ADEL, Iowa — As Heart of Iowa Community Services prepares for its closure in June, clients worry about future mental health and disability assistance availability.

In May 2024, Governor Reynolds signed HF 2673, which dissolves the Mental Health Disability Services program and incorporates it into the Iowa Behavioral Health and Disability Services program. In doing this, several programs, including Heart of Iowa Community Services, are being forced to close.

Established in 1999, Heart of Iowa Community Services has helped more than 16,000 people with care services across 13 counties. The organization offers jail alternatives, children’s navigation, and created crisis programs including mobile crisis and transitional living programs.

At the end of February, Heart of Iowa released a statement saying they would work to make sure the individuals they serve gain access to other services.

HICS was founded on a passion to serve our community, and we are truly grateful to our employees and our partner providers. We have been blessed to touch many lives in our communities, and we are thankful for all of them. HICS will continue to provide the same high level of care to Iowans in our 13 counties through this transition. We are committed to working with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the transition is seamless.  

Darci Alt, Heart of Iowa CEO

Tina has been assisted by Heart of Iowa for more than eight years and says the program has helped her gain control of her health and given her independence.

“It means a lot to me and that I have something I can count on, someone I can rely on, and somebody that I can talk out my problems with,” said Tina.

Tina says the announcement in February made her worried for her future.

“I fill empty, I feel really sad, I’m lost, and I know a lot of people feel the same way I do about this,” Tina said.

Tina doesn’t know what programs will be available to her once Heart of Iowa closes and worries about her journey without the program.

Heart of Iowa’s CEO says they are awaiting direction and assistance from HHS regarding how the transition for the people they serve is going to look. Heart of Iowa will remain operational till June 30, with the merger happening on July 1.