Kate Reynolds, Ames Area Director of ChildServe {pictured left}, Erica Axiotis, Executive Director, the ChildServe Foundation {pictured center} and Dr. Teri Wahlig, Chair of the ChildServe Board of Directors {pictured right} were featured speakers at a recent Ames Golden K weekly Thursday meeting, which continues virtually via ZOOM.  Ms. Reynolds, a 15 year ChildServe veteran expressed her thanks on behalf of ChildServe for Ames Golden K’s $13,200 in donations since 2007.

ChildServe is a 92 year old organization formed in Des Moines/Johnston in 1928, and who opened care centers in Iowa City in 1981 and Ames in 2000.  Their mission is to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.  15% {100,000} of Iowa children have healthcare needs. ChildServe’s staff of 1,400 serves 4,500 children currently, with a goal of serving 10,000 by their 100th anniversary in 2028. The Story County/Ames location began with 150 children in 2000 and currently serves 600 children.

Dr. Wahlig noted that ChildServe is not a hospital, but is focused on efforts such as Pediatric Rehabilitation Programs, Post Acute Services, Speech Therapy, Behavioral Health, and Complex Medical issues.  Their recently drafted Strategic Plan will concentrate heavily on Program Growth in Child Health, doing better as an Organization, and establishing further partnerships with other organizations–profit and non-profit. All 3 speakers shared details on the challenges presented by COVID-19 and how ChildServe has successfully adapted.

Ms. Reynolds concluded the presentation by sharing a video “Believing in The Spirit of a Child” which illustrates how a parent can be positively affected by Childserve.  She also noted that recent Ames Golden K monetary gifts have been used to purchase IPads and other classroom equipment, and some funds were also used to help finance a recent Playground renovation at the Ames facility.  For more information about Ames Golden K, please see their website www.amesgoldenk.org