ChildServe

12/18/2025

ChildServe is having a merry ! This holiday season, Ludacris is RAPPING up more than just famous, influential rap music... he’s gifting a special present just for the kids and families we serve at ChildServe! 🎤 🎁

Thank you to The Ludacris Foundation and their founder, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, for the incredibly generous $100,000 gift supporting ChildServe’s Inpatient Complex Medical Care program.

The Ludacris Foundation’s mission is to empower youth to live their dreams and uplift communities. ChildServe’s Inpatient Complex Medical Care program lives that mission every day – providing 24/7 inpatient care for children, teens and young adults with complex medical needs.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a successful career because of the fans that attend my concerts and support my music,” said Chris Bridges aka Ludacris. “Because of this, I have the privilege to support children’s hospitals and organizations in communities all over the world. I especially enjoy supporting organizations that have an extremely meaningful impact, such as ChildServe. ChildServe meets all the buckets when I’m choosing a non-profit partner, and I appreciate the good work that you’re doing to put Iowa on the map.”

Be your own Secret Santa and join Ludacris in transforming the lives of children with special healthcare needs: https://www.childserve.org/giving/.

Video: The ChildServe team telling staff working in the Inpatient Complex Medical Care program about the special gift for the children they serve.

12/17/2025

Pssst! ChildServe has a secret Santa that we can’t WAIT to share about. Check back tomorrow for an extra special surprise! 🎁

12/16/2025

We’re sending a heartfelt thank you to our friends at the Chris Norton Foundation for helping us purchase a Galileo Vibration Training Platform for the new ChildServe – Des Moines location!

"The Galileo Platform will be used to improve and grow our therapy options for kids with neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges," said ChildServe – Des Moines Director Abbie Green. "This piece of equipment uses vibration technology to enhance muscle performance, improve blood circulation and support rehabilitation. Our therapy team is eager to incorporate this technology into their sessions!"

Thank you to the Chris Norton Foundation for their continued support in helping children with special healthcare needs live a ! To learn more about giving opportunities at ChildServe, visit https://bit.ly/GivingChildServe.

Images: The Galileo Vibration Training Platform in action at different ChildServe locations across Iowa.

12/16/2025

The Des Moines Playhouse has two sensory-friendly performances scheduled in 2026 and ChildServe families are invited to check them out!

🎭 Red Riding Hood, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
🎭 Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2026

These performances are joyful, low-stress, and inclusive, while still preserving the heart of the theatre experience. Whether you’re attending your first show or your fiftieth, sensory-friendly performances at the Playhouse ensure that everyone has a place in the audience.

This social narrative, led by the Playhouse outreach coordinator, shows what you can expect. ⬇

Nate Weber, Playhouse outreach coordinator, shows guests what they'll experience at a sensory-friendly performance.

12/15/2025

Great life moments in action with Mollie Butler! ⬇

In ChildServe’s Community Services, great life moments look different for every individual. In her role as Community Services Manager, Mollie is honored to witness many meaningful milestones – and she’s proud to share a few of the most impactful moments she sees each day:

💜 “Supported Community Living (SCL) - An individual has worked for three years in our SCL service to obtain their driver's license. They recently passed their test and can now drive themselves to work and community outings – gaining greater independence!”

💜 “Respite - We hear powerful stories from families about how vital respite is in their lives. For some, it’s the chance to sleep in their own bed for the first time in 16 years. For others, it’s the opportunity to run errands, attend one of their children’s activities, enjoy a meal out, or simply take a moment for themselves.”

💜 “Day Habilitation - Step into any of ChildServe’s Day Habilitation rooms and you’ll instantly feel the spirit! These spaces are where friendships grow, connections are made, and individuals thrive in a safe, supportive environment. Laughter often spills into the hallway – proof of the joy they feel each day in this service.”

“Community Services make a lasting impact – one family at a time. Our services support and empower individuals to build independence, engage with their communities, and develop meaningful skills,” says Mollie. “At the same time, families gain peace of mind and the opportunity to rest and recharge. Supporting individuals and their caregivers not only enhances their quality of life but also fosters a stronger, more connected community.”

Learn more about ChildServe's Community Services at https://www.childserve.org/.

Images: Photos during these services at ChildServe.

12/15/2025

We're excited to welcome Amy Varcoe, ChildServe Director of Public Relations, to our team! 🎉

“The mission at ChildServe reflects compassion in action: meeting children and families where they are, celebrating their strengths, and advocating for the possibilities ahead,” said Amy. “It represents hope, resilience and community and that's work worth dedicating myself to every day. What excites me most about joining ChildServe is the opportunity to use my skills to advance a mission that truly matters - one that changes lives, strengthens families, and builds a more inclusive community for children of all abilities.”

Amy brings over two decades of communications experience to the position. With a background leading strategic communications and brand marketing at The Iowa Clinic, UnityPoint Health and Waukee Community School District, Amy has managed marketing teams, orchestrated advertising and digital marketing campaigns, and led patient experience initiatives. Amy earned her Master of Science in Health Communication from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Electronic Media from Wartburg College.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amy to ChildServe. Amy’s experience and expertise in healthcare communications and her genuine passion for ChildServe’s mission are ideally aligned,” said Katie Wengert, ChildServe’s senior vice president of external relations and development. “In her new role, Amy serves as a key leader within our external relations team. She will make a tremendous difference by furthering awareness for our mission, illustrating the impact of our service offerings, and positioning the organization for growth.”

Welcome to the team, Amy! 💜

12/14/2025

Guess Who at ChildServe! This team member:
❓Makes an impact across all services
❓ Collaborates with every ChildServe location
❓ Plays a crucial role in program development
❓ Is an avid problem solver and analytical thinker
❓ And has been at ChildServe for nearly 25 years!

If you guessed ChildServe Accounting Manager, Tami Thomas, you’ve got it! 🎉

“ChildServe’s mission... there is nothing like it, and no feeling will ever match the amount of gratitude and reward I have knowing the impact we make for children and families,” said Tami.

As ChildServe’s Accounting Manager, Tami plays a behind-the-scenes yet deeply impactful role in helping our 30+ specialty pediatric programs thrive. She partners closely with department leaders across all locations to build strong financial foundations that support sustainable program growth.

“Helping departments strengthen their budgets ultimately allows them to serve more kids and expand access to vital equipment, technology and activities,” said Tami. “When our teams have the resources they need, they can elevate programming and therapy in ways that truly help children live a great life.”

Tami leads several essential teams at ChildServe, including Accounts Payable, Purchasing and Inventory, and our Staff Accountants – ensuring our programs continue to move forward every day.

“One thing I love most about my role is that I get to know a lot of people across ChildServe who work in diverse programs, but all for the same mission,” said Tami. “No two days in my role are the same. Some days I am prepping information, solving problems and doing analytical work, and on other days I am reviewing budgets and educating teams to help them make strategic plans.”

With nearly 25 years of experience at ChildServe, Tami has witnessed growth and change across the organization. Her extensive knowledge makes her a vital resource for teams as they navigate evolving needs, anticipate fluctuations, and build budgets that position their departments for long-term success.

“I love that we give families hope,” said Tami. “Even though I don’t work directly with the kids we serve, they still inspire me and teach me every day. Working at ChildServe has provided me with a larger outlook on life and challenged me to never take the little things for granted.”

Our mission wouldn’t be possible without behind-the-scenes innovators like Tami and the rest of our incredible accounting team. Learn more about ChildServe’s workplace culture and administrative roles at https://www.childserve.org/careers/.

Image: Tami smiling outside at ChildServe – Johnston.

12/13/2025

New toys, bright joys and tiny batteries for little ones to avoid! New toys sometimes call for new batteries – don't let curiosity spark danger in your home. Keep the holidays bright and your little ones safe with these button battery tips.

12/12/2025

Baker’s Big Story 💜

At their eight-week ultrasound, Alexa and Ben were overjoyed to learn they were expecting twins! Living in their own bubble of bliss, they were devastated to learn that one of the boys' development was drastically behind.

“Baker was significantly smaller than Brooks. Looking back, it’s heartbreaking to remember how, at nearly every ultrasound, we heard the words, ‘this one probably won’t make it’,” said Alexa.

In September 2020, the twins arrived. Against all odds, Baker survived birth at just 1 pound, 1 ounce – astonishing doctors and immediately capturing hearts with his strength.

“Right away, Baker was intubated to enable him to breathe, and doctors worked tirelessly – doing what felt like a thousand things – just to keep him alive. He spent the first two and a half years of his life in the NICU, undergoing every genetic test imaginable, yet nothing ever matched up. We still have no answers, which only shows us what a true miracle he is. Doctors have called him ‘a walking miracle’ and ‘one of a kind,’” Alexa said.

In December 2022, 2-year-old Baker finally came home for the first time, greeted by his twin as well as his younger brother Banks, who had been born while Baker was still in the NICU. Alexa and Ben were grateful Baker could resume his rehabilitation journey at ChildServe, through outpatient speech, occupational, physical, feeding, and music therapy. Slowly but surely, they began to witness milestones they had once been told would never be possible.

“When we came to ChildServe, Baker had no motor skills, couldn’t communicate and was severely delayed in his development,” said Alexa. “I remember being so happy when Baker learned to clap his hands for the first time. Now, he can sit on his own, pull up to stand, walk with his walker, use full sentences and sign language, and is eating orally for the first time – trying raspberries, tator tots and hot dogs.

“His therapists are great at advocating for the equpiment he needs and are always one step ahead of me as mom. They are constantly looking for ways to push Baker to new possibilities – always saying, ‘This is really hard Baker, but we can do hard things together.’ His therapists are on my team and motivate him alongside me.”

Today, Baker continues to work hard in therapy with big goals ahead – like weaning off his ventilator, eating fully by mouth and starting kindergarten next year!

“Baker has such a big story to tell, and he gives so many people hope. His journey reminds us that you can’t take someone else’s truth as your own – Baker is living out his own. He’s incredibly determined and the sweetest boy. If you give him a task, he’ll see it through. He’s come so far thanks to ChildServe, becoming more independent every day,” said Alexa.

During this season of giving, we hope you will consider making a gift to ChildServe so we can continue to impact kids like Baker and their families. To make a donation and watch a video of Baker enjoying his therapy sessions, visit https://www.childserve.org/bakers-big-story/.

Images: Baker during therapy appointments at ChildServe and in the NICU.

12/11/2025

We love seeing our experts shine at the national level! 🌟

The Pediatric Complex Care Association (PCCA) creates opportunities for organizations to collaborate, network, share innovations, advocate, and promote excellence in caring for children with complex medical needs and their families. ChildServe is one of the 45 organizations that partner to share expertise and collaborate to bring the very best care to children across the nation.

ChildServe experts presented at this year's PCCA conference in Orlando, Florida. ChildServe team members: Stephanie Nemmers-Bello, Carrie Van Quathem, Suzanne Richards, Linette LoConte, Megan Nikolish, Kate Holbrook, Molly Vander Ley and Kyra Macarthy shared their knowledge on these impactful topics:

💜 Bringing Ideas to Life: The Internal Research Review Committee's Role in Research Success
💜 The Role of Traumatic Events in Neurodiverse and Traumatic Brain-Injured Persons
💜 Building the Future: Innovative Strategies to Cultivate Your Talent Pipeline
💜 Telemedicine in Pediatrics: Increasing Access to Care for the Medically Complex
💜 Pediatric Palliative Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guidelines
💜 Blended Nurse Residency Programs: Bridging the Gap for Specialty Organizations



Images: ChildServe leaders presenting at the conference.

12/11/2025

Ready to end each workday knowing you made a real difference? As a Top Workplace for over a decade, ChildServe is proud to stand out as one of the most unique non-profit employers in the state. Join a mission that is creating lasting impact right here in Iowa!

We're hiring direct care providers (full-time and PRN), along with leadership opportunities across many of our life-changing services, including:
💜 Autism Day Program
💜 Childcare
💜 Medical Childcare
💜 Homes

If you love kids, we've got a role for you. Check out the chart below to learn about each of these services and discover where your passion and skills fit best! ⬇️ Learn more about our direct care roles at https://www.childserve.org/careers/ or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@childserve.org.

12/10/2025

ChildServe’s Dietary Team is hiring – and you won’t want to miss the chance to join this incredible crew and mission! Come work as a Cook at our well-loved ChildServe Spirit Café! 🍔 🍟

Our Dietary Team prepares quality meals for children and families on our inpatient units, as well as delicious daily meals for our Johnston staff. Join a fun, fast-paced, and meaningful team while serving up scrumptious dishes that make everyone smile! Learn more about this role at https://jobs.jobvite.com/careers/childserve/job/otB2yfwo?__jvst=Job%20Board%20(Indeed,%20Glassdoor,%20etc.)&__jvsd=Facebook.