Conservation

The Polk County Conservation Board’s mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long-term protection of Polk County’s natural heritage. Volunteerism with Polk County Conservation focuses on hands-on restoration and preservation of high-quality natural areas as well as participation in ongoing construction and maintenance projects in our parks and along our trails and waterways. Volunteers work alongside conservation professionals, learning about the Iowa landscape, and participating in projects and events that yield immediate results. Volunteering with PCC is also a great way to lend a helping hand while enjoying the great outdoors. All community members (youth and adult) are invited to participate in a variety of activities and projects throughout the year.

Crisis and Advocacy Services

Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services (PCCAS) is a division of the Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services that provides assistance to victims of crime in Polk County regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disabilities. Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services provides advocacy and support to promote healing and empowerment for victims/survivors of violent crime.

Food Pantry

Polk County's Food Pantry Sites are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers will help clients with selecting a 3 day supply of healthy, nutritious food. Volunteers are asked to work a 2-3 hour shift. Food Pantry volunteers should be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a criminal and child and dependent adult registry check. The Food Pantry also welcomes corporate/church groups wishing to volunteer. Due to the size of the Pantry, we ask that groups limit their size to 3-4 individuals per shift.

Senior Services

Polk County Senior Services is seeking Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers for the PEER Advocate program. SHIIP training consists of 6 online modules and 3 full day in-person training sessions. SHIIP volunteers are individuals seeking to help their peers understand and navigate Medicare and Medicaid. These are complicated, ever-changing insurance programs and we seek those with the ability and willingness to learn difficult material.

Juvenile Detention Center

The Polk County Juvenile Detention Center provides a secure setting for youth age 11 through 17 while their cases are being processed through the court system and decisions are made as to their disposition. We offer unpaid internships to students studying in a related field. We offer everything from short term observation of our facility to long term internships. The student must pass a criminal and child and adult abuse background check.

Supplemental Foods

Volunteers for Supplemental Foods will use their own vehicle to deliver food boxes to home bound elderly in Polk, Dallas, Jasper, Warren, Boone and Story Counties. Most volunteer delivery routes contain 10-12 deliveries but smaller routes can be created. Volunteers can also do more than one delivery route per month if they choose. Volunteers are assigned delivery routes based on their home County as well as personal preference. Food boxes weigh approximately 30-35 pounds. Volunteers are reimbursed for their mileage at the Federal reimbursement rate. Volunteers must pass a criminal, child/adult abuse registry and driver's license check.