In the News

The Snack Shack at ChildServe is an opportunity for teens and young adults to build important job readiness skills and increase independence!

ChildServe is pleased to announce that we have once again been recognized as a Top Workplace for 2023. ChildServe earned the top spot for the “Meaningfulness” award across all participating organizations in the Des Moines Register’s 2023 Iowa Top Workplaces survey.

ChildServe is excited to share that the expansion project to double the space and double the impact in our Ames community is now complete!

ChildServe’s 2023 Golf FORE! the Kids event raised $181,400 to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.

Funds will support the construction of a new pediatric therapy gym at ChildServe – Ames! Check out the event recap to learn more and see photos.

ChildServe has named SVPA Architects and Chris and Mary Risewick as recipients of the 2023 ChildServe Champions award.

Join us Wednesday, August 16, for the 2023 Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair, presented by ChildServe!

ChildServe made history by raising a record-breaking $1.19 million at the 13th annual Bubble Ball. Not only was this a first for ChildServe, the event set the record for donations made during a fundraising gala event in the Des Moines metro.

Let’s celebrate! For the seventh consecutive year, ChildServe was recognized for its influence as a nonprofit in Des Moines.

ChildServe is growing to serve more children in Eastern Iowa! We will double the size of our Iowa City location and open our first satellite location in the state: ChildServe Cedar Rapids!

Thanks to the generosity of ChildServe’s sponsors and golf event participants, the 29th annual Golf Fore! The Kids outing raised over $130,000 this year!

ChildServe is pleased to announce the opening of its new inpatient rehabilitation unit – Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit – this summer. The 14-bed unit is the only freestanding, comprehensive pediatric inpatient rehabilitation program for children and teens in the state of Iowa.

Visit the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 for the first ever Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Fair, presented by ChildServe.

ChildServe has named the United Way and Connie French as recipients of the ChildServe Champions award.

Our Ames location will undergo a large expansion project to meet the needs of our community.

ChildServe celebrated for the impact we make in Iowa.

In 2022, ChildServe will host unique, fun-filled events for siblings of children with special healthcare needs. Learn more.

2021 marks the 8th consecutive year ChildServe has earned the prestigious Top Workplace award.


Get to know the Autism Day Program and Medical Childcare.

Team members share what makes ChildServe stand out.

ChildServe has once again earned CARF Accreditation – the highest quality rating a healthcare provider can receive.

The award marks the fifth consecutive year ChildServe earned recognition from the Business Record for its influence as a nonprofit in Greater Des Moines.

One Des Moines family shares how ChildServe’s Respite program makes a difference in their lives.

Meet three amazing ChildServe nurses who earned the prestigious DAISY award for going above and beyond in the care they provide.

2020 marks the 7th consecutive year ChildServe has earned the prestigious Top Workplace award.


Thanks to generous donors, ChildServe is already moving forward to bring the campaign initiatives to life.

Meet the amazing nurses who were recognized for nursing excellence.

For the 6th year in a row, ChildServe was named a Top Workplace by the Des Moines Register.

Variety – the Children’s Charity announced today the organization will gift $1 million to ChildServe’s Forward Together campaign.

ChildServe presented Senator Chuck Grassley with the prestigious “Spirit of ChildServe” award in recognition of his advocacy for children with special healthcare needs.

Legacy Grant will help fund ChildServe’s $10 Million Forward Together Campaign

ChildServe recently named Variety – the Children’s Charity and Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter as ChildServe Champions.

ChildServe, a pediatric specialty healthcare organization that serves more than 4,500 children in Iowa each year, just announced a $10 million fundraising effort to address growing and unmet needs.

ChildServe’s 2019 Bubble Ball stunned from start to finish as over 90 local designers brought the “Musical Mashup” theme to life through their musical inspired bubble wrap creations.

The DAISY Award celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. Check out the 2018 winners.

Steve Bailey, (standing behind the flag), is pictured here with his platoon in the 1970s. While he’s called Iowa home for many years, Steve Bailey, environmental services manager at ChildServe, traveled across the world during his years in the military. After...

The Des Moines Register recently named ChildServe #13 on the list of 2018 Top Workplaces in Iowa.

Teri Wahlig, M.D. and David McKenzie bring decades of experience to their new positions.

From giant comic books and superheroes, to Scooby-Doo, the Minions, and Charlie Brown, Bubble Ball 2018 popped with outstanding bubble wrap creations.

After more than 25 years serving as President/CEO of ChildServe, Lloyd VanderKwaak will retire on June 30, 2018. Teri Wahlig, MD will become ChildServe’s next CEO and David McKenzie will serve as President/COO.

The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce recently named ChildServe the Non-profit of the Year.

The Des Moines Register recently named ChildServe to the list of Iowa’s Top Workplaces 2017. ChildServe was ranked #9, making 2017 the fourth year in a row that ChildServe has been named to the top 15 large employers in the state.

ChildServe team members in Eastern Iowa are now under one roof at 2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241.

Concussions and brain injuries turn life upside down. How does ChildServe help?

ChildServe Childcare Centers in Johnston and Ames celebrate successful results after testing from State of Iowa’s Quality Rating System.

ChildServe nurses make an amazing difference in the lives of children, young adults, and families across Iowa. Individually, nurses can transform the lives of those they help support. For the Dearinger family, ChildServe nurse Pat Rice-Larimer has done just that.

The poptastic event has raised $1,000,000 for kids with special healthcare needs since it’s inaugural event in 2011. Check out this year’s amazing creations to see how designers brought art to life!

Progress on ChildServe’s newest group home continues as the summer opening approaches.

ChildServe recently partnered with Drake University to celebrate the accomplishments of four children with difficult health conditions.