The state’s Thrive Iowa program is now operating in 20 of the state’s 99 counties. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services launched the initiative this summer to help connect people with services and resources. In Buena (BYOO-nuh) Vista County, the Storm Lake Community School District received program funding to hire staff to work directly with families. Superintendent Stacey Cole says Thrive Iowa is designed to give them more stability.
The Iowa Legislature approved up to eight-million dollars for Thrive Iowa in 2024. Democrats criticized the program at the time, saying Iowa already had organizations providing similar services for less money. Cole says the initiative assists families with incomes at or below 200-percent of the federal poverty level.
Thrive Iowa provides help in 13 areas, including housing, employment, food insecurity and childcare. The program also identifies gaps in services. Cole says in her community they need more mental health and dental providers. Organizations contracted by Iowa H-H-S to run Thrive Iowa receive $320,000 a year.
