MUSCATINE, Iowa — Each week, Muscatine area residents in need of emotional healing find compassionate care at Muscatine Family Resources Inc.

The non-profit agency, which began 40 years ago in a small downtown Muscatine office, has expanded to include specialized programs for people of all ages who deal with the aftermath of trauma and abuse.

This year, as the agency celebrates its 40th anniversary, its services encompass the entire  building at the corner of Second and Sycamore streets in downtown Muscatine.

Programs include the family counseling and therapy program; a family, safety, risk and permanency program; a sexual assault/domestic violence program and the Muscatine Learning Center, an alternative school for students who benefit from a smaller classroom setting.

Agency director Dawn Sturms said programs are added as her staff learns more about the needs of the community.

“We get as creative as we can to wrap around and provide the services,” she said. “I think that’s why we’ve been here for 40 years.”

Family servicesKim Hessel, the in-home services provider for Family Resources, said the bulk of her works revolves around child abuse and its prevention.

“Child abuse doesn’t take a break on the holiday,” said Hessel. “In fact, that can be the time we see a lot more violence and crimes.”

The agency provides a 24-hour a day crises line where people can call for assistance in instances of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Hessel and the rest of the staff say there is a brighter side to their work.

“We’d see a lot more violent crimes if we didn’t intervene,” she said.  

Crisis care

Rachel Riley-Smock,  supervisor of the sexual assault/domestic abuse advocacy program, said her agency operates a shelter that provide domestic abuse victims with temporary homes.

The shelter, a spacious house at an undisclosed address, was set up 12 years ago in large part because of community support, said Riley-Smock.

Families share the large living space, which features comfortable furniture and a large screen television. A stocked kitchen and dining area are also part of the home-style atmosphere.

Alternative school

Family Resources also operates an alternative school that partners with the Muscatine Community School District to educate students who struggle in a large classroom environment.

Jan Collinson, District director of special programs, said students are referred to the program by teachers and administrators. The goal is to give the students a more-structured environment in which they can focus on academics.

“These students need that personal interaction,” said Jim Woods, who began teaching at the school in August. “A lot of these students struggle when they don’t have someone who understands them. For me personally, I want to see these students succeed”

Students who have individual educational plans through the District special education department are eligible for enrollment in the school, which has a capacity of 10 students.

Shannon Numkena is the special education teacher/supervisor for the alternative school.

The parents of students deemed eligible for the program meet with teachers and administrators to discuss enrolling their children in the program.

The program is funded with District special education funds, said Collinson.

A listening ear

Family Resources provides ongoing counseling and therapy for people, ages 4 years old through adult, who deal with the aftermath of emotional trauma.

The counseling staff includes therapists Ann Giovanazzi and Cynthia Prodzinski and psychologist Sieg Hoppe. 

Hessel said her department provides in-home visits to help incorporate daily living and coping skills.

“We provide some preventative services, especially for people who don’t have insurance or the means to get to our offices and see one of our therapist or psychologist,” said Hessel.

Sturms said United Way provides funding for these programs.

After foster care

Family Resources participates in a statewide  program that provides assistance for young adults who have graduated from foster care and are transitioning into adulthood.

The Iowa Aftercare Services Network, funded by the Iowa Department of Human Services, assists Iowa youths 18-20 who left foster care at age 17 or older.

Adult Living is the next step in the program for Aftercare participants who left foster care after May 1, 2006, were at least 18, and have a high school diploma or general educational development certification.

These young adults may qualify for a monthly stipend they can use to live in an approved living arrangement such as former foster parents, in an apartment or a college dorm. This program is for former foster care youths who are either employed or in college or a work-training program.

Tuition, books and other related expenses may be covered by the Education Training Vouchers component of the program.

A full staffFamily Resources Inc. staff also includes a legal advocate, Heidi Harisson. Jodi Carring, the community educator, coordinates public programs that educate people on preventing sexual abuse and assault. The Family Resources offices also feature a specially constructed supervised visitation room with a one-way window where parents with supervised visitation orders can be observed as they visit with their children.

Satisfying work

The rewards of assisting people in crises are many, said Rilely-Smock, including seeing someone come out on the other side.

“A few weeks ago, I was at Wal-Mart and someone I had worked with five years ago came up and told me how wonderful life is now,” she said.

DetailsWhat: Muscatine Family Resources Inc.

Where: 119 Sycamore St., Suite 200.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday for counseling and therapy services  8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

24-hour crises line: 1-563-263-8080

Phone: 563-263-0067

Fax: 563-263-0069