Social Services
Mental Health, General Assistance, Food Pantry, Representative Payee
Director: Mary Williams
Administrative Assistant: Carol Zander
Location: 905 D Ave, Room 30
ICAS Building (former West Elementary School)
Vinton, IA 52349
Hours: 8am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Phone: 319-472-4743
FAX:319-472-4744
Email: Mary Williams, bcss@mebbs.com
Carol Zanders, czander@mebbs.com
Mental Health Information
This office is the Central Point of Coordination (CPC) for accessing funding for services for persons with mental health, mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Eligibility criteria applies and documentation is required to make an informed decision regarding funding.
Eligible persons may attend the Drop In Center 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Tuesday and Friday at Wesley Untied Methodist Church. The Drop In Center is facilitated by the North Star Community Services and encourages socialization and recreation with others.
While many persons receive services for agencies outside of Benton County, others here in Benton County may receive services from Abbe Center for Community Mental Health, North Star Community Services, Genesis Development Inc., REM, Inc., DHS Case Management, Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency, Benton County Volunteer, Benton County Transportation and others.
General Assistance
Emergency assistance for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and limited medical for residents of Benton County. Eligibility guidelines apply and applications can be submitted through this office.
Food Pantry
The Food Pantries in Benton County are administered by a volunteer organization. This office screens and refers applicants for that organization for persons who are in need of food assistance. The Vinton Food Pantry is available on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Applicants must first apply for the food stamp program through DHS and bring that referral form to this office when they are in need of food. The Food Pantry volunteers request that persons access the Pantry only one time every three month. The Food Pantry in Belle Plaine is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm. The Food Pantry volunteers request that persons access the Pantry only one time every three months on an emergency basis.
Representative Payee
This office is the representative payee for persons who are receiving Social Security benefits but are unable to manage the money themselves due to their disability. An administrative fee is charged for persons living outside of care facilities. Call Social Security Administration or this office for more information.