1. Upper Des Moines Opportunity

2. Mission Statement Unified Diversity Meaningful Opportunities
We are dedicated to helping build stronger communities by addressing the
effects of poverty on individuals and families.
Unified Diversity Meaningful Opportunities

3. Vision Statement UDMO will strengthen communities through:
The promotion of progressive leadership and a positive environment, achieve goals and break down barriers;
The building of partnerships to maximize community resources;
The bridging of communication between clients, partners, and staff;
The creation of an environment in which diversity in all its forms is valued and encouraged;
Fiscal excellence and responsibility are valued and maintained; and
Diversified resources are developed to meet community needs.
Through these actions, UDMO will continue to evolve and grow in order to serve communities.

4. History
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) were created in under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America’s war on poverty
One of 17 CAAs in Iowa and one of approximately 1,000 across the nation.
Nationally CAAs serve 13 million low – income people annually.
In 2014 UDMO served 20,364 individuals in Northwest and North Central Iowa.
63 % of the households served had incomes under $22,050 per for a family of four.

5. Counties served We serve the following counties: Buena Vista Clay
Dickinson
Emmet
Hamilton
Humboldt
O’Brien
Osceola
Palo Alto
Pocahontas
Webster
Wright

6. Children’s Services Back to School Baby’s Room Coats for Kids
Pool Passes
Recreation Activity Fees
Bikes for Tikes

7. Crisis situations Crisis Utility Payments Homeless Prevention LIHEAP
Weatherization
Prescription Assistance
Gas Vouchers

8. Food Food Pantry/Surplus Food Garden Program Holiday Food Baskets
ASAPS
Food for Life
Food

9. A Helping Hand Wheels to Work Laundry Assistance
Birth Certificate Assistance
Good Will Vouchers
Quilts
Senior Chore Service
Farmer’s Market Checks

10. Christmas

11. Resources Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Weatherization
Family Development and Self Sufficiency
Self Sufficiency Advocate for Individual Life Skills
Head Start
Women Infants and Children
Hand in Hand
Child and Adult Care Food Program