ChildServe

A journey fueled by love. As an infant, all odds were against Dalton as he faced life-threatening hardships. He was adopted by his parents and has since thrived with their love and support. The family partnered with ChildServe and found a support system full of hope, joy, love, and endless opportunities for Dalton. A special thank you to our friends at Flynn Wright for helping capture Dalton's impactful story, which debuted at #BubbleBall yesterday. Mark your calendars for next year's event taking place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Iowa Events Center. #GreatLife #TransformingLives #BubbleBallDSM #BubbleWrap Learn more about ChildServe Homes at https://lnkd.in/gZEPq6ft. Video: Video of Dalton and his family.

Our Foundation team members are the driving force behind the #greatlife moments we create for children at ChildServe! If you're an experienced fundraising professional ready to innovate, grow professionally, and make an impact in the lives of children with special healthcare needs, this is your opportunity! ?? Director of Development and Operations Join our mission-driven team and help make a difference! #ChildServe #TopWorkplace #NonprofitLeaders #TransformingLives Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gpdwfw5G

Looking to say “Thank you” to Dr. Fred for making an impact on your family? Submit thank you messages or stories of impact to [email protected] by Oct. 1, 2024. ?? After 33 years in the field of pediatric rehabilitation, Dr. Fred Klingbeil will be moving on to a well-deserved retirement in December. Dr. Fred came to ChildServe in 2014 to serve as medical director of pediatric rehabilitation. His clinical expertise and willingness to collaborate have been a game changer for children and young adults with rehabilitation needs across the state. After a national search, we are thrilled to have welcomed Dr. Rachel Blankenship as Dr. Fred's successor. With less than 200 board-certified pediatric physiatrists currently within the U.S., we feel especially fortunate to have found a successor who is passionate about our mission and committed to providing exceptional care with the same compassion and expertise displayed by Dr. Fred for so many years. Learn more about Dr. Fred's retirement at . #GreatLife #ChildServe #TransformingLives

ChildServe’s mission is a shining light for Homecare Nurse, Shelly Lehmkuhl. ?? ?? Shelly has witnessed ChildServe’s mission come to life in many different areas of the organization. Over the course of 12 years, Shelly has worked in several roles at ChildServe from Complex Medical Care to Respite and Homecare. She has created lasting connections with the children and young adults she serves – a connection that keeps her coming back to her passion for nursing. “The most meaningful part of my job is spending time with the children we serve. I love getting to know their personalities, likes, dislikes and providing individualized care specific to their needs and wants,” said Shelly. “I get to be a part of their everyday routine and provide holistic care. When I witness smiles from the children we serve, it truly lights up my world!” While the children are one of her favorite parts of the job, Shelly also enjoys the comradery between her fellow nurses. She continues to feel valued and supported by the ChildServe’s Homecare team. “As a Homecare and Respite nurse, you’re out in the community and at the homes of individuals without ancillary staff. With that being said, I never feel alone because I know my ChildServe team is there to support me,” said Shelly. “There is always support from my supervising team members if a question or concern arises. I have developed genuine friendships with the other nurses, and I truly feel cared for as an employee.” Shelly’s experience as a Homecare Nurse has allowed her to watch the children she serves grow up and experience new things, all while achieving incredible goals and milestones along the way. “To me, great life moments are when I get to witness a child in my care live their best life,” said Shelly. “As a nurse, you’re alongside the child and family as they go to school, learn, grow and make memories. You’re there as a comforting presence at their doctors' appointments. You support them as they interact with their peers and family members. It’s rewarding to assist children and young adults as they explore their community. Watching the individuals we serve at ChildServe grow is truly a blessing and a shining light in my world!” ?? If you're like Shelly and are passionate about helping kids with special healthcare needs overcome barriers and live a #greatlife, ChildServe is the place for you. Check out our nursing roles today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gMu54BEG #NursingAtChildServe #HomecareNursing #TopWorkplace #ChildServe Image: Shelly at the ChildServe - Johnston location.

Hand over the stethoscope, we've got some future doctors on our hands! ?? Our ChildServe Childcare team recently invited experts from across the organization to visit with kids in our older classrooms, including Dr. Brandon! ChildServe Medical Director, Dr. Leah Brandon, chatted with the class about what doctors carry in their bags. With help from their classroom teachers, kids got a chance to test out the different pieces of equipment. We learned that a lot of the items doctors carry are fun to use and not scary at all! #GreatLife #ChildServe Images: Kids at ChildServe Childcare testing out doctor equipment.

Football season is here, and we couldn't be more excited to see a familiar ChildServe face representing the Iowa Hawkeyes Hawkeyes as a 2024 Kid Captain! ?? Jackson attends ChildServe's outpatient therapy program and Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine clinic. Out of 245 amazing children nominated to be a Kid Captain for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital, Jackson was amongst 12 who were selected. We can't wait to cheer on Jackson as he fulfills his captain duties later this fall! Learn more about this year's Kid Captains at https://lnkd.in/gZ597ne2. *Photo credit: UI Health Care

In August, we held our 2nd Nurse Camp and invited 25 6th-8th grade students to spend a day with ChildServe's team! ?? Two of our nurse camp participants, along with ChildServe Director of Nursing, Stephanie Nemmers-Bello, recently spoke with Lou Sipolt at Iowa Live about the impact of this unique program. Check out the segment to hear what future nurses have to say about ChildServe's Nurse Camp! #NurseSquad #ChildServe #GreatLife

We're grateful to be a part of a community that cares! ?? Thank you to the volunteers from Workiva, Hach, Danfoss and Iowa State University who participated in United Way of Story County's Day of Caring. Teams put together craft kits for the kids and were a huge help in cleaning lots of classroom essentials and therapy equipment. #CelebrateYourGreat #GreatLife #DayOfCaring2024 #DayOfCaring Learn more about volunteering at ChildServe: https://lnkd.in/gTXPxCDx. Images: Photos of volunteers helping out with cleaning projects at ChildServe.

Hooray for ??! ChildServe's Pediatric Rehabilitation unit opened in July 2022 with the goal of serving 100 kids in the first three years of operation. This September, we admitted our 100th child to the unit, completing our goal nearly a year early! ?? ?? We're beyond grateful for the ChildServe team members who have worked hard to serve all 100 kids with compassion, hope, and most importantly, the spirit of a child. ChildServe’s Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program is the only freestanding, comprehensive pediatric inpatient rehabilitation program for children and young adults in the state of Iowa. We provide expert care for individuals from birth to age 21 who've experienced a variety of medical conditions – including brain and spinal cord injuries, complications of premature birth, burns & wounds, those recovering from surgery, and more. The new unit has enhanced the rehabilitation journey for each individual we serve and will enable more lives to be changed for years to come. We're proud to use our expertise to help children and families in Iowa and beyond. Learn more about ChildServe's Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program at https://lnkd.in/g6NUVQjR. #TransformingLives #ChildServe #RehabWeek #RehabWeek2024 #NationalRehabWeek Images: ChildServe team members celebrating the 100th child served at the pediatric rehabilitation unit.

At ChildServe, we transform lives, and for some families, that journey starts with our Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program! Remodeled in 2022, the new Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit has enhanced the rehabilitation journey for each individual we serve and will enable more lives to be changed for years to come. Take a look at the new unit with this video tour! ?? Learn more about ChildServe's Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program at https://lnkd.in/g6NUVQjR. #RehabWeek #NationalRehabilitationWeek #NationalRehabWeek #ChildServe #TransformingLives #GreatLife Video: A tour of the Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program at ChildServe in Johnston, IA.