Children and Families

Early Head Start

Early Head Start is a free, federally funded program designed to promote school readiness for low income, at-risk children and families.  Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children under age 3.

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay & Emmet counties.)

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Head Start Preschool

UDMO Early Childhood Programs are free, federally and state funded programs, designed to promote school readiness for low income, at-risk children and families. Head Start serves children ages 3 and 4.

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto & Pocahontas counties.)

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CARES

The CARES (Coordinating Access to Resources & Essential Services) Program is designed to connect parents and guardians like you with tools, programs and services through free, short term resource navigation services to help families access the tools and support they need. We serve parents and guardians of children ages 0-18.

(Available in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Osceola, O'Brien, Palo Alto and Winnebago counties.)

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FaDSS

FaDSS engages families in dynamic partnerships to address their basic needs, improve child well-being, and develop career opportunities that, in turn, improves lives, families and communities.

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster & Wright counties.)

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KIDS

The KIDS Program provides home visits with parents of children ages birth to age 5. KIDS offers, at minimum, monthly home visits and group meetings twice per year.

(Available in Palo Alto County)

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Additional Outreach Programs for Families & Children

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Beginning in August, UDMO accepts applications for the Community Christmas Program, Tree of Joy, Adopt a Family and several other holiday programs annually. 

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster & Wright counties.)

BACK TO SCHOOL

Schools supplies are available to students in grades PK to 12. Items are subject to availability and some exceptions may apply.

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster & Wright counties.)

YOUTH ACTIVITY ASSISTANCE

Funding may be available to help families pay for registration and other fees for youth activities. 

(Available in Clay, Dickinson, Hamilton, Humboldt, O’Brien, Osceola & Wright counties.)

BABY’S ROOM

Parents can shop the Baby’s Room for items for their newborn to 24-month-old child(ren). Items are subject to availability. 

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Hamilton & Webster counties.)

BIRTHDAY ROOM

Parents with children 8 years old and under can visit the Birthday Room and choose gifts for their child.  Cake mixes, frosting, candles, plates, napkins and other birthday party items will be handed out if available. 

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster & Wright counties.)

COATS FOR KIDS

Children 18 years old and under can receive winter coats. (Hats, Mittens, Snow pants, & Boots are also available in some locations.)

(Available in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas & Wright counties.)

SENIOR PROGRAMS

Provides eligible seniors, age 60 and over, with an annual stipend to assist with a variety of chores inside and outside their homes.  Also, beginning in August, UDMO accepts applications for Santa for Seniors.

(Available in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hamilton, Humboldt, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, & Wright counties.)

GARDEN PROJECT

Provides seeds, plants and gardening tools to families interested in growing their own produce to help cut grocery costs. Information on planting, plant care, harvesting, canning, and freezing is also available. 

(Available in Hamilton, Humboldt & Wright counties.)