IACP: Iowa Association of Community Providers

IACP: Iowa Association of Community Providers Relentlessly Advocating for Iowa Providers to Build Healthy Communities For more than 35 years, IACP has advocated for Iowa providers.

IACP consists of over 150 community-based organizations that provide services in all 99 Iowa counties. Association members serve 140,000 people with disabilities and employ 30,000 Iowans. IACP members annually contribute over 1.3 billion dollars to our state's economy! Mission: Relentlessly Advocating for Iowa Providers to Build Healthy Communities

Vision: One day, all Iowans will live, learn, and work in their community of choice.

Nominated for the IACP Community Builder Award by colleague Danielle Hadley, Cyndi Ferguson has more than twenty years o...
05/09/2025

Nominated for the IACP Community Builder Award by colleague Danielle Hadley, Cyndi Ferguson has more than twenty years of dedicated service to her organization, Partnership For Progress.

Cyndi has positively proven herself as a true leader and advocate for the individuals she supports and the staff she supervises. She has worked tirelessly to promote community inclusion, person-centered planning, and to ensure the rights of individuals. Cyndi’s dedication to her team is evidenced by her low staff turnover, notably due to her exceptional training, guidance, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment.

Beyond her supervisory skills, Cyndi is a reliable advocate. She works closely with her staff and treatment teams to ensure the best outcomes for each individual and implements innovative service delivery strategies that promote independence and positive behavior.

Congratulations, Cyndi, on your IACP Community Builder Award and thanks for your service to Iowans!

Crisis Services Director Nicolle Eaton has been nominated for the Community Builder Award by Sheila Martin of Siouxland ...
05/09/2025

Crisis Services Director Nicolle Eaton has been nominated for the Community Builder Award by Sheila Martin of Siouxland Mental Health Center.

Each day, Nicolle demonstrates extraordinary leadership and an unwavering commitment to supporting individuals in emotional and psychological crisis. Nicolle’s work goes far beyond just managing a team. She proactively addresses barriers to care and ensures that services are accessible to underserved populations, including those in rural communities. Her dedication to transparency and clear communication has fostered a culture of trust and cooperation within her organization, allowing for a seamless delivery of care.

Nicolle is a trusted resource within her community, working closely with local organizations and agencies to create long-lasting, supportive systems for those in need. Her vision for an inclusive and compassionate community truly sets her apart.

Congratulations, Nicolle, on your IACP Community Builder Award and thanks for your service to Iowans!

IACP's 2025 Relentless Advocate of the Year award was presented to Jack Mescher, CEO of Hills & Dales,in Dubuque, Iowa. ...
05/08/2025

IACP's 2025 Relentless Advocate of the Year award was presented to Jack Mescher, CEO of Hills & Dales,in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jack's dedication to advocacy is remarkable, particularly his use of data to tell an effective story of where funding can be best invested with the biggest impact. His commitment to providing high-quality supports for Iowans has made him a driving force in the fight for improved funding for community-based services.

Thank you, Jack, for your advocacy!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our next Community Builder Award Recipient, Pat Crawford. She was enthusiastically n...
05/08/2025

We are thrilled to introduce you to our next Community Builder Award Recipient, Pat Crawford. She was enthusiastically nominated for this award by Tracy Haywood of Iowa Family Services.

Pat's remarkable career spans over forty years. For nearly nine of those years, Pat has served as a Service Supervisor/Team Lead, mentoring countless employees and fostering an environment that values staff support, retention, and community-building.

Pat excels in recruiting and retaining dedicated staff. She ensures that they are not only skilled but also deeply committed to the agency's mission. Her efforts have been instrumental in creating a positive, supportive work environment, which has led to higher retention rates and a more engaged team. Pat builds lasting relationships with families, earning their trust and making sure their voices are heard in every aspect of the care process.
Through her advocacy and leadership, Pat has directly improved the lives of many, and her legacy of mentorship and dedication continues to inspire those around her.

Congratulations, Pat, on your IACP Community Builder Award, and thanks for your service to Iowans!

Meet Donna May, an IACP 2025 Community Builder Award winner! Donna May was nominated for the IACP Community Builder Awar...
05/07/2025

Meet Donna May, an IACP 2025 Community Builder Award winner!

Donna May was nominated for the IACP Community Builder Award by Sydney Dighton and Emily Smith of One Vision.

Donna’s leadership, dedication, and advocacy have made a lasting impact on the individuals she supports, the staff she mentors, and the families she serves. As a Team Leader at One Vision, Donna goes above and beyond to ensure that those she supports are treated with dignity and respect. She advocates tirelessly for their needs, builds strong relationships with families, and fosters a supportive environment for her team.

Donna’s commitment to inclusion is demonstrated through her lifelong dedication to empowering others and has set a powerful example within her organization. Her leadership extends far beyond day-to-day operations, as Donna also fosters a larger sense of community, creating meaningful connections among many. Put simply, Donna makes people feel special and at home. Whether it’s organizing amazing events or stepping in to support her team, Donna's unwavering dedication is evident in all she does.

Congratulations, Donna, on your IACP Community Builder Award!

Next, we'd like to introduce you to Kim Lappin! As a Care Coordinator at Exceptional Opportunities, Kim maintains a powe...
05/07/2025

Next, we'd like to introduce you to Kim Lappin! As a Care Coordinator at Exceptional Opportunities, Kim maintains a powerful ability to build strong, trusting relationships. These relationships support the individuals with whom she works directly, but also their families, and her community building abilities extend to the staff she supervises as well.

Kim's advocacy and leadership shine through in her work, particularly as she supports individuals on their journey to achieve greater independence.

One standout example of Kim’s dedication is her successful advocacy in aiding an individual in successful transition into apartment living. Family support for this individual has helped them flourish, and so has Kim’s ongoing and unwavering support.

Kim’s ability to develop and empower her staff is foundational. She helps to ensure communication of clear expectations, provides them with guidance, and helps her team members as they grow within the organization.

Congratulations, Kim, on your IACP Community Builder Award!

Please join IACP in congratulating Steve Hodapp, CEO of VODEC, who was honored last week with the 2025 IACP Executive of...
05/06/2025

Please join IACP in congratulating Steve Hodapp, CEO of VODEC, who was honored last week with the 2025 IACP Executive of the Year Award. With nearly 30 years of leadership and service at VODEC, Steve has guided his organization through countless changes and challenges. Known for his humble approach and dedication, Steve has played a pivotal role in providing excellent services to Iowans with disabilities.

Thanks to Steve for his engagement, leadership, and commitment!

Last week, IACP announced the 2025 Excellence Awards. Over the course of this week, we'd like to share a little more abo...
05/05/2025

Last week, IACP announced the 2025 Excellence Awards. Over the course of this week, we'd like to share a little more about each of the winners. Today, we'd like to introduce you to Theresa Allen, a 2025 Community Builder Award winner. Theresa is an Employment Services Manager for Candeo.

Theresa Allen was nominated by her supervisor, Misty Conn. As Candeo’s Coordinator of Supported Employment Services, Theresa leads a dynamic team dedicated to supporting Iowans with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment.

It is her commitment to the Employment 1st philosophy, her dedication to building relationships with clients and employers, and her passion for empowering Direct Support Professionals, that make Theresa an invaluable leader.

As she mentors staff and fosters important community partnerships, Theresa’s impact is felt throughout her agency and beyond. Her work exemplifies what it means to be a true community builder.

Congratulations, Theresa, on your IACP Community Builder Award and thank you for your service to Iowans!

And that’s a wrap! From our dedicated attendees and exhibitors to the incredible event staff and AV crew at Hyatt Regenc...
05/02/2025

And that’s a wrap! From our dedicated attendees and exhibitors to the incredible event staff and AV crew at Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, we are immensely grateful to have spent this week with such inspiring individuals. A special thank you to Gabrielle Sedor from ANCOR for traveling from Washington to provide invaluable federal policy updates.

We hope everyone leaves as energized as we are. As Dr. Celina Peerman emphasized today, this event wasn’t about enduring change—it was about leading it with resilience and determination. We hope it left you better able to continue to lead in your communities and at work as you serve Iowans with disabilities and behavioral health needs.

Mark your calendars now for October 27-29, 2026, and make plans to join us next year!

Gratitude to all who made Day 2 of Change. Lead It!, the 2025 IACP Annual Conference, so packed with energy and engageme...
05/01/2025

Gratitude to all who made Day 2 of Change. Lead It!, the 2025 IACP Annual Conference, so packed with energy and engagement:

👟A brisk 2-mile walk/run kicked off the day.

🎤Attendees immersed themselves in 32 insightful presentations.

👩🏽‍🏫Over 60 exhibitors showcased their innovations and solutions to support community providers.

🎁More than 40 fantastic Silent Auction baskets were up for grabs.

Countless gallons of coffee ☕ (and ice cream🍨!) fueled the day.

Thank you for your incredible commitment to advancing services and support for Iowans with disabilities and behavioral health needs.

Day 1 was terrific and day 2 is under way! Thanks to Iowa Total Care for sponsoring yesterday's opening keynote with the...
04/30/2025

Day 1 was terrific and day 2 is under way! Thanks to Iowa Total Care for sponsoring yesterday's opening keynote with the phenomenal Adam Markel! We packed the house to hear his message of resilience and being Change Proof.

What. A. Day! Opening day of the Change. Lead It! 2025 Annual Conference  was fantastic 🏅 What an amazing group of atten...
04/30/2025

What.
A.
Day!

Opening day of the Change. Lead It! 2025 Annual Conference was fantastic 🏅 What an amazing group of attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers!

One highlight of every conference is getting to give the IACP Excellence Awards! Please join us in congratulating the 2025 awardees (and stay tuned for more information on each winner)!

2025 Community-Builder Award recipients are:
Theresa Allen, Candeo
Kim Lappin, Exceptional Opportunities
Donna May, One Vision
Pat Crawford, Iowa Family Services
Nicolle Eaton, Siouxland MHC
Cyndi Ferguson, Partnership for Progress.

Relentless Advocate of the Year: Jack Mescher CEO of Hills & Dales

Executive of the Year: Steve Hodapp, CEO of Vodec

We would like to extend our congratulations to each award winner and heartfelt gratitude for all you do on behalf of Iowans with disabilities and behavioral health diagnoses.

Address

7025 Hickman Road, Ste 5
Urbandale, IA
50322

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Our Story

For nearly four decades, IACP has advocated for Iowa disability service providers. IACP’s membership consists of over 130 community-based organizations that provide services in all 99 Iowa counties. Association members serve 140,000 people with disabilities and employ 30,000 Iowans. IACP members annually contribute over 1.3 billion dollars to our state's economy! Through training, technical assistance and policy work, IACP staff strive every day to fulfill our mission.

Our Mission: To relentlessly advocate for Iowa providers to build healthy communities Vision: One day, all Iowans will live, learn, and work in their community of choice.