Exciting News from CAPS

One of the local social services organizations we support is CAPS (Child, Adolescent, and Parent Support). Their quarterly newsletter shared about their home visit program which has received some well-deserved accolades both within Iowa and nationally. CAPS recently received an additional grant from the state of Iowa to expand services into Tama County. Here’s what they had to say:

At CAPS, we strive to grow and evolve alongside the communities we serve. Meeting the needs of local families often means seeking donations and grants that allow us to fill critical gaps – and one of our key partners in this work is MIECHV. The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program is a national initiative providing grant funding to support home visiting organizations. These funds help pregnant women and families with young children improve health and well-being. CAPS has been fortunate to receive MIECHV funding for nearly three years, and this year brought exciting news: we will expand home visiting services to Tama County! With funding for 16 additional families in Tama – on top of the 60 Marshall County families we already serve – we are thrilled to bring these services to new communities. We’ve been actively connecting with local services in Tama County to build partnerships that strengthen families and communities.

MIECHV funding brings more than just financial support – it provides resources that enhance both staff and family experiences. One invaluable service is mental health consultation. CAPS staff meet with a mental health consultant twice each month to review family situations and receive guidance on supporting families in a trauma-informed, care-centered way.

Funding through MIECHV has also allowed CAPS to collaborate with State of Iowa staff and share the unique approach we take in Marshall County. Our work has been highlighted at state meetings and two national Parents as Teachers conferences, showcasing how home visiting in Marshall County connects families to strong support networks – something admired by officials across the state and country.

We are grateful for the opportunities MIECHV has afforded CAPS, enabling us to serve families in both Marshall and Tama Counties. With continued partnership and community collaboration, we look forward to building stronger families and healthier communities for years to come!

If you’d like more information on CAPS, click here to see their website.