The United Way of Jasper County is proud to announce the availability of the Jasper County Health and Human Service Resource Directory. The purpose of this directory is to provide information about a broad range of available resources for Jasper County residents in one centralized location. Every effort was made to identify all governmental, not for profit agencies, and organizations in Jasper County providing programs and services on a regular basis. Resources and services are listed in three different formats within the directory: alphabetical index, categorical Index, and resource listing.
The Health Community Impact Team, created as a result of the findings of the county-wide needs assessment conducted by the United Way in 2009, took on the task of creating this directory to fulfill a need in the county. Members noted that there are great resources located right here in Jasper County, but residents do not know where to go to get connected to them. In early spring, the United Way received an offer from an eager University of Northern Iowa senior interested in completing a non-paid internship to fulfill her graduation requirement. Her offer was eagerly accepted with the intention of having the resource directory be her main responsibility. “I feel the resource directory will be valuable asset to the county,” explained intern Brooke Lindenman. “It will serve as a crucial link between residents seeking services and service providers.”
The directory is available electronically in a PDF format on the United Way’s website www.UnitedWayofJasperCounty.org and will be maintained by the United Way office to update the directory information as needed. The Health Community Impact Team and the United Way will be working together to spread the word of this great resource for Jasper County residents and service providers for referrals. There are plans to print a limited number of printed directories on an annual basis for some of the main points of contact for all the communities in Jasper County, such as the libraries, police stations, city halls, and schools. The local Supporting Youth through Nurturing Communities (SYNC) group generously donated funds for the printing costs. “This is a great example of the community coming together to meets the needs of its residents. The United Way of Jasper County is pleased to be able to have facilitated the creation and the ongoing maintenance of this valuable resource,” stated United Way Executive Director Megan Crawford. Agencies wishing to be considered for inclusion or need to update their program or agency information should contact the United Way of Jasper County at 641-792-1684.