Article

Member Spotlight: Susan Woodford of First Resources Corp.

Meet Susan Woodford of First Resources Corp.

Since 1987, First Resources Corp. has supported individuals and families throughout Southeast Iowa with services tailored to their individual needs, while at the same time strengthening the communities they call home. For the past seven years, Executive Director Susan Woodford has led the organization and its continued commitment to person-centered support.

In her role, Woodford oversees all aspects of the Ottumwa-based organization, supporting the staff and volunteers who provide daily assistance, respite care, residential services, manage multiple-site housing programs, residential and outpatient substance use treatment programs, and more.

For Woodford, the organization’s work reflects the character of the region it serves.

“Southeast Iowa is a friendly and supportive community, First Resources strives to be collaborative and a strong community partner.”

Innovative paths to community support

One recent accomplishment which Woodford says reflects this caring spirit is First Resources involvement in the Market Street Landing inclusive playground in Ottumwa. The organization helped advance the development of the abilities park and raised an impressive $2.5 million in less than a year.

As part of a broader initiative to revitalize underused areas along Ottumwa’s riverfront, the inclusive play space is transforming vacant land into a welcoming destination for recreation and community connection. Designed for people of all abilities and backgrounds, the park gives residents a place to gather, play and enjoy public space while also supporting economic development, attracting visitors and encouraging continued investment in Ottumwa.

For Woodford, the project is a strong example of the collaborative community spirit at the heart of First Resources’ mission.

Another important part of the organization’s work is its operation of two Intensive Residential Service Homes, or IRSH homes, in the area.

Eligible participants are Iowa adults with qualifying diagnoses who require continuous, supervised treatment. IRSH homes provide a safe place to live along with 24-hour support, behavioral health treatment and other services. The program offers residents a structured environment while helping reduce the risk of repeated hospitalization, institutional placement or homelessness.

'The success of each person is our motivation."

While First Resources is proud of these accomplishments, Woodford recognizes that community-based providers continue to face significant challenges. Affordable housing remains one of the greatest needs in Southeast Iowa, particularly for people who require accessible and stable living options, including many of those supported by First Resources.

Low Medicaid reimbursement rates also place ongoing pressure on providers, affecting their ability to recruit and retain employees, maintain services and plan for future needs. Changes to service models, funding structures, state systems and public policies create additional challenges for organizations working to provide consistent care.

As a long-standing member of the Iowa Association of Community Providers, First Resources values IACP as an important resource and advocate for the broader network of community-based service organizations across Iowa.

Woodford says this partnership is especially valuable in a field that depends on a knowledgeable, compassionate and dependable workforce. Through advocacy, timely information and professional training, IACP helps First Resources respond to change while remaining focused on delivering consistent, person-centered services.

Woodford hopes more people outside the field will recognize the essential role community providers play. Their work reaches beyond the individuals who directly receive services. It also supports families, strengthens neighborhoods and helps create communities where more people can participate, contribute and belong.

At its heart, the work of First Resources is about improving quality of life. Through its services, partnerships and community involvement, the organization continues to help individuals and families throughout Southeast Iowa access the support they need to thrive.

For Woodford and the First Resources team, every individual success is a reminder of why the work matters, and why they remain committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Website: firstresources.us
TAGS: Spotlight