Let's Move Forward Together Forever

As Campaign Chair of ChildServe's $10 million Forward Together campaign, I was humbled and amazed by the generosity of more than 168 donors who gave to expand the organization's signature programs in complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation and behavioral health and autism. Launched in 2018 and completed in June 2020, the Forward Together campaign was the largest fundraising e¬ffort in ChildServe's history. But our work isn't done. That's why ChildServe's vision continues to evolve as we move Forward Together Forever.

Nearly 28 years ago, my wife Celia and I had a personal glimpse into the life of children and families facing complex medical needs. Our son underwent numerous surgeries at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and saw specialists who utilized ChildServe as their satellite service location. While we were fortunate our son outgrew his challenges, we have an appreciation for the journey, the lessons learned and the strength it takes to care for a child with complex medical needs. It gave us a new perspective and passion to ensure children and families in Iowa have access to the services and support they need at ChildServe—forever.

As an extension of the Forward Together campaign, the Forward Together Forever initiative will focus on ChildServe's next strategic priority—a $1 million endowment for autism and behavioral health programs. Donors, like you and me, are invited to make a gift to the endowment fund through a cash pledge and/or legacy gift commitment. In turn, annual earnings, which equate to a four percent distribution of $40,000, will provide funding to support the expansion of autism services at ChildServe.

Your gift will impact the one in every 54 children in Iowa who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by funding the renovation of new sites, purchasing toys, supplies and equipment for treatment, and hiring clinical experts.

Thanks to your generosity, children with autism will have access to services like applied behavior analysis (ABA), and occupational and speech therapy, that change their lives for the better—all through an organization we know and trust.

I would like to leave you with a quote from author Nelson Henderson that I believe sums up our goal in growing ChildServe's endowment fund. “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Please join Celia and me in paying it forward to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.