Promising Practices - Iowa

Iowa – The Des Moines County office participated in Service Excellence training for all Income Maintenance and Support staff in 2004. As part of the training, staff participated in a poverty simulation that enlightened them about how customers feel when they need to apply for assistance. This training has been of value in increasing customer service and it is knowledge that can be passed on to other community agencies through presentations made as part of their outreach effort. The emphasis on customer service reportedly contributed to the 15.9 percent increase in Food Assistance caseloads during the same year. For more information, contact: Cathy Taylor, IM Administrator, Davenport Service Area, Iowa Department of Human Services, 563-326-8794.

Iowa – During October and November of 2004, the Department of Human Services conducted Food Stamp Program outreach in northwestern counties of the State through a partnership with Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc. who in turn worked in conjunction with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) and the Lyons County local Food Stamp Program office. Outreach activities consisted of providing information on how and where to apply, general program guidelines, and the benefits of participating. Assistance was provided in completing applications, gathering necessary documentation and in following up on the initial application. Seven outreach staff spent four hours a week on these efforts for 8 weeks. Most of those assisted were elderly households. Participation did increase. Final results will be determined at the end of FY 2005. For more information, contact: Linda Mount, Executive Officer, Iowa Department of Human Services, Des Moines IA 50317, 515-281-8259, lmount@dhs.state.ia.us.

Last modified: 04/30/2009