Learn More About Iowa Concern
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How long has Iowa Concern been around?
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The 800-447-1985 number originated in 1985 and was called Rural Concern as it was created to assist the agricultural community during that farm crisis. In 1993 Iowa suffered severe flooding and the name was then changed to Iowa Concern as the program began assisting in urban areas as well. That same year, 1993, is when the service added stress counselors on the line. The web site and Live Chat features were added in 2002.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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How is this program funded?
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Iowa Concern is funded through Iowa State University Extension. Often special grants which have resulted from a crisis period are used to expand and market services of the hotline.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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Will my information be kept confidential?
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All personal information given to Iowa Concern, whether on the hotline or through e-mail or Live Chat, is kept confidential. If a client would like us to advocate or make a call on their behalf, we would need their permission to do so.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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Can I remain anonymous?
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Yes. The program does not require any identifying information. If the client is willing we may ask for their county to allow us to identify current needs in the state and evaluate marketing efforts.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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Does Iowa Concern give out any grants or loans?
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Iowa Concern is an Information and Referral service meaning we can assist with problem identification and problem solving. From there we can make an appropriate referral to an agency in your area that can assist further. Our program does not directly provide financial assistance.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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Can I contact Iowa Concern if I'm not a resident of Iowa?
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Access to the toll-free number and Live Chat is available all over the nation. However, we may not have pertinent resources for individuals that are not residents of Iowa.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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What are your hours of operation?
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All Iowa Concern services - the toll-free number, Live Chat, and the web site - are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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