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, ChildServe 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 .

02/25/2026

Get to know one of our youngest Bubble Ball® designers – Sherwood! ⬇️

ChildServe’s Bubble Ball brings together an incredible community of creative and generous supporters, including our longtime partners at Poindexter Flooring Inc., who have consistently elevated the event with their remarkable design talent and generosity. 💜

The connection between Poindexter Flooring and ChildServe goes far beyond the event itself. Sherwood, the daughter of a Poindexter Flooring team member, receives services at ChildServe. With the company’s support, Sherwood has shared her remarkable creative eye by helping design some truly unforgettable Bubble Ball designs.

A few of her standout BUBBLE WRAP® stationery designs include Marie Antoinette from Iconic Eras (2024), the CyHawk Football Photo Booth from Let’s Play (2023) and the Alien Dance Party from Out of this World (2022).

Below, our friends at Poindexter Flooring share what this partnership and Bubble Ball mean to them:

“Some relationships transcend business – they become part of who you are. Over two decades ago, ChildServe was simply a client. Today, they're woven into the fabric of our company and our hearts.

Walking through their main campus and visiting their group homes throughout our communities, we've witnessed the extraordinary dedication of their staff. The care, the patience, the small victories that mean everything – it's humbling to see this work up close. As a small business, finding ways to give back to an organization with such a profound impact isn't just important to us; it's essential.

Our connection deepened in a way we never anticipated. When Sherwood, the daughter of one of our employees, began receiving outpatient services at ChildServe, it became personal in an entirely new way. And now? Bubble Ball has a permanent place on our calendars.”

We can’t wait to see what Sherwood and Poindexter Flooring are designing for ! Join Sherwood and ChildServe on Saturday, April 18, at the Iowa Events Center for a night of glitz and glamour as Bubble Ball returns for its 16th year with a brand-new theme – Starstruck. 🌟

Grab your tickets today and explore sponsorship opportunities at https://www.childserve.org/bubbleball/sponsors/.

Images: Photos of Sherwood’s designs at Bubble Ball.

02/24/2026

Slides, smiles and supporting families... it's ! 🛝

ChildServe's Therapeutic Rec team includes recreational therapists, nurses, activity coordinators, aquatic specialists, a child life specialist and our beloved Facility Dog, Caribou. Together, this team partners with families and use creative, play-based activities to help kids and young adults build functional skills and discover new possibilities while having fun!

This month, we're giving out lots of high-fives (and a few belly rubs for Caribou) to our Therapeutic Recreation team. Thank you for bringing joy, movement and magic to the kids at ChildServe!

Images: Photos of our Therapeutic Recreation Team.

02/23/2026

Back by popular demand: BUBBLE WRAP® accessories for guests! 🎊

Add some pop to your look! Guests can pre‑order BUBBLE WRAP® hats, bowties, necklaces, boutonnieres, earrings, bracelets and more – ready for pickup at the event. Plus, a limited selection of accessories will be available for purchase in the lobby before the show begins. ✨

Grab your tickets today and explore sponsorship opportunities at https://www.childserve.org/bubbleball/sponsors/.

Images: The accessories booth at last year's event and examples of the new products.

02/22/2026

30 ChildServe team members from across the organization completed the inaugural Trauma-Informed Champion training – a 12‑month program exploring what it truly means to be trauma‑informed and the profound impact this approach has on individuals and the families we serve. 🎊

Participants engaged in workshops and group discussions, learned from impactful guest speakers, and developed projects focused on strengthening trauma‑informed care in their own areas of work.

"One of the things that makes ChildServe unique is how intentionally we center the whole person: their strengths, their potential and their story," said Dawn Schwartz, DNP, ARNP, NNP-BC, CHPPN, TIP, CENP, CPHQ, ChildServe VP of Care Quality. "The Trauma-Informed Champion Series strengthens that commitment. It asks us to consider not only what care we provide, but how we create environments where children, young adults, families, and team members feel safe, connected and respected."

Congratulations to all of our Trauma-Informed Champions at ChildServe! We're so proud of your work, and even more excited to see it continue to shape ChildServe in the months and years ahead. Learn about ChildServe's culture and learning opportunities at https://www.childserve.org/careers/.

Images: Screenshots of the final celebration for the Trauma-Informed Champions series.

02/21/2026

Cupid called… he said the kids in ChildServe Childcare have officially stolen our hearts! 😍

ChildServe Childcare classrooms were full of smiles and giggles as they celebrated Valentine’s Day last week. From sweet treats and classroom celebrations to exchanging valentines – and even hosting tea parties – it was a week overflowing with love. Thank you to our classroom teachers for sharing your creativity with the kids we serve and making special memories like these possible! ❤

Images: Kids having fun during Valentine's Day celebrations.

02/20/2026

Hey Caregivers, just a reminder from your friends at ChildServe that YOU'VE GOT THIS! 💜

To the moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, siblings, therapists, physicians, teachers, direct support providers and everyone who supports a child with special healthcare needs – you are seen, valued and celebrated at ChildServe.

When it comes to supporting caregivers, even the smallest gift of time or support can go a long way. Check out the 16 ways ChildServe’s Family Advisory Council suggests to help a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs. https://bit.ly/16WaysToHelpCaregivers.

02/19/2026

ChildServe welcomed Griff II, Drake University Live Mascot, on Valentine’s Day to spread love and big Bulldog smiles. The individuals we serve, and our team members, were delighted to meet him! ❤ 🐾

Griff II had a full schedule of spreading joy across the community, and we’re grateful that ChildServe was one of his stops. Thank you, Griff II, for making our Valentine’s Day extra special. Go Bulldogs! 🐶 Drake University

Images: ChildServe kids and team members meeting Griff II.

02/18/2026

Step into the spotlight and help change lives at Des Moines’ must-see event of the year! ✨ 🎥

Bubble Ball® 2026 sponsorship opportunities are still available. By attending this one-of-a-kind event and donating, you’ll help children with special healthcare needs across Iowa receive the care, equipment and specialized programming they need to live a .

Become a Bubble Ball Sponsor: https://www.childserve.org/bubbleball/sponsors/
Grab your individual Bubble Ball Ticket: https://bit.ly/4tw5vs8
Check out event photos from last year: https://www.childserve.org/bubble-ball-2025-photos/

02/17/2026

Happy from your friends at ChildServe! A small act of kindness can make a big difference – how will you share kindness today? 🧡

02/16/2026

You may recognize DJ as one of the friendly faces practicing job readiness skills at ChildServe’s Snack Shack, but his journey at ChildServe goes far beyond the making sales and running the cash register. When DJ arrived at ChildServe at age 10 for speech therapy, his family’s hope was for him to communicate using a device. What he gained was so much more – a transformative journey that shaped his confidence, independence and future.

Diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability and childhood aphasia, DJ has faced a rollercoaster of challenges. Through determination and hard work, he’s made extraordinary progress across multiple ChildServe services, including enhancing his verbal communication skills, so much so that when asked ‘What is your favorite thing to do at ChildServe?’, DJ replied, “Talking to people!”

Every step of the way, DJ’s charming personality and determined spirit have led him to achieve milestones that once seemed out of reach. From building communication skills in Speech Therapy and finding confidence through mental health support, to mastering job readiness tasks in Occupational Therapy, Vision Therapy, Life Skills Group and Day Habilitation – DJ’s achievements are nothing short of outstanding.

“DJ has demonstrated increased independence and confidence across all areas of his therapy goals,” said his occupational therapist, Christine Weiland. “He has thrived in our Life Skills Program, working toward goals such as meal preparation, cleaning, job skills, social skills and setting boundaries. DJ has also volunteered at ChildServe’s Golf FORE the Kids event for the past few years, putting his therapy skills into action by collaborating with team members, making transactions and selling products. In addition, he volunteers at various community locations, generalizing the skills he has gained in therapy. DJ can strike up a conversation with anyone – he is a friendly, welcoming presence who inspires both his peers and therapists.”

Today, DJ is a confident young adult who lights up every room with his jokes, smile and caring demeanor. He loves helping and mentoring others, show choir, movies and acting – recently playing parts in Penguin Project shows at the Des Moines Playhouse, including High School Musical, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland.

DJ has also played a key role in starting ChildServe’s Snack Shack, a mobile cart full of pre-packaged treats and trinkets available for purchase in our building. He has helped promote the program since its start in 2022 through public speaking events at ChildServe’s Golf FORE the Kids events and board meetings, and has dreamed up ideas for new products.

“DJ is who he is today because of ChildServe,” said his aunt, Maggie. “His personality has truly blossomed here, and the connections he’s made go far beyond anything I could have hoped for. ChildServe has really helped him develop skills and an understanding that it’s okay to have a disability. His time here has grounded him and shown him that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.”

Keep shining, DJ – your future is as bright as your beaming personality! Learn more about ChildServe’s Life Skills program: https://www.childserve.org/autism-program-for-kids-in-iowa/ -skills.

Images: DJ participating in various activities at ChildServe.

02/16/2026

ChildServe is excited to partner with the Student Nurses Association at the University of Iowa College of Nursing for this year’s Progressive Nursing Day! Stop by ChildServe’s table to meet our team and learn more about our collaborative, innovative nursing program. 🩺

At ChildServe, nursing students can explore a wide range of meaningful experiences across inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, homecare, group homes, and respite services – all while making a difference for children with special healthcare needs.
📆 Monday, February 23, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍Iowa Memorial Union | 125 N Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52242

We're looking forward to connecting with future nurses! Learn more about our nursing program: https://www.childserve.org/nursing-at-childserve/.

Images: Nurses at ChildServe.

02/15/2026

ChildServe offers the only freestanding, comprehensive pediatric inpatient rehabilitation program designed specifically for children and teens in the state of Iowa. 💜

Inpatient referrals to ChildServe can be made by families, hospital case managers, social workers, physicians, home health agencies and/or the Department of Health and Human Services. To make a referral, contact our Access Specialist at 515-331-8106.

Learn more about ChildServe's Inpatient Rehabilitation Admission Process & Admissions Criteria at https://www.childserve.org/pediatricrehabilitation/refer-a-patient-to-childserve/.

Address

5406 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA
50131

Telephone

+15157278750

Website

http://www.childserve.org/

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Our Story

ChildServe knows kids and we know specialty healthcare. When families have questions about their child’s health and development, we’re here with answers and support. Our team of experts helps identify and meet the unique needs of children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs to help them live a great life.

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