Inspiring Lives

03/06/2026

Thank You to Our Employees! Fresh Threads Coming your Way!

02/24/2026

Happy to partner with other wonderful agencies providing support to those with disabilities.

Last week, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa hosted a Valentine's Day Party for adults with disabilities at Decorah's Stone Ridge Community Church. The event included a photo booth, dance, crafts, cake walk game, and shared meal.

The Party kicked off a series of collaborative events that will take place this year - a partnership created by Decorah Area providers of Supported Community Living services (helping adults with disabilities live as independently as possible).

In 2026, Full Circle Services, Inc, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa, The Spectrum Network, Mosaic in Northern Iowa, and Inspiring Lives will take turns hosting/supporting themed events. The partnership helps the agencies offer new experiences for the people they serve and share the event planning workload.

Goodwill Program Manager for Decorah Amy Rankin says that while many people know Goodwill for its retail stores, she likes to remind people that the stores are nonprofit operations. Proceeds stay local and support mission programs such as Supported Community Living (SCL), group homes, job coaching, and Day Habilitation Programs (Day Hab).

Photo: Goodwill’s Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Jessie Finn, Program Manager Amy Rankin, Zach Rethwisch, Kim Walters, Lucy Gehling, Luke Stortz

Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa has been serving the region since 1960. Headquartered in Waterloo, Goodwill serves 20 counties across northeast Iowa and operates 27 homes throughout the region, providing safe and supportive living environments for the individuals it serves.

10/13/2025

Leading up to DSP Week last month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. Deb was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying RESPECT/DIGNITY! She received multiple nominations, including:
"I nominate Deb Latham. She comes into work with a smile on her face no matter what she is dealing with. Deb has a great relationship with all clients and it's noticed as the clients hug, come out to talk and laugh. Deb goes above and beyond doing her work performance as well as treating the clients with respect."
"I am nominating Deb Lathum. Deb is always on time, does her job, plus the job of others. Deb is always available to our clients when they need staff support. "
"I would like to nominate Deb Latham for the quality of training I received from her at Maple House. She was very thorough and even helped me with some notes and pointers for documenting that have proved to be helpful as I have yet to have a note from Lisa to correct my documentation. The quality training I received from her was the best that I have had in a healthcare facility in quiet some time. That is why I nominate her."
Inspiring Lives is blessed to have such a respected and respectful person on the team. Thanks so much, Deb, for ALL you do!

10/10/2025

Leading up to DSP Week last month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. Heather was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying LEADERSHIP!
"Heather consistently goes above and beyond to support the team at the Sumner duplex, often picking up extra hours without hesitation. Heather is always respectful and professional with both clients and colleagues, and her positive attitude makes a real difference. While training new staff may not be her favorite task, she handles it with patience and dedication whenever asked. Her reliability and commitment truly stand out."
Another nomination stated, "After visiting many of the houses, Heather's was top notch and taken care of very well. She works as much as she can and she excels at what she does."
Thanks so much, Heather, for sharing your leadership skills!

10/08/2025

Leading up to DSP Week last month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. Suzetta was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying INTEGRITY!
"I nominate Suzetta Miller for the "Integrity" aspect because it's Suzetta after all!"
Anyone who knows Suzetta, knows that this statement is indeed true. She is the sweetest person and if she says she is going to do something, she follows through. Thanks so much, Suzetta!

10/06/2025

Leading up to DSP Week last month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. Karen was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying QUALITY!
"I nominate Karen Hilsman for the "Quality" category, as Karen is the one who I first job shadowed when I began with this company. She was very helpful working one-on-one with me to understand the various documentation and reporting processes expected from the community support role as well as understanding the routine that comes with the role. She was also straightforward and honest about what to expect from working in house with clients with challenging backgrounds, how to best work with each client individually, and who to best reach out to for different issues or concerns. Karen provided me with firm footing when I got started as an LSC and has been someone I can rely on for the entire time I've been with this company."
Thanks for your amazing work, Karen!

10/03/2025

Leading up to DSP Week last month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. Shelly was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying DEDICATION!
"I want to nominate Shelly Howe for her dedication. She is always willing to go the extra mile for the individuals and the staff. She will come in early, stay late, transport to out of town appointments and deeply cares for the individuals."
Thanks for all your "heart" work, Shelly!

10/01/2025

Shout out to Kat!
Kat comes in early when asked and stays late when we need her. She helps cover hours, and comes in to help with transport on her off time. She picks up the slack in cleaning when she works over nights. Kat is always fun to talk to. She makes getting up in the mornings a little easier for staff when they come in at 6am. She always makes sure that staff have notes of things that need to be done during the day. I can be talking to her in the morning and say I need to do this today and she will write it down, so I don't forget.
Thanks so much for all you, Kat!

09/29/2025

Shout out to Wanda for her integrity and the quality of work she provides in Fayette. When asked to help out she helps and we don't have to worry about whether or not it gets done. It's just taken care of. She makes sure that her work is completed fully and accurately. We really appreciate everything she does to keep Clark running smoothly and helping at the other houses in Fayette.
Thanks so much, Wanda, for ALL you do!

09/26/2025

Shout Out to Susie P!
Among others, Susie helped a lot during fair weeks. We see this commitment to the company and help putting us on the map with the community that might not know what we do.
Thank you, Susie, for all that you do!

09/24/2025

Shout out to Stacy!
Stacy comes to work each shift energetic and upbeat and openly shares that enthusiasm to both the clients and her coworkers around her. Stacy does not hesitate to credit someone's strengths to that person and will address areas that need improvement in a way that acknowledges what that person already does well and how that person can use their strengths to improve their weaknesses. Stacy has also always been trusted to help her coworkers in whatever way she can. Stacy is this way with the clients also. She will praise one client's sense of humor and applaud another client's dedication to organizing, making sure each client knows what they bring to the group in their group home, and that what they bring is appreciated.
You're doing amazing work, Stacy!

09/22/2025

Leading up to DSP Week this month, employees were nominated by their co-workers for one of the six values of Inspiring Lives. April was nominated and received a gift basket for exemplifying COLLABORATION!
"I would like to nominate April....She has gone above & beyond for Inspiring Lives & clients. April has come in on her day off to transport or pickup clients & works extra-long shifts when there isn't anyone to cover the shift. Thanks."
Thanks, April, for collaborating with all of our client's different service providers!