Making a Difference:
Cathy Stjernberg

As a donor, volunteer and trustee, Cathy Stjernberg has seen ChildServe from many perspectives.

Cathy spent over 30 years as an educator, working mostly in West Des Moines schools. When a friend suggested Cathy join ChildServe‘s Board of Trustees, Cathy was immediately interested. She quickly noticed the mission-driven atmosphere at ChildServe.

“One of the things that struck me at ChildServe is everybody knows the mission: We partner with families to help children with special health care needs live a great life. I really love that,” Cathy says.

“One of the things that struck me about ChildServe is everybody knows the mission: We partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. I really love that.”

In addition to contributing to ChildServe‘s Bubble Ball, Run, Walk and FUN 4 the Kids, and Golf FORE! the Kids, Cathy gives her time to the children. She volunteers regularly in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and childcare center, where she reads to the children and takes them on walks. Cathy believes that being involved in different ways gives her a unique perspective on ChildServe‘s goals.

“By volunteering, I get a larger awareness of the organization. When I am helping make decisions I can draw on some personal experience with the children and staff,” Cathy says. “We can learn so much from children. They are happy souls, excited about life. I feel less stress when I can laugh with children and also help them.”