance, and other resources. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 3024, Dubuque, IA, 52004-3024. Contact us by voice mail at (563) 556-1785. Visit our web site at www.arkadvocates.org.
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Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides individual, couple and family counseling, unplanned pregnancy counseling, post-abortion counseling and reconcilation, adoption services, advocacy services, and refugee and immigration services. Catholic Charities also manages a low-income family housing project in Dubuque. Payment for services is handled with a slidding fee scale. Contact infomation: 1229 Mt. Lorretta Ave, Dubuque, (563) 588-0558, or toll free 1-800-772-2758. Web address: http://www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/Charities/charitieshome.html</A< a>

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Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)

CCR&R provides referrals and counseling to parents who are seeking childcare. In addition, it helps to coordinate local childcare training efforts and serves as a clearinghouse for training information. The agency maintains lending libraries of training resource guides, books, and toys for childcare providers. For more information, call (563) 557-1628 or go to www.pcrta.org/ChildCaremenu.html.

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City of Dubuque’s Health Services Department

The City of Dubuque’s Health Services Department is a resource of public health information. To access more information on the City of Dubuque’s Health Services Department, go to www.cityofdubuque.org. To contact the Health Services Department, call (563) 589-4181.
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Cornerstone

See Four Oaks/Cornerstone.

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Department of Human Services (DHS)

DHS is a state-government agency providing essential human services for those in need. Programs include financial assistance to low-income families; Medicaid health insurance; foster care; adoption; services for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled; and social work services for families that experience abuse or neglect. DHS is responsible for child abuse investigations and treatment as well as regulatory responsibilities for child care and other state certified entities. Look for more information on DHS at www.dhs.state.ia.us or call (563) 557-8251.

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Downtown Neighborhood Resource Guide

The Downtown Neighborhood Resource Guide includes a wealth of contact information for services available in Dubuque County, such as childcare, counseling, educational opportunities, financial assistance, free/reduced meals, health care programs, housing, job training, mediation, nursing homes, schools, transportation services, youth activities, and more. To obtain a copy of the Downtown Neighborhood Resource Guide, call Project Concern at (563) 557-8331 or 1-888-516-7948. To access the guide on line, go to www.pcrta.org/resourse%20guideTABLE%20CONTEN.html.

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Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public Library

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library serves the Dubuque and surrounding communities with a collection of over 170,000 volumes, 800 magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and a wide variety of audiovisual materials including videos, dvds, books-on-tape, and books-on-compact disc. Free internet access is also available. The mission of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library is to serve the public as an information resource center that will enrich the lives of citizens through the promotion of reading and lifelong learning. The Children's Department places an emphasis on the socialization of the preschool child with programs for toddlers and parents. A wide array of children's programs and activities are available as well as an educational play area. For more information on children's programming, go to www.dubuque.lib.ia.us/kidsweb/kidshome.htm. The library is located at the corner of 11th & Locust Streets in downtown Dubuque. To contact the library, call (563) 589-4225 or go to www.dubuque.lib.ia.us .

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Dubuque Chapter of the Iowa Family Child Care Association

The Dubuque Chapter of the Iowa Family Child Care Association was formed in 1993 to educate, support, and promote family child care providers. The chapter offers a variety of educational programs with social meetings where providers can share ideas and problems, and together can help to create solutions to those problems. Membership is open to registered and non-registered providers – anyone interested in quality child care. For more information, call Linda at (563) 557-8148 or Kathy at (563) 556-5054.

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Dubuque Community School District (DCSD)

The Dubuque Community School District is the public school system serving the city of Dubuque and portions of Dubuque County. For more information, access www.dubuque.k12.ia.us or call the Student Services Supervisor at (563) 588-5100.
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Dubuque County Library

The Dubuque County Library shall provide materials and services to help county residents obtain information meeting their recreational, personal, and educational needs. Special emphasis is placed on supporting students at all academic levels and on stimulating young children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning. The library will seek to use all relevant technology to carry out its mission. The library is concerned with people who presently have no access to library service and will work to remedy that situation. The County Library operates a bookmobile that visits many convenient locations throughout the county. View the bookmobile schedule at www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us/Bookmobile . The main headquarters of the County Library is located in Farley at 310 4th Street SW. For further information, call (563)744-3577 or visit the Library on the web at www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us/.
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Dubuque Metropolitan Catholic Schools

See Holy Family Catholic Schools.
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Eastern Iowa System of Catholic Education (EISCE)

The EISCE is the parochial system of schools located in the Western Dubuque School District. For more information, go to www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/ or call (563) 582-5456.
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Emergency Resources for Families and Organizations

DISASTER RESOURCES

Many resources are available to assist families as they plan for a disaster. Below are links to some that may be useful in a planning process for families.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency web site has information on current and past disasters, applying for assistance, maps, and libraries of information and resources for disaster
planning, response, and recovery. They also have a special web site (www.fema.gov/kids/) just for kids.

www.fema.gov

American Red Cross is home to a broad base of information relating to planning and response to disasters. The site has resources as well as specific information for communities after a disaster strikes.

www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/cde.html

National Weather Service web site offers easy to understand information relating to weather and can be a resource to assist families in understanding and planning for natural disasters.

www.nws.noaa.gov/education.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on a variety of disasters and with planning and response guidance. It also has additional links to assist organizations helping families prepare and respond to disasters.

www.bt.cdc.gov

Iowa Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health has disaster information targeted to families of children with special needs, including those with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. For more information, contact Iowa Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health at 1-888-400-6302 or (319) 462-2187 or (319) 821-0702 or e-mail lori@iffcmh.org.

www.iffcmh.org

RECOVERY RESOURCES

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP-NOW

America's Second Harvest: www.secondharvest.org for hunger relief or 1-800-344-8070

Catholic Charities: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org or 1-800-919-9338

Church World Services: www.churchworldservice.org or 1-800-297-1516

Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org

Feed the Children: www.feedthechildren.org or 1-800-525-7575

Operation Blessing: www.operationblessing.org for hunger relief or 1-800-730-2537

United Methodist Committee on Relief: www.umcor.org or 1-800-554-8583

Noah's Wish: www.noahswish.org for rescue and shelter for animals during disasters or (530) 622-9313

Convoy of Hope: www.convoyofhope.org for general disaster relief or (417) 823-8998

Samaritan's Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org for general disaster relief or 1-800-567-8183

EDUCATION

Many state education agencies and local school districts are providing guidance to schools on enrolling children displaced by the hurricane. Contact your state education agency or go online to learn what resources are in place in the aftermath of the disaster.

FEDERAL PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION

www.hhs.gov
www.ready.gov

FOOD STAMPS

The Food and Nutrition Service, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, established the process and protocol for distribution of food stamps after a disaster.

www.fns.usda.gov

GENERAL DISASTER RELIEF

There are several agencies to contact to find out what assistance may be available for some one who is a victim of a Hurricane Katrina or any other natural disaster:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides assistance for people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by a disaster and assistance for people who lost their jobs as a result of a disaster. FEMA and other federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies offer disaster assistance in several forms.

www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm

To learn more visit the Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals:

www.fema.gov/about/process

To register see Register for Disaster Assistance online:

www.fema.gov/register.shtm

An online resource site for disaster information and assistance allows individuals to apply for disaster assistance PLUS has disaster preparedness guides, links to various disaster agencies and organizations, and much more.

www.disasterhelp.gov

American Red Cross:

www.redcross.org/where/where.html

The Salvation Army's Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) -- SATERN is usually activated to help individuals send a health and welfare request regarding family and friends they otherwise are unable to locate. You can access SATERN on the Salvations Army's Web site at:

www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

A wide range of hazards, including downed power lines and possible exposure to fungi or toxins, can exist after a disaster has occurred. Those involved in cleanup and recovery efforts, homeowners, and business owners may find the following information helpful. For general information, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have published information on hazards of natural disaster cleanup work and emergency response resources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published information specific to cleanup after a flood. And the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have published information on workers' safety following hurricanes. National Institutes of Health is offering telephone consultation services for primary care providers of patients in the Katrina Disaster zone. Call 1-866-887-2842.

HIPAA INFORMATION

HIPAA Privacy Rule allows covered entities to share patient information to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to assist patients in receiving the care they need. This information you can readily access from the OCR web site.

www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/

HOUSING

HUD generally has information regarding housing: www.hud.gov

INSURANCE ASSISTANCE

Consumers are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier for assistance with questions about claims or their policies. Individual Insurance Company Contact info:

www.disasterinformation.org/findins.htm

MAIL SERVICE

National Mail Service Updates: www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm

MEDICAID/MEDICARE SERVICES

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services try to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in devastated areas. Many of the programs’ normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities who depend upon them. Visit the CMS web site at www.cms.gov for the latest information regarding services. Updates are provided on the CMS web site daily.

MILITARY COUNSELING

Any military members or families in need of information and or counseling may call the Military OneSource: (1-800-342-9647) or www.militaryonesource.com user name: military; password OneSource.

PETS

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is equipped to respond to the needs of all animals including pets, horses, farm animals, and wildlife. For more, go to www.hsus.org

SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS AND PAYMENTS

Go to the web site for information on SSI and SSDI: www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency

For more information on the nearest open Social Security office, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

STATE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Most states have Emergency Preparedness Programs that can be located from the state’s official web site. These sites provide critical, state specific information that will be useful for families.
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Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is sponsored by Housing and Urban Development and is aimed at teaching low-income families the skills they need to be able to financially support themselves and to be free of welfare. The program is open to anyone who currently is receiving Section 8 housing benefits and who is hoping to work full time within the next five years. The program office is located at 350 West 6th Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA. For more information, contact the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator at (563) 589-4230, ext. 4926.

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Food Bank

The Dubuque Food Pantry is located at 1598 Jackson Street, Dubuque, Iowa. To contact the pantry, call (563) 583-4440.

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Four Oaks

Four Oaks, Inc., of Iowa is one of the largest not-for-profit, child welfare/juvenile justice agencies in Iowa, serving over 5000 people annually throughout the state. With offices in 12 Iowa cities including Dubuque, Four Oaks offers services to all 99 counties. Four Oaks is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc.

Four Oaks provides family-based programs that help children grow into caring, competent, and responsible adults and encourages development of community attitudes and support systems to assure their success. Four Oaks administers the Parents As Teachers program, facilitated by the Dubuque County Empowerment Board.

For more information, go to www.fouroaks.org or call (563) 585-0112.

See also Four Oaks/Cornerstone and Parents As Teachers.

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Four Oaks/Cornerstone

Cornerstone, a program of Four Oaks, Inc., is a voluntary, strength-based home-visiting program that serves 80 low-income families in Dubuque County. Four Oaks is the largest of 18 grantees across the state of Iowa. The Four Oaks Cornerstone program currently serves families across an eight county area (Benton, Iowa, Dubuque, Delaware, Linn, Jones, Washington, and Johnson counties). Cornerstone can help families break down the barriers that prevent them from leaving welfare permanently. Cornerstone was established through funding from the state of Iowa’s Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Grant Program — a program that recognizes that leaving welfare is hard to do alone. Family Support Workers partner with families to develop and set goals for a variety of things, such as attaining additional schooling or training, finding employment, obtaining affordable day care, securing transportation, and achieving self-sufficiency. Along the path to success, some families may need help locating additional resources or they may have other barriers that need to be addressed before reaching their ultimate goal of self-sufficiency. Their Family Support worker will be an advocate for the family by making necessary referrals and offering support within the community.

Cornerstone’s partnership with Parents As Teachers (PAT) helps families receive two incredible services while having only one worker come into their home. Of the 80 families Cornerstone serves in Dubuque County, at least 30 -35% also receive PAT. All Cornerstone staff are certified in Parents As Teachers and use that knowledge and expertise with families throughout their home visits. These programs blend nicely together, as the philosophies are the same. Both are a voluntary and free service for families that hold to the strength-based philosophy.

For more information regarding Cornerstone or to make a referral, please contact Danielle Leeser at dleeser@fouroaks.org or call (563) 557-3100, ext. 207.
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hawk-i Health Insurance

hawk-i (healthy and well kids in Iowa) is part of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and is Iowa's effort to make affordable health insurance coverage available to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private family coverage. If a family’s income meets certain guidelines, and the family does not qualify for Medicaid, the uninsured children may be eligible for coverage under plans sponsored by Iowa Health Solutions, Wellmark, or John Deere Health Care.

Who does hawk-i cover?

hawk-i will provide coverage for children and teens under the age of 19. hawk-i does not provide insurance for other family members.

What does hawk-i cover?

• Doctor visits
• Check-ups
• Shots
• Hospital
• Surgery
• Dental visits
• Prescriptions
• Vision
• Hearing
• Mental health
• Emergencies

All children deserve to start life with healthy bodies and healthy minds. To do this, children need access to health and mental services that can provide them with preventive care and treatment for illness. For more information on hawk-i, go to www.hawk-i.org.

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Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for qualifying families with children between the ages of three and five years old. There are 11 Head Start classrooms in Dubuque County — nine in the city of Dubuque; one in Epworth; and one in Dyersville.

Listed is a sample of the things that Head Start helps teach children:

Socialization skills
Language development
Literacy development
Health and safety skills

Head Start offers a sense of belonging. Families are encouraged to be involved in the activities offered through the programs. Classroom time includes many different activities. Children are encouraged to talk about their ideas and experiences. The children are involved in planning their activities. They can choose among art activities, blocks, table toys, science and math activities, books, sand and water play, music, and dramatic play.

For further information about Head Start, call (563) 556-5130, ext. 39.

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Hillcrest Family Services

Hillcrest Family Services administers the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in addition to a variety of other services. WIC provides nutrition and health information during and after pregnancy to help take care of infants and young children; breastfeeding support; health screening and assisting in immunizations and lead testing; and food vouchers/checks for healthy foods like milk, eggs, cheese, fruit juice, peanut butter, cereals, and infant formula.

Hillcrest’s goal is to help keep women, and their children under five, healthy and strong.

WIC may be able to help if you. . .

Live in Iowa.
Are pregnant or have a child under five years of age.
Have a nutritional need.
Have a household income that is less than or equal to the income guidelines.

Call (563) 557-4444 for Dubuque and Dyersville information. The Hillcrest office is located at 220 W. 7th Street in Dubuque. To link to Hillcrest’s web site, go to www.hillcrest-fs.org.

See also Women, Infants, and Children.

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Holy Family Catholic Schools

Holy Family is the parochial school system serving the city of Dubuque. For more information, go to www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/ or call (563) 582-5456.

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Information and Referral, Project Concern

Information and Referral provides up-to-date information to the community about services, resources, support groups, clubs, organizations, and government agencies. It connects people who have unmet needs to assistance in the community. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Information and Referral is staffed by trained volunteers. Information and Referral helps people of all ages and economic levels to enhance their quality of life. For more information, call (563) 557-8331 or 1-888-516-7948. The Phone a Friend Crisis/Help Line is (563) 588-4016 or 1-888-516-7947. You can go to Information and Referral on the web at www.pcrta.org.

See also Downtown Neighborhood Resource Guide.

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Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Service for Dubuque County

ISU Extension’s mission is to build partnerships and provide research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. For further information, access www.extension.iastate.edu/Counties/dubuque.html or call (563) 583-6496.
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Iowa Workforce Development Center

The Iowa Workforce Development Center is located at 590 Iowa Street, Dubuque, Iowa. For more information, call (563) 556-5800.
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Juvenile Court Services (JCS)

JCS works with juveniles who have committed a delinquent act (i.e., any juvenile under age 18 who has committed a crime) and reports to the Juvenile Court for open court cases. For more information, call the JCS office at (563) 589-7831.
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Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA)

Keystone AEA is dedicated to providing children with quality educational opportunities and services through partnerships with local schools, teachers, and parents. To access the Keystone AEA web site, go to www.aea1.k12.ia.us. For further information, call (563) 556-3310.

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Lutheran Services in Iowa

Lutheran Services of Iowa assist with remedial services, child mental health waivers, supervised visits, respite services, adult mental health, habitation services, therapy, and more. Contact infomation: 2255 JFK Road, Asbury Square, Dubuque, (563) 582-0044. Web address: http://www.lsiowa.org</A< a>
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Maria House

Maria House provides emergency and transitional housing to women, alone or with children. In collaboration with existing community resources, services such as job training, homemaking, parenting, and budgeting are offered. Through its programs, women will develop the skills and self-esteem they need to make it on their own and break the cycle of homelessness. It is located at 1561 Jackson Street in Dubuque. For more information, visit the Maria House web site at www.maria-house.org or call (563) 582-7480 or send an e-mail to mariahouse@mchsi.com.
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Medicare/Social Security Medicare/Social Security Administration

Offices of Medicare/Social Security Medicare/Social Security Administration are located at 322 Post Office Blvd., 6th and Locust, Dubuque, Iowa. Contact number is (563) 528-3626.

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Mental Health Center

The Hillcrest Mental Health Center is located at Professional Arts Plaza, Suite 200, 200 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, Iowa. To contact the center, call (563) 582-0145.
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Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)

NICC is a public community college located in Peosta, Iowa. NICC offers arts, science, and technical degrees as well as diplomas, continuing education, and workforce development using multiple delivery systems. For more information, go to www.nicc.edu or call 1-800-728-7367.

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Northeast Iowa School of Music (NISOM)

Founded in 2001, the Northeast Iowa School of Music is a non-profit community music institution certified by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. With an enrollment of over 250 students, NISOM provides private and group vocal or instrumental lessons, classes, ensemble training, and performance opportunities for musicians of all ages. The school is home to a string orchestra, chamber ensembles, and a show choir. NISOM is located in the second floor of the Springs Building of the Fountain Park Complex in Dubuque. For more information, please visit
www.nisom.com or call (563) 690-0151.
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Parents As Teachers (PAT)

See Four Oaks.
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Presentation Lantern Center

This drop-in center offers hospitality, educational opportunities, and advocacy to women and their children who are striving to better their lives. It is sponsored by Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and 1 - 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is located at 1501 Jackson Street, Suite B, in Dubuque. For more information, contact (563) 557-7134 or corinemurray@aol.com.
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Project Concern (PC)

Project Concern’s goal is to connect people in need with services, including families and individuals of all ages. The organization seeks to fill the gaps in the social safety net while avoiding duplication of services. To locate Project Concern on the web, go to www.pcrta.org. To contact Project Concern, call (563) 557-8331.
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Respite Care Program, Child Care Resource & Referral

Respite Care is a program that supports parents by giving them a break from the stresses of parenting. It provides parents with an opportunity for relief, while offering their children additional support from a nurturing adult. Care is offered through registered day care homes and licensed day care centers. The program coordinator makes the necessary arrangements. Respite is available to all parents in Dubuque County. Typically, families are referred from a social service or health agency. There is no charge to parents and no income guidelines; however, families who have the greatest need are the priority. For more information, contact Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628 or 1-866-296-5331.
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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

RSVP of Dubuque provides persons age 55 and older opportunities to enhance their lives and their community through volunteer service. For more information, call (563) 589-2655.
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Riverview Center, Inc.

The mission of Riverview Center, Inc. is to provide free, comprehensive sexual assault prevention, intervention, and advocacy services to citizens in the tri-state area: primarily Dubuque, Buchanan, and Delaware Counties in Iowa plus Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties in Illinois. Riverview Center, Inc.’s services are free and confidential and include:

• 24 Hour Crisis Intervention
• Counseling/Therapy
• Legal/Medical Advocacy
• Prevention Education/Professional Training
• Volunteer Training

For additional information, please visit: www.riverviewcenter.org/ or call toll free at one of the following offices:

Dubuque County 1-888-557-0310
Jo Daviess County 1-888-707-8155
Carroll County 1-877-273-7772
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Special Needs Children – Assistance to Families, Child Care Resource & Referral

A variety of services are available to families with children who have special needs, including home and community based services waivers; Social Security supplemental income; family support subsidy; support groups; medical care; dental care; vision care; hearing aids; prescription medications; and respite care. For more information, contact Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628 or 1-866-296-5331.
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Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)

The VNA is the Child Health provider for the Iowa Department of Public Health in Dubuque County. The VNA web site can be accessed at www.finleyhospital.org/body.cfm?id=77. To contact the VNA, call (563) 556-6200 or 1-800-862-6133.
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Western Dubuque County Community School District (WDCCSD)

The WDCCSD is the public school system serving the Western Dubuque County area. The WDCCSD web site is located at www.w-dubuque.k12.ia.us. To contact WDCCSD, call the Superintendent at (563) 744-3885.
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Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)

See Hillcrest Family Services.

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