Iowa Ideas 2024

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Human & Social Services

In-demand needs, resources, and gaps in access.

SESSION 1
Policy- Building the new structure for behavioral health care

In early 2024, the Iowa legislature passed a bill to unify mental health and substance abuse treatment programs in the state by disbanding and redefining service areas for behavioral health care. This session will review the new system, in comparison to previous attempts at restructuring, as well as the possible benefits, challenges, and impact.

October 10, 2024 at 9:35AM
SESSION 2
Food Insecurity

Once tucked into closet-sized spaces on upper floors or basements, away from watching eyes, food pantries now play a prominent role in public space and across a variety of nonprofit offerings. How has food insecurity evolved into a high priority need when considering an individual's total wellness?

October 10, 2024 at 10:40AM
SESSION 3
Policy- Innovating when restricted by policy

As policies shift or government programs expire, some nonprofits must scramble to find ways to continue to provide the offerings that are critical to their clients. What happens when the government pulls back on high-demand social services, and nonprofits are forced to pick up the slack? How far can nonprofits flex and still be sustainable?

October 10, 2024 at 11:45AM
SESSION 4
Mass Shootings: Reaction vs. Action

Minutes, hours, and days after a mass shooting occurs, shock will erupt and call for action ensues, yet attention to the issue of gun violence often fades. This session will explore why strong community reaction to loss doesn’t always translate to legislative action. What needs to change for Iowa to move toward a future with less violence?

October 10, 2024 at 1:55PM
SESSION 5
Caring for an adult in mental health crisis

Families caring for their adult loved ones who are in mental health crisis often face unique challenges from those of a minor. This session will explore the legal and social barriers Iowans face when it comes to helping an adult family member navigate the mental health care system.

October 10, 2024 at 3:00PM
SESSION 6
Income and access to housing

A state law that went into effect in 2023 now makes income discrimination legal across the state. This session will explore the impact of the new law during the past year and the impact it’s had on Iowa’s more vulnerable communities.

October 11, 2024 at 9:40AM
SESSION 7
Opioid settlement in Iowa

Changes in Iowa legislation now make it easier for the public to access naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of an overdose. Since the broadening of access, how has the number of Iowa overdoses changed? This session will also review the latest stats/ demographics, experiences, and progress in overdose training.

October 11, 2024 at 11:50AM

Human & Social Services Articles

Nonprofits struggle to recruit volunteers as demand soars

Before the pandemic, 70 volunteers at the Des Moines Art Center provided education programming, museum tours and event support. That number dropped to 20 at the beginning of this year, forcing the modern and contemporary art museum to cut back on free guided tours of the center and at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park down the street. Read more stori...
Iowa Ideas: Working together to address overlapping human needs

Needing help can look like a lot of things: Not being able to afford food, not having somewhere to live, not knowing why you feel depressed and anxious. It can be obvious, or it can be hard to see. Social service professionals across Iowa work to address human needs in various ways, and the intersection between their sectors is significant. Food...
Not-for-profits stay afloat in challenging times

Most Iowa not-for-profits were in “survival mode” in 2020 but found creative ways to keep doing their jobs, raise funds and keep their supporters engaged, even when they couldn’t see each other in-person. Many businesses closed their doors or cut back during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pandemic, poverty and unemployment heighten hunger in Iowa

Food shouldn’t be something people have to worry about or go without because they have to choose between a meal or paying the rent and their water bill. But it happens on a daily basis across the United States and here in Iowa. Food bank officials have many stories about how many working families cannot provide one meal, not to mention three a d...
Tammy Hoyman: Exploring the cliches of 2020

In difficult times, we search for answers, meaning or messages of hope. Sometimes we find clichés, and sometimes they are what we need. There is a counseling concept that helps us cope with challenges by replacing negative beliefs or catastrophic thinking with messages of optimism or hope that change our view of our reality. These messages of ho...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: The Needs For Youth — Health and Wellness for the Long Term

A holistic look at the needs and opportunities for youth, from early childhood to young adult. How can human service agencies collaborate for immediate and long term needs of a child? Where can innovation and creativity respond to the growing needs of total child wellness and what ideas are taking shape? Panelists include: Tisha Ritter, YPN; Dan...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Food Insecurity in Iowa

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity was a major issue for families across the state. Then the pandemic came and has stretched many programs even further. How is food insecurity trickling into other aspects of life? What opportunities can Iowans adopt to help reduce the insecurity?iowaideas.com. Panelists include: Deann Cook, Unite...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Providing Services in a COVID-19 Era

Panelists include: Emily Walker Blomme, Foundation 2, James Lee III, Boys & Girls Club, Cedar Valley; Debbie Craig, Four Oaks. Moderator: Adam Sullivan, The Gazette. This session was part of the 2020 Iowa Ideas Conference presented by ITC and held Oct. 15-16, 2020. This session originally occurred at 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2020. The tw...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Opening keynote speaker Carson King

Carson King is the accidental fundraiser turned philanthropist. What started as a joke at ESPN's "College Gameday" for the Iowa vs. Iowa State game in 2019 led to $600 dollars within a half hour to his Venmo account. King then decided to donate all the funds sent to his account to the University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital. Over t...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Collaborative Nonprofits

While all for the greater good, how can collaboration among nonprofits enhance mission, services, and overall success of clients served? How do organizations maintain individual identity yet recognize the importance of shared services? Will collaboration/partnerships become an expectation as we look forward to grants and other funding opportuni...