What’s It Like To Live in a Group Home?

A Look Inside ChildServe Homes

ChildServe Homes are happy, uplifting places – the kind where you plant vegetable gardens in the backyard and have occasional dance parties in the living room! ChildServe has 16 different group homes in central Iowa serving kids and young adults from 5 – 30 years old with varying special healthcare needs.

No two days in a ChildServe Group Home are the same. Here is a glimpse at a few of the great life moments that happen each and every day.

Chart-topping Vocal Entertainment Starring Miss Molly!

When ChildServe team members discovered Molly’s love for music, they got a karaoke machine for the home. At least once a day, the living room is transformed into a live concert with selections by Molly’s favorite artists, including Shania Twain, Michael Bublé, Alan Jackson, Veggie Tales and many more.

“Since starting karaoke, Molly has been more social with her housemates and spends a lot more time out of her room,” says Molly’s team. “She is more involved and is easily bonding with others. Singing brings her so much joy, she just loves it and she knows so many songs!”

From Garden To Table!

Summer menus at ChildServe consist of fresh watermelon, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and so much more courtesy of ChildServe‘s Group Homes! Some of our group homes have gardens in their backyards that provide a space for exploration and learning for the kids and young adults we serve. Some even have raised garden beds to make it easier for kids in wheelchairs to tend to the plants.

“The teens have been super engaged and involved during the gardening process and have taken so much pride in what they are able to harvest,” says ChildServe Lead Homes Supervisor Dillon McHugh.

Chef Rylee is at Your Service!

There is always something yummy cooking in the kitchens at ChildServe’s Group Homes! Rylee and her sous chef (ChildServe Direct Support Professional) love baking delicious new recipes from their biggest inspiration, The Pioneer Woman.

Rylee uses an eye-gaze keyboard to communicate with her team about new recipes, what ingredients they will need, and the correct measurements. She has also baked different recipes and entered them at the Iowa State Fair! Check out this blog post by Rylee sharing her favorite fall treat, Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls!

Fun in the Sun!

Summertime hosts some of our favorite great life memories at ChildServe’s Group Homes. For kids and young adults with special healthcare needs, enjoying a splash in the pool can raise some challenges. Our group home team members have gone above and beyond to conquer this challenge and create a safe and fun way to cool down in the summer heat.

Science Time!

Three… two… one… explode! Kids and young adults in ChildServe’s Group Homes love exploring science with experiments like this volcano one! Science experiments are a great opportunity to use social skills to work as a team, fine motor skills to complete tasks and create great life memories.

ChildServe Homes are all about creating an environment for kids to learn and grow toward a more independent life. We are grateful to the team members and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of kids in our homes each and every day.

As a ChildServe Group Home team member or volunteer, you can create great life moments just like these! We have a variety of shifts and roles open for nurses and direct support professionals. If you love working with kids and teens and are passionate about helping individuals with special healthcare needs create a life they love, we invite you to learn more and apply today!

View Career Opportunities

Learn More About ChildServe Homes

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of nearly 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.