Mainstream Living Inc.

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day! We're grateful to be part of a community that shows up for people with disabilities every single day. To our staff, members, families, and partner organizations across Iowa doing this same work: thank you for supporting our mission and believing that people with disabilities deserve to live full, connected lives. 💙

08/12/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Mainstream Living

This week’s Member Spotlight features Mainstream Living Inc., an Ames-based nonprofit organization that has provided community-based services for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs since 1975.

Guided by its mission of “Enhancing Opportunities, Creating Success, and Fulfilling Dreams,” Mainstream Living helps individuals participate in their communities, pursue greater independence, and live full lives in ways that reflect their unique needs, abilities, and goals.

💙 Three Critical Supports They Provide:

• Residential and Supported Community Living: Mainstream Living provides residential services and individualized support that help people remain in or return to their communities.

• Community Integration and Day Services: Through individualized programs, Mainstream Living helps adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs strengthen life skills, improve their quality of life, and become more actively involved in their communities.

• Employment and Vocational Support: Mainstream Living offers training, work opportunities, and supported employment services designed to help individuals develop valuable skills and pursue meaningful, competitive employment.

For more than 50 years, Mainstream Living has worked to create opportunities for individuals to contribute, build connections, and pursue their dreams.

We are grateful to recognize Mainstream Living as part of the IACP community and celebrate the meaningful impact its dedicated team continues to make across Central Iowa.

Learn more at: https://www.mainstreamliving.org/

08/11/2026

What a great trip! Our Behavioral Health members and staff hit the road for a day at the Kansas City Zoo. 🦧

07/30/2026

It's always a perfect time for ice cream! 🍦

07/08/2026

We are sad to share the passing of Sheryl Bellis. Sheryl was a member of Mainstream Living for many years. She was a devoted and determined mother, who worked hard to build a life for herself and her son.

Please keep Sheryl, her family and staff in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Sheryl Lee Bellis, 66, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born November 21, 1959, to Earl and Phyllis (Clement) Sanders in Burbank, California. Sheryl lived most of her adult life in Des Moines and was an avid fan and collector of Betty Boop. Her…

07/07/2026

Happy belated 4th of July! 🎉 Our Behavioral Health crew had a great time celebrating at the parade in Carlisle. So glad they got to enjoy it in the sunshine!

07/03/2026

A group of our members and staff recently packed up for a road trip down to Tennessee! One stop they made was to the Hollywood Wax Museum, where they got some awesome pics posing next to their favorite celebrities. They also headed to Rock City to see the incredible views. What a great opportunity for our members to get out and explore! We are so thankful for our staff that help make these adventures possible for our members.

07/01/2026

Come join our maintenance team - full or part time option available!
👉Appply here: https://bit.ly/3QwSsZ5

06/23/2026

It is with a heavy heart we share the news of Conrad Peterson's passing. Conrad was a longtime member of ours at Mainstream Living, having been in our care for 31 years. At the age of 75, Conrad outlived every medical prognosis and lived a full, meaningful life. He touched the lives of many throughout his time with us and will be greatly missed.

Conrad's memorial service will be held this Thursday, June 25th at 11am with a reception to follow at Des Moines First Church of God in Des Moines. More information is available at the link below.

Please keep his family and our staff in your thoughts during the coming days.

Conrad Eskil Peterson, 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He is survived by his sister, Pam Finn, nephew, Jon Finn, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eskil and Bev Peterson and stepmom, Lois. Conrad was dearly loved by his family and also by his second family…

05/28/2026

The Villa Vista ladies had a great time at Sugar Shack Diner’s “Cruise In Car Show” in Altoona! It was a beautiful day to look at all the classic cars and listen to live music. 🎶🚗