ChildServe Opens Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit

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.

Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit offers state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including specialized technology to help children walk, an antigravity treadmill, aquatics center, and multiple functional electrical stimulation technologies such as the stepper, bike and Xcite.

“ChildServe has provided pediatric inpatient rehabilitation since 2007 and offers a continuum of care for pediatric rehabilitation, including both inpatient and outpatient services,” said Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe CEO. “Our rehabilitation program is led by one of just two board-certified pediatric physiatrists in the state of Iowa, Dr. Fred Klingbeil. Dr. Fred, as we call him, is a unifier for pediatric rehabilitation in the state of Iowa. He has forged partnerships and collaboration for the betterment of pediatric healthcare with hospitals and healthcare organizations at the local and regional level.”

ChildServe provides care for children and teens, from birth to age 21, who have experienced medical conditions related to brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic rehabilitation, burn and wound care, and even post-NICU care for infants after they leave the hospital.

“ChildServe is unlike anything else in the nation due to the breadth of connected services all under one roof,” said Dr. Klingbeil, ChildServe Medical Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. “Our team of experts can be found in one location – at Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit. This includes a team of certified pediatric rehabilitation nurses, over 50 certified brain injury specialists, and therapists with specialized training.” 

ChildServe’s inpatient and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation programs have earned national CARF accreditation in the specialty areas of pediatrics, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. This means, the organization met over 3,000 standards of excellence in pediatric rehabilitation.

Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit was made possible as a result of ChildServe’s $10 million Forward Together Campaign. ChildServe Board Trustee Joanie Houston and her husband, Dan, who serves as Principal Financial Group Chairman, President and CEO, provided the lead gift for the campaign. The Houstons made a personal gift to ChildServe of $500,000, which was matched by a $500,000 gift from the Principal Foundation. The rehabilitation unit gets its name – Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit – in honor of the nickname the Houston grandchildren have given Joanie – Jojo.

“There is nothing more precious than a child’s health and well-being,” Joanie said. “This investment builds upon an incredible 94-year history of serving children with complex medical needs and their families. We are proud and honored to be a small part of ChildServe‘s history of success.”

“As a nonprofit organization, projects like the rehabilitation unit are made possible as a result of philanthropy,” said Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe CEO. “We are proud to offer comprehensive rehabilitation services locally, so families don’t have to travel out of state for these important healthcare services. What ChildServe donors and supporters have made possible through their generosity is the powerful gift of hope.”