March 19, 2024

Central Iowa Community Services named Organization of the Year

Central Iowa Community Services was named 2017 Organization of the Year by the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa. CICS Planning Officer Russell Wood and CEO Jody Eaton were presented the award during the Annual Best Practices Brain Injury Services Conference, “Shattering the Myths, Unmasking the Opportunities,” on March 2 at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

CICS, who serves Jasper County, is one of Iowa’s 14 regional organization that provides coordination and financial support for mental health and disability services to individuals.

“We are so pleased to honor CICS and their efforts to recognize how brain injuries can affect mental health,” BIAIA Executive Director Geoffrey Lauer said. “Their support helps us give individuals who have suffered a brain injury the information, resources and support they need.”

The CICS region encompasses 10 Iowa counties and works with dozens of service providers in the region to provide care and support to individuals and communities they service. Earlier this year, CICS announced it would be including services for individuals who have suffered brain injuries to its roster.

“We recognize the important role CICS can play in supporting those who have suffered from a brain injury because, at the end of the day, we’re not just talking about money, we’re talking about people,” CICS Planning Officer Russell Wood said. “And we can make a different in people’s lives.”

The mission of BIAIA is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, education, research and support. Founded in 1980, the group advocates for and with people with brain injuries and family members by responding to their challenges and representing their concerns through legislative efforts and active support of program create for their needs.

CICS provides coordination and financial support for mental health and disability services to individuals located in Boone, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Madison, Marshall, Poweshiek, Story and Warren counties. The regional system is designed to improve health, hope and successful outcomes for adults int eh region who have mental health disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities, including those who multi-occurring issues and other complex human service needs.

The Jasper County office of CICS is located in the Jasper County Annex building, 115 N. Second Ave. E. with office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com