NEICAC's eight Family Service offices are located in each of the seven counties we serve. These offices are the starting point for access to the programs that operate underneath the NEICAC "umbrella". These offices are also the primary source of referrals to other programs for individuals and families seeking assistance.

The Family Service Specialists that staff these Family Service offices are trained and experienced in dealing with the crises that individuals and families experience. Whether it is a crisis situation, applying for energy assistance, applying for the Head Start program or other programs the specialists must first make an assessment of the situation and the applicant's eligibility for assistance. In Fayette and Winneshiek Counties our Family Service offices also administer those counties General Relief programs.

All programs have eligibility requirements mostly determined by household income. If you look at the programs listed on this website you will find each programs income eligibility. Then if you go to the link for "Poverty Guidelines" you can determine your basic eligibility for a program.

In the majority of our counties we receive donations to our "crisis fund" for that county which allows us to assist when a household is facing loss of utilities, or eviction, or is without safe and sanitary shelter. Funds donated to a county's crisis fund stay in that county and are used to assist residents of that county. These cash donations are tax deductible as NEICAC is a 501c3 charitable organization.

Annually these Family Service offices assist over 4,800 households consisting of over 12,500 individuals. Over 3,000 referrals are made annually to other agencies that provide specific services not provided by NEICAC.