Building Direction for Families, Inc.

03/16/2026

Small items can make a big difference for families in our community. 💙 Building Direction for Families is collecting hygiene and cleaning supplies to help ensure local families have access to the everyday essentials needed to maintain safe, healthy homes.

We invite you to join us by donating items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, cleaning wipes, and other household cleaning supplies. All donations will be distributed to our community partners who will share them directly with families they serve.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations through March 31st:

📍 Parent Share & Support
1621 S. Frederick Ave Suite B
Oelwein, IA 50662

📍 Parents As Teachers
709 W Main Street
Manchester, IA 52057

📍 Buchanan County Operation Threshold
105 2nd Ave. NE
Independence, IA 50644

Please call ahead to ensure the offices are open before dropping off items. Thank you for helping us support families and strengthen our communities! 💙

03/06/2026

03/03/2026

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙 and one simple way to support families in our community is by helping meet basic needs. We’re collecting hygiene and cleaning supplies through March 31st to distribute to our local partners who serve families across Buchanan, Delaware, and Fayette Counties. Every bottle of soap, roll of paper towels, and container of laundry detergent helps create safer, healthier homes for children.

Donations can be dropped off at:
📍 Parent Share & Support – 1621 S. Frederick Ave Suite B, Oelwein
📍 Parents As Teachers – 709 W Main Street, Manchester
📍 Buchanan County Operation Threshold – 105 2nd Ave. NE, Independence

Please call ahead to ensure offices are open before dropping off items. Thank you for helping us build stronger families and safer communities! 💙

03/02/2026

Head over to our website to read our March 2026 newsletter.
https://www.bdfempowerment.org/newsletters

02/02/2026

During National School Counseling Week, we recognize the school counselors who help strengthen families and support the whole child. Your work aligns so closely with our mission—connecting students to resources, building resilience, and creating brighter futures across our communities. We are grateful for all you do, today and every day!

01/02/2026

Head over to our website to read our January 2026 newsletter.

https://www.bdfempowerment.org/newsletters

12/25/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from all of us at Building Direction for Families!

We hope your day is filled with peace, joy, and meaningful moments with those you love. Thank you for being part of our journey and for the important work you do every day to support children and families in our communities. ❤️

11/14/2025

This is your last chance to get registered for our upcoming To***co Cessation & Behavioral Health Training with Melissa Summers from Pathways Behavioral Services. The session will be held this Thursday, November 20th from 10:30–11:00am via Zoom, and you must be registered in advance to receive the Zoom link.

This brief but impactful training will highlight practical strategies for helping community members make positive lifestyle changes, while also providing important updates on the future of Iowa’s substance misuse and problem gambling prevention services. If you work with youth, families, or the community in any capacity, this is valuable information you won’t want to miss.

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time—don’t miss out!
Register here: https://forms.gle/ATa4JCo24Z96qeve9

Thank you, and we hope to see you on Thursday!

11/07/2025

We are pleased to offer a special combined training opportunity with Melissa Summers from Pathways Behavioral Services on Thursday, November 20th from 10:30–11:00am via Zoom. This short, informative session will explore effective strategies for supporting individuals in making positive lifestyle changes, including to***co cessation. Melissa will also share important updates and insight into the future of Iowa’s substance misuse and problem gambling prevention services—information valuable for anyone working with youth, families, or community members.

Please note: You must register in advance to receive the Zoom link.
Register here: https://forms.gle/D3ncffWEtUZcjPEQ9

We hope you will join us to learn, collaborate, and strengthen our collective efforts to support healthier communities. Thank you for the work you do every day—it makes a difference.

11/05/2025

This is your last chance to register for our upcoming Detecting Danger: Safety Training for Home Visitation Professionals happening next week!

Training Details:
Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 9:30–11:00 AM
NEW LOCATION: Independence Police Department
Address: 1100 1st Street E., Independence

We’re excited to have Lieutenant Andrew Isley from the Independence Police Department facilitating this important training. Participants will learn practical strategies to recognize potentially unsafe situations and take steps to stay safe during home visits.

If you have not yet registered, now is the time. Space is limited, and we want to ensure everyone who needs this training has the opportunity to attend.

👉 Please register (https://forms.gle/rdMTRoFfVrZ2JLyz9) as soon as possible to secure your spot.

10/23/2025

Today is Lights On Afterschool Day — a nationwide celebration of the programs that keep kids safe, supported, and learning after the school bell rings. 🌟

Afterschool programs offer more than homework help — they build confidence, spark interests, and provide a safe place for children to grow.

Let’s shine a light on the power of afterschool support! 💡