Cerro Gordo County assistance programs.

Assistance with expenses, bills, and other aid

Thousands of people are struggling in today’s weak economy, and the North Iowa Community Action Organization offers them resources and ways to get assistance with their bills and they will also work with people to provide them the skills to become self-sufficient over the long term. Some of the programs offered are below. Contact them to learn more or to apply. Their main office is located at 218 5th St Sw, Mason City, IA 50401-3840, telephone number (641) 423-8993.

The Iowa Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This is a federal government funded program that provides grants and financial assistance that are to be used to pay for a portion of home heating bills for the winter months, assistance with furnace replacement or repairs, and emergency fuel deliveries. If you apply and are accepted, you may also may be eligible for Weatherization assistance services that can to reduce the cost of energy consumption in your homes. The Iowa weatherization program will install updates to your home, for free..

Emergency Grants and Financial Assistance: This aid may be available to qualified families and individuals for rent, security deposits, and even utility deposit. The North Iowa Community Action Organization works closely with the United Way in Cerro Gordo, and this charity provides funds as well as assistance with past due utility bills. Additional funds are contributed by local utility and gas companies.

Heath clinic and free health care

The Family Resource Center is located at 300 15th Street NE, Mason City, 50401, and phone number is 423-5044. They offer the health care services below.

• Maternal Health: medical examination arrangements, dental evaluation, regular visits with a physician, nutrition assessment, prenatal class arrangements, home visits by public health nurses, guidance for delivery arrangements, and education on prenatal care.
   
• Family Planning : pregnancy testing and counseling, birth control counseling and exams, sexually transmitted disease treatment, genetic counseling referrals, and pap smears.
   
• Child Health: vision and hearing assessments, well-child physical exams, dental evaluations, nutrition assessments, social and developmental assessments, lead screening, case management services, and immunizations.
   

Counseling and Assistance from Self-sufficiency Development: FaDSS and Community Partners. This counseling program provides support through a home visiting process, and the goal is to assist families who are moving from welfare to work as well as to work with these struggling families who may be coping with multiple challenges. The goal is to ensure they are self-sufficient and are able to deal with financial crises or financial management.