Strengthening Iowa’s communities by ensuring those with less achieve more.
Our mission is to be a forceful advocate in support of policies and services that address the needs of individuals and families striving for economic security.
Looking for Assistance?
Iowa Community Action Association provides resources and support to the 16 Community Action Agencies located in the state of Iowa. Click on the region to find an Iowa Community Action Agency near you.
Committed to Serve
Iowa Community Action is committed to serve the best interests of the poor, thereby serving the best interests of everyone. We are proud to offer training opportunities and have 16 different Community Action programs throughout the state.
Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest helpful resources including webinars, articles and more.
Upcoming Trainings
Learn more about all of our programs for support the needs of individuals and families striving for economic security.
Advocate
Iowa Community Action Association works with partners, member agencies, and legislators to improve Iowa’s communities.
Our 2021 Impact
We are proud to provide services to citizens in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Upcoming Events
- May 25 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Effective Staff On-boarding Practices
Presented by Wipfli LLP Effective onboarding is one of the initial building blocks to staff retention. Organizations everywhere are taking a closer look at how they attract and retain staff.
- June 1 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
ICAA Book Club
The ICAA Book Club’s next book is Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown. Sign up to join in the
- June 1 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
ICAA Book Club
The ICAA Book Club’s next book is Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty by Dr. Mark Rank. Sign up to join in the fun and learning! Sign Up
- June 15 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
ICAA Book Club
The ICAA Book Club’s next book is Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty by Dr. Mark Rank. Sign up to join in the fun and learning! Sign Up
- June 29 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
ICAA Book Club
The ICAA Book Club’s next book is Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty by Dr. Mark Rank. Sign up to join in the fun and learning! Sign Up
Connect With Us
Thank you New Opportunities for everything you do for Iowans!
#WeAreCommunityAction #CommunityActionMonth
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Q: "Why does Community Action have 'Staying Power' in your Community?"
A: It will take an acrostic to explain!
We were excited to receive such a thoughtful response from Barb M. at MATURA Action Corporation 🙂
Read more on her thoughts below:
#WeAreCommunityAction
C - Community. Localized services by people living in the community, and local partnerships to round out the services needed.
O - Open-minded. Life happens. Our responsibility is not to judge, but to listen and respond to the needs.
M - Mediation. Though most seek financial help, some ask for guidance to help in resolving a household crisis with say a rental situation or utility company.
M - Model. We help to come up with a plan to move a household out of poverty.
U - Uplift. Life can beat us down. We come along side and say we’re here to help and support you.
N - Nourish. Food Pantries and programs like WIC/MCAH or Head Start can help feed and educate individuals/families on better nutrition.
I - Information. Referrals are a large part of helping individuals and families within the agency and in the community.
T - Trust. We remember that it is not always easy for someone to ask for help. Our staying power in the community helps us to establish trust.
Y - Yes. To someone in need of help, the most powerful word they can hear is “Yes, we can help.” Or “Yes, I can make time to talk to you.”
A - Assistance. With multiple programs and services, we are sometimes considered to be a “one-stop shop”.
C - Connect. We create partnerships with individuals and organizations to help lift families and individuals out of poverty.
T - Teamwork. With multiple programs, we come together to better serve the needs of our low-income individuals and families.
I - Improve. The intent of community action is to improve the situation/lives of those we serve.
O - Order. Oftentimes, individuals or families have multiple needs. Programs like FaDSS help to build on the strengths families already have, to figure out the most immediate needs and come up with a plan. When Disaster Proclamations are signed by the governor, sometimes the need is so great that we provide Disaster Case Management, creating a recovery plan.
N – Nurture. Change doesn’t happen overnight. We are able to encourage the development and growth that are needed for an individual or family to step up out of poverty.
The #CommunityAction Network envisions a nation that creates opportunities for ALL people to thrive. Therefore, today and every day, ICAA stands committed to ending violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and communities. #idahotb #WeAreCommunityAction
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