ChildServe

ChildServe partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. To learn more, visit www.childserve.org.
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ChildServe is a not-for-profit organization that partners with families to help children with special health care needs live a great life. Originally founded in 1928 as a convalescent home for children, today ChildServe provides specialized pediatric healthcare services to nearly 5,800 children in Iowa. Through the support of private insurance, public funds, and the generosity of donors, ChildServ

e offers accessible, family-centered care unique to each child’s needs, hopes, and dreams. We provide services to children with special healthcare needs. In creating a common understanding of the term special healthcare needs, we note the term "health" is more than a medical definition or the absence of disability. To ChildServe, health is a state of physical, social, cognitive, environmental, and spiritual well-being. This broader concept of health helps us understand the parameters of .

08/30/2026

After more than a decade with ChildServe, the mission continues to inspire Mallory Lonergan every day. 💜

"To me, ChildServe's mission is about helping all of the children and young adults we serve live their best lives and I’m grateful to be a small part of that."

Mallory first joined ChildServe in 2012. She came to the organization because of the mission and personal connection. What began as a role as a Personal Care Assistant quickly grew into a career she never expected.

Over the past 13 years, Mallory has grown alongside the organization. She began as a Personal Care Assistant before earning her CNA certification, then completed her nursing degree in 2018.

Since then, she's served in a variety of nursing roles across ChildServe services, including Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation, Liaison with Johnston High School students, Inpatient Complex Medical Care, ChildServe – Des Moines Medical Childcare, and now ChildServe Homes.

Along the way, she's continued to expand her expertise by earning certifications as a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).

"I've found that earning and maintaining certifications beyond my nursing license has helped me learn more about the kids and young adults I work with and better support their unique needs," said Mallory.

For Mallory, the greatest reward is seeing the difference ChildServe makes every day.

"I'm proud to work at ChildServe because the work we do changes lives, and I get to see that impact every day,” Mallory said. "Every day brings a new opportunity to support others, learn and make a difference. The best moments are seeing the individuals we serve do things they are proud of and getting to celebrate those wins right alongside them."

Join our mission driven nursing team and work with passionate nurses like Mallory! Explore nursing careers and learn what it's like to be part of the ChildServe team: https://www.childserve.org/nursing-at-childserve/

Images: Mallory at ChildServe throughout the years.

08/29/2026

At ChildServe – Des Moines, no two days are the same, and some days are spent watching wheelchair races down the hallway!

We partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. Our team provides a wide range of services, including pediatric rehabilitation, autism services, behavioral health support, and family resources, all designed to help children thrive at home, in school and in their communities.

To learn more about ChildServe – Des Moines visit: https://www.childserve.org/childserve-des-moines/ or make a referral at 515-331-4518.

Images: Kids and team members at ChildServe – Des Moines participating in races down the hallway.

08/28/2026

We’re thankful for a fun day of community, connection and summer memories at ChildServe – Ames! 🚗 🍋

Individuals from ChildServe’s Day Habilitation program, Medical Childcare and Autism Day Program came together to host a car wash and lemonade stand. Together they created fun opportunities to practice skills, spend time together and connect with members of the community. From washing cars to serving up lemonade, everyone had a role to play, and there were plenty of smiles along the way!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, supported the event and helped make the day such a fun and memorable one!

Images: Individuals we serve and team members helping out during the annual car wash and lemonade stand at ChildServe – Ames.

08/27/2026

A big thank you to the team at Thrasher Foundation Repair for spending the day giving back at ChildServe – Johnston! 💜

As part of their Community Give-Back Day, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help us complete concrete leveling and remove our old playground. 🔨

We're grateful for community partners like Thrasher Foundation Repair who donate their time, talents and hard work to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve. Thank you and we appreciate your partnership, and commitment to giving back!

Images: Thrasher Foundation Repair Volunteers working outside ChildServe – Johnston.

08/26/2026

Tennis balls, treats and sunbathing... what better way to celebrate and Caribou’s birthday? 🐶 🎉

We celebrated another year of Caribou, ChildServe's Facility Dog, bringing joy to the kids we serve and our team members by throwing her a party in the Healing Garden with all her favorite things! Caribou provides comfort, encouragement and companionship to not only the kids we serve, but to team members as well. We feel very FUR-tunate to have dogs at ChildServe who help great life moments come to life each day!

To learn more about ChildServe’s dogs, visit https://www.childserve.org/dogs-of-childserve/.

Images: Team members and individuals celebrating Caribou's birthday with a party in the Healing Garden.

08/25/2026

There was no shortage of smiles during Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair presented by ChildServe! 🌽 🎡

The day was filled with learning about animals, exploring farm fresh vegetables, planting seeds, tasting treats and so much more. Thank you to the Iowa State Fair for partnering with us to create a welcoming space where individuals can make memories and enjoy all the excitement the fair has to offer!

Check out this KCCI segment to hear firsthand from a ChildServe parent on their experience at the fair: https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-state-fair-sensory-friendly-morning/73476410

Images: Photos taken during the Sensory-Friendly Morning presented by ChildServe at the Iowa State Fair. Individuals enjoyed special programming throughout the Fair, accompanied by ChildServe volunteers and therapists.

08/24/2026

For Lucille Schroeder, a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) wasn't always the plan, but it quickly became her passion.

After working in a school setting, Lucille discovered a love for supporting children with autism. When she moved to Des Moines, she found ChildServe during her job search and immediately knew it was where she belonged.

"From the moment I came in for my interview, I knew it was a place where I could flourish and grow."

Today, Lucille is pursuing a degree in Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology while completing practicum hours through ChildServe's ABA program. She's combining her education with hands-on clinical experience to prepare for the next step in her career.

Lucille says one of the biggest strengths of ChildServe's practicum program is the many experiences available. From collaborating with outpatient teams, schools, group homes and families to working alongside experienced clinicians, every day provides new opportunities to learn.

"The biggest takeaway has been how incredibly supportive my team and leaders are. My ideas are valued, collaboration is encouraged, and I know my leaders are invested in helping me succeed, not only as a clinician but as a person."

After completing her practicum, Lucille hopes to continue her journey in pediatrics as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Her advice for anyone considering a BCBA career?

"If you're considering becoming a BCBA, I highly recommend joining a ChildServe ABA team. The experiences you'll gain, the collaboration you'll experience, and the support you'll receive will shape you into a confident clinician. ChildServe truly invests in your success."

Interested in building your own career in ABA? Learn more about ChildServe's ABA careers and apply today: https://www.childserve.org/aba-careers-at-childserve/

Images: Lucille at ChildServe – Johnston

08/23/2026

A special visit from our local heroes! 🚒

ChildServe – Johnston Childcare had an exciting morning, welcoming Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District firefighters for a hands-on visit. The children explored the fire truck, learned about firefighter gear, discovered ways to stay safe in an emergency and had the opportunity to ask lots of great questions.

Experiences like these help children build confidence, spark curiosity and learn about the important people who keep our communities safe.

A big thank you to our local firefighters for taking the time to make learning fun and memorable for our kids! ❤️🧑‍🚒

Images: ChildServe – Johnston childcare visits with Johnston - Grimes firefighters.

08/22/2026

When Julio was 17, he stepped onto the soccer field expecting an ordinary practice. Instead, one split-second later, everything changed. After an accident at practice, Julio dislocated his shoulder and lost consciousness, resulting in a severe concussion.

Julio’s family partnered with ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic to support him through his recovery. Through hard work in therapy, determination and support from our expert clinicians, Julio returned to the soccer field and back to the activities he loves.

This August, we recognize Concussion Awareness Month. Julio’s story is a powerful reminder that a concussion can happen in an instant and change the course of a life. At ChildServe, we know concussions can be a challenging time for families, but our team is ready to support your child and help them get back to the activities they love!

Read more about Julio’s story and discover how ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic supported his recovery: https://www.childserve.org/julio/.

Video: Julio during therapy sessions at ChildServe and celebrating his recovery.

08/21/2026

Congratulations to the graduates from ChildServe's Autism Day Program! 🎓💜

We recently celebrated the graduates with delicious cupcakes, a game of 'don't let the balloon touch the floor,' fun music and celebratory photo ops. 🎈

"We had eight kids graduate from the program, and we're so excited to cheer them on as they head to school this fall," said ChildServe Community Services Supervisor Kara Pick. "These kids have worked hard on individualized care plans to help them gain skills for independence, master pre-academic goals and connect with their peers and teachers. Congratulations to all of the graduates and families, and thank you to our amazing Autism Day Program team."

ChildServe's Autism Day Program is the only one of its kind in Iowa. We offer specialized weekday care for children ages two through six years old. Kids in the program may also receive applied behavior analysis, and occupational, speech and physical therapy. We're currently accepting referrals for our Autism Day Program! To make a referral or request more information, call 515-727-8750. Learn more at https://www.childserve.org/autism-services/.

Images: Photos of team members, families and kids enjoying the graduation celebration.

Address

5406 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA
50131

Telephone

+15157278750

Website

http://www.childserve.org/

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