ChildServe in Ames is Growing!

ChildServe – Ames is growing to meet the needs of our community.

“ChildServe’s expansion project will not only double our current footprint when it comes to physical space, but it will also double the number of children we serve at our Ames campus within the next five years,” said Teri Wahlig, M.D., ChildServe CEO.

Since opening in 1995, ChildServe in Ames has been a staple in the community for families raising a child with special healthcare needs. When we built our current facility in 2000, we were serving 125 children. Today we serve nearly 1,000 children and families from Story County and 22 of the surrounding counties through a unique set of services. 

“ChildServe provides a continuum of services for children with special healthcare needs in four key areas: autism services, pediatric rehabilitation, complex medical care and community-based services,” said Kate Reynolds, Director of ChildServe in Ames. “We partner with local hospitals, pediatric specialists and healthcare providers to improve outcomes and make life a little easier for families caring for children with special healthcare needs.”

Our 256 Ames team members provide childcare services, medical childcare, outpatient therapy, adaptive equipment and orthotics, Autism Day Program, ABA, mental health therapy, day habilitation, respite, supported community living and social services and case management. 

With more and more children being diagnosed with autism, more services such as mental health and ABA being in-demand, and a waitlist of over 200 children needing outpatient therapy, this expansion will allow us to grow those signature programs and meet these important community needs. 

In addition, doubling the campus footprint will create more usable space for staff, including the creation of workrooms, break rooms, conference rooms and storage space; as well as waiting and wellness rooms to provide more user-friendly space for the families and team members in our building.

Autism Program Needs and Expansion

Last year, ChildServe leased and remodeled additional space in a building across the street to expand autism services. This additional space has allowed many children on the waiting list to receive much-needed care. 

“One in 54 children across the country have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,” said Dr. Wahlig. “There is a pressing need for autism services in our community – and as a specialty pediatric healthcare provider, we know that early intervention is key to helping children reach their full potential. That’s why ChildServe is taking a proactive approach to investing in the children of Iowa.” 

To learn more about the expansion project, and hear from a family who benefits from our Autism Program, watch this video. 

We can’t wait to see this project brought to life – and see hundreds more children accessing life-changing care!

Help Us Make an Impact

ChildServe’s mission is to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.  Join us by becoming a donor, joining our team, or following us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,800 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

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