North Iowa Community Action Organization Family Resource Center
1190 Briarstone Drive
Mason City, Iowa 50401

The Family Resource Center houses the Head Start Administration Office in Suite 1 and the Family Development and  Self Sufficiency (FaDSS), Community Partners, and Cerro Gordo Outreach programs in Suite 2.

Head Start Administration Office
Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities also. Children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old. You the parent are a welcome partner with Head Start in working for your child's progress.

For further information, the telephone number at the Head Start office is 641-494-1891 or
1-866-836-3124.

Community Partners (CoPa)
Community Partners is a collaborative program with Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa that enhances self-sufficiency development services to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges. It is a "self-help" program for individuals and families in north central Iowa who are experiencing challenges or a crisis. Community Partners works with the individual/family to deal with change, deal with conflict, and reach their potential. A family development specialist individualizes the program for each family to meet their specific needs.

For further information, the telephone number for the Community Partners program is (641) 423-7766 or (800) 873-1899.

North Central Iowa FaDSS ( Fa mily D evelopment and S elf- S ufficiency)
FaDSS is a program designed to provide voluntary support services to families in PROMISE JOBS or families on FIP (Family Investment Program). FIP families receive home visits as they move from welfare to work. FaDSS helps families to address barriers and supports the family as they develop plans for their family's future.

For further information, the telephone number for the FaDSS program is (641) 423-7766 or (800) 873-1899.

Outreach
The North Iowa Community Action Outreach program at the Family Resource Center is for Cerro Gordo county. The outreach program provides information and referral services and access to emergency financial assistance for shelter and utilities. The United Way of North Central Iowa allocates funding for Emergency Shelter Assistance, Utility Deposits, GED, and Educational Scholarships. A variety of other applications can be completed at the Family Resource Center depending on the availability of funds.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance provides financial assistance with winter heating costs by paying a portion of the primary heating bill and may also assist by paying for emergency furnace repairs or furnace replacement in life-threatening situations for eligible households.

Emergency Financial Assistance may be available to eligible households to assist with emergency rent, mortagae payments or utility bills as well as with security deposits.  Repayment may be required.
 

The NICAO Family Resource Center also provides FREE Tax Preparation Services!  A partnership between NICAO and the North Iowa Tax Coalition exists to provide free income tax services to income eligible--low to moderate income households in February and March. These services will take place at the Family Resource Center at 1190 Briarstone Drive, Mason City. Beginning in 2012, there will also be locations in Winnebago and Kossuth counties.  For more information on this please call 641-423-7766.

For further information, the telephone number for the Cerro Gordo Outreach office at the Family Resource Center is (641) 423-7766 or (800) 873-1899. If you are interested in contacting one of our other county outreach offices - Butler, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock Kossuth, Mitchell, Worth, or Winnebago please visit our Outreach Tab for their contact information.