You can count on Polk County Extension and ISU Extension and Outreach to provide reliable, research-based resources to guide and support all Iowans of any age during challenging times. Whether it's managing stress, coping with unemployment, or learning to recognize the warning signs of suicide, we're here for you now. Always.

Programs

• What About Me? My Wellbeing
• Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts
• Mental Health First Aid
• Question. Persuade. Refer.
• Stress on the Farm

Resources

Farm and Ranch Wellbeing
Stress: Taking Charge

• All About Stress
• Coping with Unemployment
• Using What You Have to Get What You Want
• Helping Children Manage Stress
• Common Stresses for Parents of Teens
• Managing Stress in Later Life Families
• Managing Stress in Midlife Families
• Managing Stress in Young Families

Disaster Recovery

Mental health resources specifically for times of disaster or crisis.

• Document

  Tips for Survivors of Disasters
• Document

  What to Expect in Personal, Family, Work and Financial Life
• Document

  Tips for Health Care Practitioners

You're invited to a Healthy Baby Shower for expecting mothers, hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County and Nutrition 4 Young Children. Healthy baby showers are available in English and Spanish.

Learn about pregnancy and nutrition from an ISU Extension and Outreach health educator to give your baby the best start possible. Participants will receive a backpack full of baby gifts after attending a virtual or in-person shower. 

For more information or to register, contact our staff. Registration is intended for expecting mothers who are residents of Polk County with limited resources.

English

2023 showers for English speakers are tentatively scheduled 7:00-8:00 p.m. for:

• February 23, 2023 (virtual) 
• May 10, 2023 (in-person) 
• August 16, 2023 (in-person)
• November 15, 2023 (virtual) 

Spanish

2023 showers for Spanish-speakers are scheduled 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

• February 16, 2023 (virtual) 
• May 3, 2023 (in-person) 
• August 9, 2023 (in-person) 
• November 1, 2023 (virtual)

Español

Asista a un “Baby Shower” Saludable en español, para mujeres embarazadas, organizado por ISU Extension, en asociación con Nutrition 4 Young Children.
 
¡Aprenda sobre la nutrición prenatalcon un educador de salud de extensión de ISU para darle a su bebé el mejor comienzo posible! Los participantes se reunirán a través de computadora o en persona. Después del “Baby Shower,” todos los participantes recibirán una mochila "Healthy Baby" llena de regalos con valor de  $100, de Nutrition 4 Young Children.  https://www.nutrition4youngchildren.org/
 
Para más información o para inscribirse, póngase en contacto con Rosa Gonzalez, 515-490-2298, rdegonza@iastate.edu
 
Baby Showers - Español
Los “Baby Showers” de 2023 para hispanohablantes están programadas de 7:00 a 8:00 pm:

16 de febrero (virtual) 
3 de mayo (en persona) 
9 de agosto (en persona) 
1 de noviembre (virtual) 

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Yes, you can read to babies! Through “Small Talk,” Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Polk County is helping parents build literacy skills in very young children. 

“Small Talk” is a series of free classes for parents of children up to 30 months of age. The community-based program shows parents how they can create a rich language environment to help their child’s brain develop. During the classes, parents receive direct instruction, watch educational videos and participate in small group discussions. Then they take what they learn in class, and practice at home.

Check out our upcoming session!