Family Enrichment Center
Improve the lives of families at risk of long-term welfare dependency or family
instability by creating opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Our Mission
To assist families in achieving stability and economic independence by providing
family support services, education and training, and opportunities for employment.
Detailed Program Overview
The Family Investment Program (FIP) is Iowa’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
(TANF) program. FIP provides cash assistance to needy families as they become self-supporting
so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
Unless exempt, these families are also referred to the PROMISE JOBS work and training
program. PROMISE JOBS requires that each person referred to the program sign a Family
Investment Agreement (FIA) that outlines each party’s responsibilities as the family
moves towards self-sufficiency.
For families that are on FIP and participate in PROMISE JOBS, the state also provides
the option of joining the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency program (FaDSS).
This voluntary program provides services that promote, empower, and nurture families
towards economic and emotional self-sufficiency. The foundation of FaDSS is regular
home visits with families, using a strength-based approach. Core services include
support, goal setting, and assessment.
The Polk County Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is the FaDSS grantee for Polk County.
Approximately 8 to 10 FEC case managers support a case load of around 20 families
each. These case managers meet with and track each family as they progress through
the case lifecycle. FEC is also responsible for coordinating with the state FaDSS
and PROMISE JOBS programs to provide these agencies with the data they need to keep
the program running.
What can FEC do for me?
Family Enrichment Center addresses the following issues:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Child Care
- Parenting
- Health
|
- Life Skills
- Budgeting
- Nutrition
- Substance Abuse
- Communication
|
- Skills
- Career Counseling
- Job Search
- Job Training
- Education
|
On-Site Resources
- Clothing Closet
- Perk Pantry
- Food Pantry
- Laundry Facilities
- Employment Resources
|
Family Enrichment Center FaDSS
- Family Support
- Referral
- Advocacy
- Employment Resources
|
Family Enrichment Center FaDSS Participant
- Become self-sufficient
- Improve current job skills
- Develop short and long term goals
- Enhance quality of life
FaDSS Eligibility
- Polk County Resident
- FIP recipient
- PROMISE JOBS participant
Participation is voluntary
Location & Contact Information
Polk County River Place
2309 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 286-3406