About Women Aware of Siouxland
Our services focus on self-confidence, household management, financial stability, job preparation, and increased earning capacity. Changes in family structures and the economy have expanded our reach to those in poverty, single-parent households, and blended families. After 46 years, we remain committed to advocating for those in need, providing steady support through life’s challenges.
Women Aware recognizes that crisis can affect anyone, and our role is to provide support during these challenging times. Our free services are available to all, regardless of economic status or residency, because we serve a tri-state community where crisis knows no boundaries. We aim to prevent major disruptions like job loss, housing instability, and utility shutoffs by complementing—rather than duplicating—existing community services and connecting individuals to the right resources for both short- and long-term needs.
Some clients meet with our staff once for help with:
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Birth certificates
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Moving-on baskets
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Resume development
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Rent or utility assistance
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Unexpected fees or other one-time needs
or they may work with our staff over the course of months and years in a case management time setting to work on their goals and different challenges.
Others work with our staff long-term in case management to:
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Set and achieve personal goals
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Develop budgeting strategies
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Increase household income
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Prevent costly setbacks like job loss, moving expenses, rental deposits, and utility restoration fees
Over the years we’ve championed individuals to return to school to further or complete their education, and worked with various resources on the legal challenges that may be impacting their situation. We all have challenges, we might not have all the answers, but we do our best to connect our clients with the person that does.
Our staff conducts a comprehensive intake to assess client needs and create a personalized action plan. Through advocacy and networking, we connect clients with resources, empowering them to become their own advocates. By working with staff and support agencies, clients gain knowledge, confidence, and strategies to reduce reliance on public assistance. We ensure efficient service use without duplication.
Executive
Director
Carter Smith
Staff
Resource
Coordinator
Chantel Pantoja
Mental Health
Counselor
To Be Announced
Kathy Banta
Judie Campbell
Celeste Durant
Gretchen Gondek
Jess Lopez-Walker
Holly Meis
Leti O’Kane
Jan Olson
Board Of Directors
Vice President-Secretary
Board President
Brett Lyon
Nisa Salmen
Treasurer
Julie Leitshuck
About
Women Aware began in Sioux City, IA in 1979 in response to the nationwide phenomenon of homemakers displaced by divorce, widowhood, societal trends and economic pressures. Women Aware is the result of a series of meetings and discussions that a group of women had in Riverside park in Sioux City. The goal then, as it is now, was to provide a supportive, instructional environment in which to resolve overwhelming emotional and economic problems and transition individuals and families into greater economic independence and self-sufficiency.