Community Resource Guide

COMMUNITY

RESOURCE GUIDE


The purpose of this guide is to provide you with information about a variety of community resources that you may find helpful. This guide is not exhaustive, so you are encouraged to seek out additional resources not listed here that may be a better fit for your needs. We also encourage you to contact the resources listed for the most up-to-date information (eligibility, hours, locations, etc.), as changes may occur frequently. 

Mercy College of Health Sciences does not exclusively endorse any of the resources contained in this guide. 

If you need additional information or assistance, please contact Diane Haskins at diane.haskins@mchs.edu

ADVOCACY SERVICES
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE & REFERRAL
CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD

 

COVID-19 RESOURCES
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

 

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

 

 

 

EMERGENCY SHELTER
EMPLOYMENT & JOB ASSISTANCE
  • Project IOWA
    1420 Mulberry St.
    Des Moines, IA  50309
    (515) 280-1274  
  • St. Vincent DePaul
    1426 6th Ave.
    Des Moines, IA  50314
    (515) 282-8327 ext. 150  
  • WorkSource
    1001 Office Park Rd., Suite 121
    West Des Moines, IA  50265
    (515) 225-4355 
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PLEASE NOTE: This list of financial resources has been compiled for your convenience and does not in any way guarantee assistance from any of the agencies on this list.


 

FOOD: FOOD PANTRIES, MEAL ASSISTANCE, & BASIC NEEDS
HEALTH: MENTAL HEALTH, COUNSELING, CRISIS, & THERAPY RESOURCES

FREE counseling/mental health/therapy resources

  • Uwill
    • Mercy College partner for student mental health and wellness solutions
    • Private, secure, confidential 
    • Free, quick, and immediate access to teletherapy
    • Therapist of your choice based on preferences (issue, gender, language, ethnicity)
    • 180 minutes per academic year per student
    • Times that fit YOUR schedule (day, night, weekend)
    • Variety of appointment types (video, phone, online chat, or message)
    • Click on link above or scan QR code below to register with your student email account and book a session 

The following resources may have some costs associated with their services. Please check with the individual providers to see if they accept private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and/or personal payments, OR if they provide financial assistance or will work with individuals based on their income. 

 

HEALTH: MEDICAL, VISION, & DENTAL
Medical, Vision, & Dental Providers Health Insurance & Programs
HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

 

LEGAL ASSISTANCE
RESOURCE ASSISTANCE
  • GradReady
    Video lessons, resources, tools, and tips to help students success financially, academically, personally. (Click on “Get Started” to create an account.)
  • Hope4College
    Projects, research, resources, and programs to support students.
  • Iowa Concern
    Source for legal, financial, stress, and crisis/disaster related information and resources.
    24/7 Support: 1-800-447-1985
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION RECOVERY
TAX PREPARATION (FREE)
TRANSPORTATION
General Transportation Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

 

VETERANS

 

To view a PDF summary of all resources listed above, please click the link below.  

View Community Resource Guide

COUNSELING

The Norkaitis Student Success Center provides a professional counselor for students who are looking for help in addressing personal or other emotional issues.

Learn More

TUTORING

The Norkaitis Student Success Center offers free tutoring services to all students.

Get Started

CATHERINE'S CABINET

Mercy College's student food bank provides supplemental support to students who are facing food insecurity and need assistance. 

Learn More

Request Info

Next step before transforming into a life-saving hero: complete the form below. Our admissions team will get you all the info you need to know.

Request Info

EMAIL
Admissions: admissions@mchs.edu

PHONE
Admissions: (515) 635-1133
General: (515) 643-3180

About Us

Mercy College of Health Sciences has been transforming students into healthcare professionals since 1899. Located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, we offer master's degreesbachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education courses.

Mercy College is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in addition to numerous programmatic accreditors.

Mercy College Iowa

Get Connected

Mercy College is a Catholic, accredited, nonprofit institution of higher learning.