The Boys and Girls Club of Story County, an affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, offers after-school and summer programs. The organization provides services related to educational, career, leadership and character development, as well as arts programs, sports, recreation, fitness, and health and life skills. It holds fundraising events to fund programming.
A former bowling alley has been converted into a gathering place for this area's Order of the Moose. It includes a ballroom area with a capacity of 350 people, a bar, community room and game room. It can be rented for banquents, weddings and parties to Moose members only.
Youth & Shelter Services located on Kellogg Avenue was created to help children have access to safety, guidance, and caring adults. Some of the programs offered include counseling, runaway help, after school programs, adolescent pregnancy prevention, adoption services, and more. If you in need of help or would like to help, check the website for more information.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a charitable organization located in historic downtown Ames. This group matches up underprivileged children with older mentors who spend time with them and provide them with positive experiences. The staff says that the impact that a mentor has on the life of a "Little" is undeniable, and that more than 83% of former mentored children surveyed say that their Big Brothers or Sisters instilled in them values and principles that changed their lives for the better.
The Emergency Residence Project (ERP) is a non-profit, civic organization that strives to combat homelessness. It offers instruction in shelter securing and nutrition, and also provides referrals and homelessness interventions. The organization was founded in the 1980s as the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House. It is currently under the direction of Vic Moss. Tax-deductible donations via check or major credit card are accepted.
The Volunteer Center of Story County promotes voluntary development and education for the purpose of community improvement. The organization’s services include volunteer recognition, education, connection, mobilization and others. Its executive director is Shellie Orngard.
Story County Community Foundation is an organization that facilitates charitable giving and community betterment in Story County. The foundation's volunteers assist donors in balancing their charitable goals with their desired tax benefits, and the entire organization is overseen by a board of professionals who understand their community's requirements. All gifts are tax-deductible, and can also qualify for Endow Iowa Tax Credits in addition to their normal federal income tax deductions; donations can be made online via credit card.
The American Red Cross is an international organization with a chapter in Ames. It offers services in health and disaster relief. It accepts volunteers, and holds blood donation programs.
Established in 1965, Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. (MICA) is a nonprofit, private organization that serves families and children affected by poverty throughout central Iowa. Its foundation programs include Early Head Start, Head Start, Maternal and Child Health, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Weatherization, Family Development and Energy Assistance. It serves families throughout Poweshiek, Marshall, Hardin, Story and Tama counties. MICA's Story County offices include Story County Health Service, the Story County Family Development Center and the Story County Dental Clinic.
It is United Way of Story County's mission to act as, " a strategic leader in building countywide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support and evaluate effective human services for our diverse community."
This is the fund-raising arm of Iowa State University. For more information, call the number listed.
Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization with an office in Ames that represents central Iowa. Habitat for Humanity performs services in the construction of affordable housing to strengthen communities and neighborhoods. Its central Iowa office became an official affiliate in 1995. Habitat for Humanity additionally tithes 10 percent of its undesignated donations to Habitat for Humanity El Salvador.
This is a civic organization. The Ames Animal Shelter puts a focus on the care and treatment of lost animals, as well as the protection of area residents from nuisance animals. Stray animals, mostly dogs and cats, can be adopted here.
The American Legion is a national veterans' organization with a post on Main Street in Ames. In addition to hosting American Legion meetings, fundraisers, Sunday and Wednesday bingo and community events, the hall features a full bar and is available to rent for private parties. Call American Legion Post 37 for rental inquiries.