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Human Services Advisory Board says demand rising; launches Tech Lab and workforce partnerships
Summary
The city’s Human Services Advisory Board reported rising service demand, more than $70,000 raised through a community campaign, and new workforce partnerships including a Tech Lab launch with Microsoft and a data center academy with DMACC.
The West Des Moines Human Services Advisory Board told the council on Monday that demand for emergency assistance, food, clothing and transit assistance continues to rise and that the board is shifting some efforts from short-term relief toward workforce training and long-term stability programs. Karen Cortez, chair of the Human Services Advisory Board, said the board raised more than $70,000 through a “Community of Care” campaign and has streamlined operations with new technology and volunteer support. Cortez invited the council and public to a Tech Lab launch with Microsoft on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. Audrey Kennes, the city’s director of human services, said the department has launched a pilot partnership with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and a local corporate partner for a data center academy; the first cohort of 15 students completed the initial class. Kennes characterized the project as a pilot the department hopes to replicate if the early results remain “promising practices.” Why it matters: the board and department emphasized both immediate assistance (food pantry, emergency financial help, transit passes and radon mitigation outreach funded through CDBG) and a growing emphasis on partnerships to connect residents to training and higher-paying jobs. Details and next steps: Cortez listed volunteer and staff improvements, and said the department is exploring on-site financial classes and expanding public-private partnerships with employers and schools. Kennes said the DMACC partnership is in pilot stage and that the department will evaluate results for possible replication. The board’s fall fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 16; Cortez also thanked the Friends Foundation and corporate partners for support. Context: the board noted increased requests for transit passes, clothing and personal-care items in addition to food, and urged continued city support for both short-term assistance and workforce initiatives aimed at reducing long-term need.
