Audubon County
You can make a difference in Audubon County! Join New Opportunities in supporting local families through volunteer work and community care. Your time and effort help neighbors in need and strengthen our entire community.
Volunteer opportunities at the Audubon County Outreach Office include:
- Delivering food bags for the Backpack Program to the Audubon Elementary School
- Preparing Christmas Toy Packages for children
- Adopting a Family for Christmas
- Choosing a name from The Giving Tree
- Helping in the Food Pantry
Ready to get started? I want to volunteer!
Office Information
Audubon County Outreach Office
109 Tracy Street
Audubon, IA 50025
Phone: 712-563-2777
Fax: 712-563-3017
Office Hours
September - April: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
May - August: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Closed on all federal holidays.
Book Appointment Online Now! (November-April only)
Annual Community Events
The Audubon County Outreach Office serves as the local application and referral hub for all income-based programs offered by New Opportunities, Inc.
Back to School Supplies
Applications due by July 31, 2026
- Download and print the sign-up form or
- Complete the form online
Backpack Program
Each week, qualifying K-6 students on free or reduced lunch receive a bag with 12 nutritious food items. Bags are sent home every Friday (or the last school day of the week) to help ensure children have access to food over the weekend.
- Offered at Audubon Elementary and Exira Elementary School
- Provided in partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa
- To sign up, contact your school secretary for enrollment details
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Seasonal assistance for local families in need during the holiday season.
Christmas Gifts for Children
- Available October - December
- Christmas Toy Sign-Up Form
Services Available in Audubon County
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Start your LIHEAP application today!
LIHEAP helps homeowners and renters with part of their heating bills during the winter. This federally funded program reduces financial stress and supports home safety.
When to apply:
- Elderly (60+) and/or disabled households: October 1 - April 30
- All other households: November 1 - April 30
Applications available by appointment.
Eligibility is based on household income, family size, housing type, and fuel source. LIHEAP currently serves households earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level.
Sign Up for LIHEAP Online Now! (November-April)
Learn more:
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
| Each Additional Member Add: | $11,360 |
Utility Crisis Assistance Program
The Utility Crisis Assistance Program (UCAP) helps income-eligible residents prevent utility shutoffs or restore energy services. Assistance is available to those meeting the 200% federal poverty guideline.
Visit the Utility Crisis Assistance page for full details.
Weatherization for Energy Savings
Your LIHEAP application also serves as an application for Weatherization Assistance, which helps lower utility costs by improving energy efficiency. Services may include insulation, furnace inspections, and energy-saving upgrades.
Learn more on the Weatherization page.
Food Pantry - Audubon County
The Audubon County Food Pantry offers free monthly food boxes to families in need. Each box may include meats, canned goods, baking supplies, and toiletries (based on availability). Applicants must provide basic household information and proof of residency in Audubon County. Proudly partnering with the Food Bank of Iowa to serve local families.
Mobile Food Pantry
Held every other month at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 326 Leroy St., Audubon. Learn more about the Mobile Food Pantry schedule and locations today.
Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Program
The FADSS Program helps families at risk of long-term dependency achieve stability through goal setting, coaching, and community support.
Financial Literacy Counseling
The Financial Literacy Counseling Program teaches essential money management skills, including:
- Reducing debt and building savings
- Budgeting effectively
- Restoring credit and improving financial confidence
Other Community Services and Quick Links
Explore more New Opportunities Services, including:
The Iowa Utilities Board provides information and resources on utility services, energy regulations, and consumer assistance throughout the state.
