Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS), in partnership with Iowa Total Care, will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new Empowerment Command Center and Affordable Housing Project on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at 306 6th Ave., Grinnell.
The Empowerment Command Center is part of a $2.55 million, two-year investment from Iowa Total Care and the Centene Foundation, the charitable arm of Centene Corporation. This major initiative reflects CISS’s mission to support rural Iowans experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
The new center will offer a wide range of essential services, including job training, veterans’ resources, case management, health and wellness support, and assistance transitioning to permanent housing. By locating the center in Grinnell, CISS aims to eliminate the burden of traveling to larger cities for these crucial services.
“Our research identified Grinnell as a community with a pressing need for housing-related support,” said Melissa O’Neil, CEO of CISS. “This new Empowerment Command Center demonstrates our commitment to extending effective, compassionate solutions into rural areas and empowering individuals on their path to stability.”
Bryan Sanders, interim President and CEO of Iowa Total Care, echoed that sentiment. “We understand the connection between healthcare and housing. Through our collaboration with CISS, we’re addressing these issues holistically and providing sustainable support for vulnerable populations. We’re proud to back this initiative and help foster healthier, stronger rural communities.”
Modeled after the successful Empowerment Command Center in Des Moines, the Grinnell facility will bring vital services closer to home for many residents. A dedicated team of case workers and advocates will provide individualized support to ensure community members receive the care and resources they need.
In addition to the Command Center, the project also includes the creation of four affordable housing units in Grinnell. These homes, funded through grants, local partnerships, and private donations, aim to fill a critical gap for those who may not meet traditional housing criteria.
CISS invites local residents, community leaders, and advocates to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and help celebrate this milestone. Your support will shine a light on the importance of compassion-driven, community-based solutions for those facing housing challenges.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is the largest low-barrier shelter in Iowa. Its mission is to provide shelter, meals and support services to adults experiencing homelessness and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency. CISS also provides housing services to a 15-county region through its Rolling Hills Coalition.
About Iowa Total Care (ITC)
Iowa Total Care provides Medicaid healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in Iowa. Established in 2019, Iowa Total Care exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. Iowa Total Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives.
About the Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services, and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.
