United Way of Johnson County Volunteer Guide 2011 - Shelter House

give. advocate. volunteerHillcrest family servicesSchool Children’s aidMany people contribute to the School Children’s Fund each year through their UnitedWay contribution or specifically in honor of a colleague or teacher. Many people alsocontribute in-kind donations to the fund. In particular, the Iowa City Altrusa Club has hadseveral drives over the past few years, collecting boots, books, socks and underwear forchildren. In 2009, this group collected over sixty pairs of winter boots and books as theirMake A Difference Day project. In 2011, Altrusa members collected over fifty packagesof new underwear and socks for children in the schools. The Iowa City Altrusa Club is alocal chapter of the International Altrusa organization which provides community service,develops leadership, and encourages fellowship. Iowa City Altrusa has been an activeorganization in our community for the past 85 years, supporting projects that promoteliteracy and help women and children. nHillcrest Family Services is proud to be a part of the Johnson United Way Community. AtHillcrest Family Services we do everything within our power to provide better outcomesfor those less fortunate, in personal crisis or in family turmoil. We could not do any ofthis without the help of the many volunteers. Coralville resident, Joyce Patton, representsJohnson County on the Board of Trustees for Hillcrest Family Services. Joyce is an outstandingadvocate for our programs and we continue to be grateful for her volunteerism.We believe everyone should have a chance at a better tomorrow. Hillcrest Family Servicesis an agency where people are treated with dignity and respect. For over 115 years HillcrestFamily Service’s mission is to serve those in crisis, struggling and in need. n449 Hwy. 1 West, Iowa City, IA 52246MISSION:Hillcrest Family Services enhances the lives of children, families and adults inneed by teaching skills and providing information and resources. We advocate ontheir behalf and work collaboratively with local communities to provide a rangeof quality and innovative services.SERVICES:In Iowa City, we currently offer supported community living and residential services.The Iowa City Hillcrest Supported Living Program serves adults diagnosed with aserious mental illness. We assist individuals in gaining the supports and skills theywant/need to remain living in the community. We also have Birch House, a 5-bedgroup home for adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness. We assist theseindividuals in learning skills to transition to community living.509 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240MISSION:The Joan Buxton School Children’s Aid Fund provides resources to children inneed in an effort to eliminate barriers to learning related to these needs. SchoolChildren’s Aid was formed as a private corporation in 1959 by the late FrankBates to respond to the needs of disadvantaged school children. In 1971, SchoolChildren’s Aid became a member agency of United Way of Johnson County. Thenin 1996, the fund was re-named after Joan Buxton, a school nurse who worked onbehalf of the agency.SERVICES:Children and families are referred to the School Children’s Aid program throughreferrals from school district staff, including health services staff, Family ResourceCenter staff, Mental Health Case Managers, counselors, principals, teachers, andbuilding secretaries. The School Children’s Aid program is unique in that thereare no overhead costs, with all contributions going directly to provide resourcesto children and families. The program is very user-friendly without requiringparents to fill out income forms or complete other paperwork.COMMUNITY IMPACT:The resources provided by this fund include eye exams and glasses, medications,health supplies, clothing, tennis shoes, boots, and school supplies. The program isfunded by United Way and private donations. In-kind donations and services arealso accepted. ToGather Together, a community-wide school supply drive, donatesa large quantity of school supplies to all schools in the Iowa City CommunitySchool District each year. New this year, McDonald’s Optical provides free eyeexams and glasses, up to 5 referrals/ month. In 2010-11, 560 children were served.The following resources were provided to these children during that year:Boots: 85, Clothing: 100, Coat/ snowpants: 30, Eye glasses: 31, Tennisshoes: 263, Medication: 30, Health supplies: 77United Way of Johnson County | 9