Frequently Asked Questions

WEEKEND JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAM

Our Weekend OWI Jail Diversion Program is an alternative to jail for individuals convicted of a first offense of operating while intoxicated. Our program provides the mandatory Iowa Department of Transportation Drinking Drivers Education training for both 12-hour and 48-hour sentences.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the OWI program. Click here to jump to the FAQ on Substance Use Evaluations.

Please email owischool@urbandreams.org with any additional questions or concerns.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A CLASS?

Please navigate to the Classes page on our website. Select the location and select 'Book Now' next to the desired class. Fill out the booking form. A confirmation email with your class details will be emailed to you. After booking the class, navigate to the Make a Payment page on our website.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE CLASS?

48 - HOUR CLASS

Friday: 5 pm - 9 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 9 pm

Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm

12 - HOUR CLASS

Saturday: 8 am - 2 pm

Sunday: 8 am - 2 pm

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT CHECK-IN?

Check-in occurs in the lobby; wait for instructions from security or the instructor.
You will receive your room key upon check-in.
Upon arrival, you and your luggage will be searched.
A Breathalyzer test will be conducted at check-in and may be repeated during the weekend. A reading above .00 will result in dismissal. Anyone arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be dismissed.
You are responsible for your personal property.
Once you are checked in, you will not be allowed to return to your vehicle or have anything dropped off.

WHAT PERSONAL ITEMS CAN I BRING?

Overnight items (e.g., clothes, blankets, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
Medications that are in original labeled containers.
Cell phones and computers may be used on a restricted basis.
Unopened snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
No alcohol-containing products (e.g., mouthwash, perfume, hairspray).
No tobacco unless in unopened packages; all rooms are non-smoking.
No weapons, pocket knives, gaming systems, or outside visitors.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE HOTEL? (This is only applicable to the 48-hour class)

You may only enter your assigned room.
Rooms include basic amenities (soap, towels, shampoo, coffee, irons).
There is no maid service during your stay.
You are responsible for any room damages.
Leaving the property is prohibited.

DO YOU PROVIDE ACCOMMODATIONS?

We do provide accommodations for disabilities and dietary restrictions. To allow adequate time to make arrangements, please email owischool@urbandreams.org with an accommodation request at least 72 hours before your scheduled class.

IS THERE SECURITY?

Security officers are on site to keep the participants and staff safe.

Loud or disruptive behavior results in dismissal.
Curfew: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The gym and pool are off-limits.

WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?

The base class fee covers a shared hotel room. If you would like to upgrade to a private room, please navigate to the Make a Payment page on our website. Select the Upgrade to a Private Room box and complete the payment form. Upgrading to a private room costs $150.
Payment must be made in full to secure your spot.
Payments can be made online, in person, or by mail to:
Urban Dreams, 1615 2nd Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
Accepted payment methods: cashier’s check, credit/debit card, or money order.
Payment is due at least one week before the class.
If payment is not received by the Friday before the class, you will be removed from the class.
There are no refunds. If you are unable to attend, you must notify Urban Dreams at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $150 rescheduling fee.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE THE CLASS?

A completion certificate will be issued at the end of the class. If lost, a $25 fee will be charged for a duplicate.
You are responsible for providing the certificate to your probation officer or attorney if necessary.
Urban Dreams will electronically file your completion information with the Iowa DOT and forward a copy to the Clerk of Court in your county. If you’re attending from another state, please provide the necessary paperwork.
Please bring your social security number and Iowa Driver's License number to class for DOT reporting.

WHAT INFORMATION/DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

We are required to report your completion to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The following information will be required:

Full legal name
Address, City, State, Zip Code
Date of Birth
Social Security Number or Iowa Driver’s License Number

Substance Use Eval FAQ

SUBSTANCE USE EVALUATION

In addition to our Weekend OWI Jail Diversion Program, we also offer Substance Use Evaluations.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the evaluations. Please email owischool@urbandreams.org with any additional questions or concerns.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SUBSTANCE USE EVALUATION?

Please navigate to the Make a Payment page on our website. Select the substance use evaluation box and complete the payment form. Once you have paid, you will receive an email from owischools@urbandreams.org with a calendar link. You may schedule your evaluation on any of the open days and times.

*Please note: Appointment dates/times are added to the calendar every few months. If you do not see an open appointment, please continue to check back for openings.

HOW DOES THE EVALUATION WORK?

Felicia Chumley, our Substance Abuse Treatment Evaluator, will email you a Zoom link 10 minutes before your scheduled evaluation time. The evaluation will take about an hour.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EVALUATION?

Following the completion of your evaluation and depending on the outcome/recommendations, we will refer you to the appropriate treatment provider near you who offers the recommended level of care or file a report to the DOT stating that you have met the requirements on your evaluation if no treatment is recommended.