Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services

Close Up: The vision behind Iowa's first-ever SAFE center and Randy Feenstra's campaign tour The vision behind the first-ever SAFE Center in Iowa; plus, how Rep. Randy Feenstra is working to convince voters he's the right choice for governor.

https://www.kjan.com/index.php/2025/11/isu-study-be-kind-to-others-it-can-be-good-for-your-own-health-mind/

Update on critical safety net services from our partners at United Way:

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November 7, 2025
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Critical Safety-Net Programs and the Shutdown
With the shutdown entering its 38th day, many critical safety-net programs are without funding, at risk of running out of funding, or are currently being provided at reduced levels.

This week, there was significant uncertainty around SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Last Friday, two federal judges ordered the USDA to release contingency funds and provide benefits to SNAP participants. On Wednesday of this week, guidance was issued to states that reduced benefits should be distributed based on a formula established in federal law. Initially, the guidance was to reduce maximum benefits to 50% of a household’s normal allotment. SNAP benefits are calculated based on a household’s size, as well as income requirements, meaning not all beneficiaries receive a maximum allotment. This means that for many, the reductions would be more than 50% of benefits since they normally do not receive the maximum amount.

Late Wednesday evening, guidance was updated from USDA to change the benefit calculations to 65% instead of the initial 50%. Again, some participants could see larger reductions. On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the USDA to issue full payments to SNAP participants by today. Some states (not including Iowa) already issued the partial benefits at midnight last night, and the administration is appealing the order to issue full benefits today. As of writing, SNAP benefits for November have not been issued in Iowa.

To address the overwhelming need in food security, Polk County has also appropriated $1 million in funding to support Food Bank of Iowa, DMARC, and Caring Hands. This influx of funding joins the state’s $1 million effort to match cash contributions to the food bank system. The scale and scope of SNAP cannot be matched by private contributions and local/state government supports.

The Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has also seen delays in federal funding to states that administer the program. The program provides one-time funding to significantly low-income Iowans and seniors to support energy bill payments, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Applications for the program are also piling up as federal staff who administer the program are currently furloughed. Over 96,000 households in Iowa relied on LIHEAP during the 2024/25 winter season.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food supports remain available and funded throughout the month of November. WIC is a separate food safety support for low-income women and children up to age five that also offers limited wraparound supports such as basic nutrition education, immunization screening and social services referrals. Funds for this program are still available through the month of November.


If you need help:
Call 211 or visit 211iowa.org for the most current information about food pantries, community meals, and other essential resources near you.
Food is available through partners such as the DMARC Food Pantry Network and other organizations within the OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup, and you can use the Food Bank of Iowa’s Find Food website to locate nearby providers.

Community fridges are also available throughout the metro area; see Supply Hive's full listing of community fridges and check their website for more information.
Parents and caregivers enrolled in WIC should continue using available benefits and contact their local WIC office for updates on additional assistance.
If you want to help:
Donate funds, not just food to your local food pantry, food bank, or coalition partner. Financial gifts allow organizations to buy what’s most needed and replenish supplies quickly as demand rises.
Volunteer to help sort, pack, and distribute food. Many pantries are expanding hours and need extra hands.
Advocate for action. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to end the shutdown and restore funding for SNAP.
Spread the word. Food drives help, but they cannot replace this critical federal nutrition program. Long-term stability for families requires policy solutions and community advocacy.
Dave Stone, MPA
Advocacy Officer
515-246-6538 (office)
[email protected]

United Way of Central Iowa
1111 9th St., Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50314
www.unitedwaydm.org
Dave Stone 2025
Fostering an equitable, engaged, empowered community.

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Des Moines, Iowa 50314
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Polk County Board of Supervisors announces good news for victims of sexual violence:

Polk County Partners with S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa to Fund New Clinic for Survivors of Sexual Violence
Published 11/4/2025 01:20:13 PM

DES MOINES, Iowa – Polk County and the S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa have come together in a significant partnership to support survivors of sexual assault and intimate personal violence. This collaboration centers on the establishment of a new clinic at the DMU 32 Business complex. The facility will be dedicated to providing essential care and resources for survivors.

The new clinic, will serve as a beacon of hope and support for those in need. This initiative aligns with both Polk County’s mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its residents and S.A.F.E. Center's commitment to empowering survivors through a compassionate and comprehensive approach.

“Polk County recognizes the pressing need to support victims and survivors of sexual violence. Our community has an obligation to provide comprehensive examinations, treatment, and support for victims in a specifically designed space that will serve as a model for how to care for victims of sexual assault.,” said Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Matt McCoy.

Shannon Knudsen, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa says, “The center represents an effort to enhance community services by offering specialized care tailored to the needs of survivors. The S.A.F.E Center of Iowa will encompass SANE (sexual assault nurses examiners), collaborate with victim advocates and law enforcement, as well as offer victims and survivors counseling and therapy services. The comprehensive services will provide support when victims need it the most. All services will be provided by trauma informed experts with a survivor centered approach that ensures every victim will be empowered with choices and knowledge to direct their care, from overall health, injury assessment, prophylactic medications, evidence collection, mental health support, advocacy, resources, and legal guidance. The S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa is dedicated to promoting prevention and education around issues of sexual violence to professionals and our communities, ensuring a future with greater health outcomes and decreased violence in our state.”

The SAFE Center and Polk County have worked collaboratively over the past year to identify a location and private donors who have led with significant funding to ensure the creation of the SAFE Center. This private public partnership helps ensure this project is launched successfully. Ongoing fundraising continues to serve as a vital resource to ensure the center’s long-term viability and expansion in other parts of Iowa.

With this approved funding commitment, Polk County and S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa have laid out their commitment to fund and operate this vital clinic, spearheading efforts to improve quality of life for residents and ensure they have access to the necessary support services.

The opening date for the clinic and further details will be shared with the public soon. For more information about this initiative, please contact Polk County Board of Supervisors or S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa at: [email protected]

Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services and the Polk County Health Department recently collaborated to facilitate a Safe Bars Training at The Royal Mile.

Safe Bars helps alcohol-serving spaces create safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for patrons and the establishments staff. The goal of the training is to prevent sexual harm and reduce other forms of violence.

A huge thank you to the Royal Mile for hosting the training and to participants from The Kee, Polk City Pub, Palms DSM, McCann’s Tap, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the SAFE Center for participating and taking skills back to make Polk County’s nightlife safer, more welcoming and more connected!

The team intends to facilitate one training a quarter and hopes to partner with the Drake Neighborhood establishments to provide a Safe Bars training in the near future.

Trainings are free to bar owners as well as their staff and have been very well received by past attendees. For more information or to schedule a Safe Bar Training you can contact Addie at the Polk County Health Department: [email protected]

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to shedding light on the devastating impact of domestic violence and advocating for those affected.
As we come together to raise awareness, it’s crucial to remember that healing is a long and often challenging journey for domestic violence survivors. Whether you’re looking to support a friend, a family member, or your community at large, here are four ways to help survivors heal during this important month and beyond.

Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, “an opportunity for the people of the United States to honor the memories of murder victims and to recognize the impact on surviving family members,” according to a resolution by Congress in 2007. Thank you to our partners in law enforcement, Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, and other organizations that provide support, advocacy, and counseling to victims. Healing the trauma of violent crime can help create a safer, more just community.

👮‍♀️🚓 September 12th is known as National Police Woman Day!🚓👮‍♀️

We take today to honor the women of the Polk County Sheriff's Office and surrounding agencies. Thank you for bravely protecting and serving our communities!

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Whether you've lost a loved one or experienced your own personal struggles, we're sending love today to everyone who has been touched by su***de. Remember, together, we can fight for a world without su***de.

Today and every day, AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by su***de. We're creating a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and su***de prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and su***de prevention, and supporting survivors of su***de loss and those affected by su***de.

Iowa sees decade-low recidivism rate among released inmates The Iowa Department of Corrections reports a significant drop in recidivism rates, reaching the lowest level in 10 years.