Frequently Asked Questions

Not just that.

Although preventing family separation is a big part of what we do, Family Resource Centers (FRCs) support families long before a crisis ever happens. That might look like access to food, parenting groups, peer support, job help, and more.

Strong families need strong communities, and we are here to strengthen both.

A Family Resource Center (FRC) is a local, community-driven program that supports parents and strengthens families. Because they’re rooted in our neighborhoods, FRCs earn deep trust. This trust leads to stronger families, healthier kids, and more connected communities.

But local work can also mean limited resources. Many FRCs operate without steady funding, data tools, or access to best practices.

That’s where the Iowa Family Resource Collaborative (the Network) comes in. We provide technical assistance, peer connections, and access to national expertise, helping local FRCs grow their capacity and share what works statewide.

Either — or both!

When you support the Network, your gift strengthens all Iowa FRCs by improving quality and expanding reach.

When you support a local FRC, you directly help your community thrive.

Some donors choose to split their gift. We’re happy to help you decide what fits your goals best.

Absolutely.

In Dubuque, a group of moms noticed that other women involved in the Child Welfare System weren’t getting the support they needed to keep their kids at home.

The IFRC Network stepped in to help them build a community, define their mission, fundraise, and launch Moms Connect.

Since launching, no regularly participating mom has lost another child to the system.

This is the power of community-led support — and it’s what we’re working to bring to families and family-centered programs across Iowa.

That’s intentional.

Each FRC reflects its own community — rural or urban, large or small. Their services adapt to local needs, while all share a commitment to family well-being.

The Network ensures that every center meets high standards, even if their day-to-day work looks different.

No — FRCs are for all families.

By keeping support non-stigmatized and accessible, any parent or caregiver can find resources and connection.

Every family benefits from support in two of life’s most important roles: being a parent and being a partner.

We use research-backed tools to understand what works. That includes tracking the Five Protective Factors for Strengthening Families — proven indicators of stability, healthy child development, and lower rates of abuse and neglect.

But we also measure success by who’s at the table. When parents say, “We helped build this,” we know we’re doing it right.

A lot of people.

Congress has recently passed legislation encouraging investment in FRCs. Casey Family Programs has highlighted how FRCs strengthen families and save money.

Today, 39 states plus Washington, D.C. have statewide FRC Networks — and Iowa is proud to be part of this growing national movement for excellence in family support.