Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1975, North Star Community Services has been working every day to bring exemplary services to people with a very wide range of disabilities. Everyone receiving services can expect person-centered support that reflects their personal preferences, desires, and goals, along with individualized supports to maximize their success!
To be eligible for services through North Star Community Services the person must meet the following criteria:
- Make the personal choice to participate in a program
- Be at least 18 years of age (50 years of age for Newel Post)
- Have been diagnosed with a disability that presents challenges to independent living.
- Have some type of funding available (private pay is accepted, and funding options vary by program)
Please consider North Star Community Services if you have a diagnosed disability, and you feel you need support; if you are a case manager or social worker seeking placement for someone in your community; if you are caring for a loved one who is aging and/or has Alzheimer’s or other dementia; or if you are a family member who wants to see your loved one grow and become as independent as possible.
If you have questions, or need more information, please give us a call at (319) 236-0901.
If you are ready to start the referral process please complete the form (link below) and either email it to admissions@northstarcs.org or fax to (319) 236-3701
North Star provides services in Northeast, North Central, and parts of Eastern Iowa.
- Typically, Supported Community Living Services are provided within a 30-mile radius of a North Star office location. Offices are in Mason City, New Hampton, Vinton, Waterloo, and Waverly.
- Day Habilitation programming is located in Waterloo, Iowa, Waverly, Iowa, and Vinton, Iowa.
- Newel Post and Canterbury Center are both located in Waterloo, Iowa.
- North Star’s Administrative offices are located at 3420 University Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa.
Call to inquire if services are provided in your area.
Each program has a different array of funding sources. Briefly, they include the following:
Funding for Newel Post: Services are funded through: Medicaid HCBS - BI Waiver, Elderly Waiver, ID Waiver, Health & Disability Waiver, or AIDS/HIV Waiver, Veteran’s Administration, or Private Pay. Other options may be available.
Funding for Canterbury Center: Services are funded through: Medicaid HCBS - BI Waiver, Elderly Waiver, ID Waiver, Health & Disability Waiver, or AIDS/HIV Waiver, Veteran’s Administration, or Private Pay. Other options may be available.
Funding for Day Habilitation: Services are funded through: Medicaid HCBS – ID Waiver, Habilitation Services, County or Region Funding, or Private Pay. Other options may be available.
Funding for Supported Community Living Services: Services are funded through: Medicaid HCBS – BI Waiver, ID Waiver, Home-Based Habilitation Services, County or Region Funding, or Private Pay. Other options are also available for CDAC and Respite Services: Medicaid HCBS – PD Waiver, Elderly Waiver, Health & Disability Waiver, or AIDS/HIV Waiver. Call for other options.
Donations and Grants: Gifts from individuals, civic and religious organizations, businesses, and foundations are always welcome! Donations and grants help us do a wide array of things that regular funding does not allow for - including the purchase and repair of specialized equipment, special projects, programmatic enhancements, and more.
North Star's regular funding streams do not allow for anything “extra,” so we seek donations to help provide meaningful activities, special projects, enhancements to programming, the purchase of specialized equipment or supplies, and so much more!
To learn more, or to discover how you can help us achieve our mission to “empower each person to realize potential, pursue dreams, and enjoy life,” visit our donations page.
North Star Community Services is a 501(c)(3), and gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax professional.
No. North Star does not own or have housing available for those we serve. Instead, we provide individualized, one-on-one support for someone who is living in their own home or family home in the community through our Supported Community Living programs.
Yes! If you are interested in having someone from North Star speak to your group about our services, simply send an email to Jodie at jmuller@northstarcs.org or give us a call at (319)236-0901!