The mission of Crisis Intervention Service is to provide victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in North Central Iowa with free, confidential 24-hour services including shelter, safety, support, and education with the assictance of professional staff and trained volunteers.

Description:
CIS currently provides short-term crisis and follow-up counseling for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and their significant others. CIS also provides victims advocacy, support groups, 24-hour crisis line, shelter, and child advocacy. The shelter has 4 semi-private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining, living, kitchen and play rooms. It is staffed 24 hours a day. In addition, CIS provides community education to school-aged children, professional and civic groups. All services and programs are available to the general public at no cost.

History:
In 1977 NIAD provided a drop in service for rural women to be able to come together to share their problems and concerns. It was called "The Door Opener". In 1982 the name was changed to "Crisis Intervention Service". September of 1991 a shelter was opened for battered women and their children. The facility was staffed by volunteers. Currently CIS has 18 staff members as well as volunteers. Counties served but not limited to are: Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth and Kossuth.

Contact people:

Jo Powell, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone) Mary Ingham, Executive Director, (phone) Karen White, Office Manager, (phone)

Address:

P.O. Box 656 Mason City, IA 50401

Web Site: None specified