On With Life has grown its music therapy department by bringing on a full-time music therapist for the Long-Term Skilled Care program. New music therapist
Amanda Happel enjoys a session with Cassidy Froisland at the new Polk City location.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON WITH LIFE, INC.
Jeb Lee, MHA, Chair
Rudy Fors, MBA, Vice Chair
John Ledvina, MS, CPA, Treasurer
Tracy Bollin, Secretary
Brian Clark
Mark Dearden, DO, FAAFP
Brett Fisher
Thomas J. Friedman
Marc Harding, JD, DO
ON WITH LIFE, LTD.
Diana Hoogestraat, MSW, LISW, President
Jean Shelton, PhD, MBA, FACHE, Secretary
Rudy Fors, MBA, Treasurer
Kate Benson Larson, MA, CRC, CDMS
John Snyder, AIA
Carl Harris, FSA, MAAA, FCA
Sara Johnston, PhD, CRC
Todd Misel
Sue Rasmussen
John Snyder
Jaclyn Taylor
Steve Van Oort
Donna Walter, MBA
LETTER FROM THE CEO
This past year was full of wonderful stories, many of which were related to several key projects at On With Life. In late spring we officially relocated our Long-Term Skilled Care program from Glenwood to Polk City. It is hard to describe how much work and planning was needed to successfully move this fragile group of persons served. We are proud to say the move went well and our team and persons served are settling into their new home. (Read more on page 14).
ON WITH LIFE FOUNDATION
Jeffrey Lamberti, JD, President Emeritus
Steve Van Oort, President
Andrea Woodard, Vice President
Libby Crimmings, Secretary
Thomas J. Friedman, Treasurer
Janelle Conley
Arthur Filean, MBA
Carl Harris, FSA, MAAA, FCA
Kim Hegedus
Meredith Lamberti, JD
Jean Shelton, PhD, MBA, FACHE
ON WITH LIFE SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Jean Shelton, PhD, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer
Dave Anders, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST, Chief Clinical Officer
Sarah Bacehowski, Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Samantha Braune, Director of Community Services
Jim Foreman, Chief Financial Officer
Dave Hjalmquist, Director of IT
Angie Jackson, MS-CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP, MBA, Director of Referrals and Admissions
Dan Logan, Director of Performance Improvement and Quality Management
Tammy Miller, COTA/L, MHS, CBIST, CCM, Director of Outpatient Services
Matthew Steen, MHA, MBA, HR Director and Compliance Officer
Pat Stilwill, BA, LNHA, CBIS, Executive Director of Programs and Services
Sara Wilson, Foundation Executive Director
Headway Magazine is published annually by On With Life, a not-forprofit organization and a Midwest leader in brain injury rehabilitation. Email change of address information or request to be removed from our mailing list to headway@onwithlife.org.
Shortly after, we partnered with New Horizons and opened the On With Life at New Horizons Day Center. This new program has allowed us to grow our continuum by offering social and community-based support to the intellectually disabled and those who have experienced a brain injury or other neurological condition. (Read more on page 10).
And finally, we worked with Hubbell Realty Company last fall to build two new family homes on our Ankeny campus. These homes allow persons served and loved ones the option to stay on campus, free of charge, during their rehabilitation. No one should have to go through this difficult journey alone, and we are happy to report the houses have been between 85 - 100% occupancy since opening! (Read more on page 6).
Even after a busy 2024, our mission to expand upon our programming is not done. Our future is full of exciting opportunities, including working closely with community partners to address the additional needs of the medically complex. We hope the number of those we touch with our services continues to grow, and that we can provide what is needed to ensure a life well lived.
JEAN SHELTON - CEO
Charles Balvanz works on navigating the tractor steps during a physical therapy session. Below: The Plunkett family poses on the access device that has been dedicated to former person served Brad Plunkett.
Last spring a custom-made John Deere tractor/combine access device was successfully installed onto On With Life’s therapy grounds. Since then, numerous persons served (especially those with farming-related goals) have been able to utilize the device during therapy sessions. Read the story behind this project at
On With Life PD Warriors at the Annual APDA Optimism Walk
APDA OPTIMISM WALK
Last fall On With Life put together a team to participate in the annual Iowa Chapter American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) Optimism Walk. The On With Life PD Warriors team was made up of staff members, persons served and their loved ones. Not only did this group spend the day advocating and raising awareness, they also raised over $6,000 for the APDA! This money will be used for Parkinson’s research as well as resources for those living with the disease.
On With Life’s outpatient Coralville team celebrates at the annual Coolest Places to Work Award Ceremony
TEAM RECOGNITION
In 2024 On With Life received the Des Moines Register Top Workplace Award for the twelfth time, as well as the Corridor Business Journal’s Coolest Places to Work Award for the third time! Congratulations to all On With Life staff members on these special accomplishments.
Members of the Academy for Certified Brain Injury Specialists Board attend a meeting at On With Life’s outpatient clinic in Ankeny
CBIS HANDBOOK CONTRIBUTIONS
Last summer the sixth edition of the Essential Brain Injury Guide, which is used for the Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS) training, was released with the help of On With Life staff! Dave Anders and Angie Jackson, who both sit on the Academy for Certified Brain Injury Specialists Board, were authors of the new guide along with fellow On With Life employees Tammy Miller and Dr. Dave Demarest. Approximately 1,800 healthcare professionals will use this guide every year.
person-centered
Person-Centered
While hundreds of trade partners and volunteers were hard at work during the week of the 2024 Homes of Hope Hubbell Extreme Build, so were persons served at On With Life.
Speech-Language Pathologist Abi Fortsch wanted persons served to be able to participate, so she came up with a project that would allow them to contribute to the build in their own way – building flower boxes for the new homes.
Every step of the process, including measuring wood, cutting boards and nailing the boxes together, was done by a group of persons served. Some had experience in wood working while others did not, but everyone was able to get involved and participate in functional therapy along the way. Problem solving, sequencing, balance and strength are just a few of the many skills that were practiced throughout this project.
Person-Centered Approach
Homes of Hope
HUBBELL EXTREME BUILD
Learn more about available family housing at ONWITHLIFE.ORG/ FAMILY-HOUSE
When CEO of Hubbell Realty Company, Rick Tollakson, and his team were first shown
On With Life’s main Ankeny campus by a mutual connection and community
The build started with a parade where Hubbell and On With Life staff members, trade partners, volunteers, board members and persons served made their way from one house plot to the other while chanting “Homes of Hope!” The energy and excitement radiating from the crowd was contagious! Once the parade had concluded and opening remarks had been made, it took just seconds before the first walls of the homes were officially up.
leader, they knew it would be the perfect fit for the 6th Hubbell Extreme Build.
“The thoughtful design of the campus and recent enhancements to both the inpatient and outpatient facilities needed to be complimented by additional on-site family housing,” said Rick.
When approached to be the recipient of the Hubbell Extreme Build, On With Life asked for just one family home.
On With Life’s campus was buzzing for 60 straight hours as the homes were built at an impressive pace. Because of the dedication of so many crews and volunteers, the project quickly fell ahead of schedule and by the end of day three, night shifts were called off. Work continued over the next couple of days and before the week was over, two brand new beautifully constructed family homes were officially a part of On With Life’s campus.
$1.2+
million donated in LABOR AND MATERIALS from 50 + partners
1,905
MEALS DONATED and fed to crew members and volunteers during the week
However, once the Hubbell Construction teams saw the overarching layout and future plans for the campus, they decided to build not just one, but both homes that On With Life had envisioned.
Throughout 2023 and 2024 the teams at both Hubbell and
$854,807 raised from individuals and businesses to SUPPORT THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION
150+
VOLUNTEERS during the week helped make the build possible
On With Life worked hard to fundraise and plan for the project. After months of seeking donors, scheduling trades and figuring out logistics, the Homes of Hope Hubbell Extreme Build officially kicked off the morning of September 13. +
In October, the teams and community celebrated the official opening of the homes with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Since then, occupancy of both homes has been between 85 - 100% occupancy, and numerous individuals have shared their appreciation for this resource.
“We are proud of the family homes and we hope they are used for years to come,” said Rick.
Check out the full list of supporters by scanning this code with your phone's camera app.
“I needed specialized neuro therapy after my brain injury but after making the long trip to On With Life’s outpatient clinic in Ankeny, I was unable to function during my sessions. On With Life offered me the family home so that I could attend therapy without the burden of expense on me or my family. Their kindness and professionalism has made a significant difference during a challenging time for me, and has allowed me to take my life back.”
- AMANDA BUENTING OUTPATIENT PERSON SERVED
Each family home has five bedrooms, allowing ten persons served or families to stay on campus. Because of this additional space On With Life has been able to expand who they are able to offer the homes to, including family members visiting persons served who live at the LongTerm Skilled Care facility in Polk City and persons served traveling for outpatient services.
Jeff Nielsen
In May 2023, Jeff Nielsen flew to Las Vegas for what was supposed to be a one-week leisurely trip. However, on his first night there, Jeff took a head-first fall and sustained a spinal cord injury that left him unable to make it back home to Iowa City. Incapable of moving his legs and with minimal function in his hands, finding a way home that wouldn’t break the bank was a tall order. Fortunately, Jeff’s family found On With Life’s inpatient program in Ankeny where not only would he receive the care and rehabilitation he needed closer to home, a staff member was willing to fly to Vegas and help bring Jeff back.
“At the time I fought it tooth and nail,” said Jeff. “I thought, ‘what would a rehabilitation center in Ankeny have that one in Vegas doesn’t’?”
Yet his family insisted, and 10 months after the accident Jeff’s trip to Vegas would finally come to an end. He arrived at On With Life, which Jeff now says was the best decision his daughter ever made.
While Jeff had received some therapy during his six months in an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Vegas, On With Life was different. In Vegas he had been mostly confined to his bed and room. At On With Life, he was getting up daily for therapy sessions, meals, activity groups and outings. Right away his team began working with him to move his feet and un-clench his hands, and slowly he began to progress.
Jeff enjoyed therapy sessions where he could use the FES bike or be in the pool – both of which allowed him to move his legs and gave him a sense of normalcy. He looked forward to music therapy and adaptive
fitness sessions and jumped at any chance he had to go on a community outing. Even though the avid Hawkeye fan was forced into an Iowa State shirt, the evening his therapy team took him out to an Iowa State men’s basketball game is one of his fondest memories from the four months he spent at On With Life.
Jeff participates in an adaptive fitness session
“That is a great example of how the team goes above and beyond,” said Jeff. “Their dedication to persons served is unreal.”
When it came time to discharge, continuing outpatient therapy at On With Life was a no brainer. Jeff now lives at home with a live-in CNA and attends therapy at On With Life’s outpatient clinic in Coralville several times a week, where he continues to strengthen his hands and work towards walking without assistance. What Jeff strives for most is independence and while his journey has been long and tough, he does recognize how far he has come, thanks to On With Life.
“It has been over a year and half now and while I am not fully better, I am making progress,” said Jeff. “I’m excited about where this can still go.” +
Jeff attends an ISU basketball game with his team as a therapy outing
Jeff continues therapy at On With Life's outpatient clinic in Coralville
pride in expertise
In
2024
On With Life had the opportunity to host two national Courses.
In the spring the training facility in Ankeny hosted 39 individuals from across the country for the LSVT Big and Loud Certification course, and a few months later 65 individuals from around the world came for the Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) training. The furthest attendee came all the way from Saudi Arabia! The On With Life Academy continues to seek unique opportunities like this and is excited to share that the CSRS will be returning in 2026.
Learn more about upcoming trainings and education events at ONWITHLIFE.ORG/EDUCATION.
Continuum of Care GROWING OUR
Throughout 30+ years of history, On With Life continuously finds new ways to enhance its mission statement:
Cathy McCoy is part of one of the eight families that founded On With Life. Her brother, John Konkol, sustained a traumatic brain injury from a motorcross accident in 1985 and after his stay in the hospital, had nowhere to go. Lack of post-acute support for brain injuries not just in Iowa, but throughout the country, is what led John’s family, and several others who echoed their concern, to take action.
“Joining hands, hearts, and minds to help persons living with brain injury or other neurological conditions get On With Life.”
This mission statement is the driver behind every new program, building, piece of equipment, etc. Most recently, it’s the reason behind the partnership that formed between On With Life and New Horizons last year.
“We felt like we were on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere with brain injury back in 1985,” said Cathy. “There seemed to be no specialty for this particular arm of medicine.”
While establishing this specialty was important to the founding families, so was supporting future families who would find themselves in this same situation. Being heavily involved in John’s recovery journey, Cathy knows how a brain injury can impact not just the individual, but the entire family.
“We are always looking for ways to better understand the needs of those we serve, specifically, in light of the chronic and sometimes progressive natures of the conditions they may deal with,” said CEO Jean Shelton. “Social isolation is reported in nearly 90% of the brain injury population. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of life following rehabilitation, and this cannot be achieved without programs such as New Horizons.”
Aware of the need for these types of services in the community, initial dialogue began between New
The community celebrates the ribbon cutting of On With Life at New Horizons Center
Persons served at On With Life at New Horizons enjoy recreation time in the program's outdoor space
Local caricature artist, Caricatures by Steph, visited the program and drew fun caricature portraits for persons served
Persons served attend a holiday outing at B-Roll Bowling in Ankeny
Horizons and On With Life boards of directors. Already serving a similar population and having aligned goals, the discussions between the organizations naturally evolved and the mutual idea of an acquisition came to be. On July 1, 2024 On With Life at New Horizons Center opened, officially adding day services to On With Life’s continuum of care.
“This program continues to be recreation based and led by the same team of dedicated staff who were part of New Horizons long before the acquisition,” said Sam Braune, On With Life’s
director of community services. “Day services continue to and will always be focused on meeting the needs of our persons served while incorporating various activities focused on engagement and overall well-being.”
Daily activities, which range from exercise and education to games and crafts, aim to improve and maintain physical, cognitive, social and emotional functioning for persons served. The program often hosts groups, such as the Blank Park Zoo or local choirs, and schedules
Meet
Sam Braune:
Director of Community Services
Sam Braune began her career at On With Life 11 years ago as a member of the inpatient therapy team. In 2021 she transitioned into the role as director of community services where she oversees On With Life’s residential neuro rehabilitation program, as well as On With Life at New Horizons Center day services.
monthly outings to further engage persons served with the community.
This addition has been an exciting step forward as On With Life continues to grow, and nearly completes the continuum of care that allows persons served to stay immersed within On With Life during their rehabilitation journey. +
1991
On With Life opens Post-Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation program in Ankeny
1996
On With Life opens LongTerm Skilled Care program in Glenwood
2005
On With Life builds OWL Creek apartments on Ankeny campus
2011
On With Life begins offering outpatient services in Ankeny
2018
On With Life opens Residential Neuro Rehabilitation Home
2020
On With Life opens outpatient clinic in Coralville
2023
On With Life builds new outpatient clinic in Ankeny
2024
On With Life moves Long-Term Skilled Care program to Polk City
2024
On With Life at New Horizons Center offers day programming
SAMANTHA BRAUNE ASPTA, MSOL, CBIST
TAYLOR ALBAUGH PT, DPT, CBIS Physical Therapist
ALISON WHITAKER MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS Speech Language Pathologist
What is dignity of risk, and how can it be valuable in rehabilitation? On With Life experts Alison Whitaker and Taylor Albaugh define the concept and talk through how the team at On With Life incorporates it into care plans.
Dignity of Risk
WHAT IS DIGNITY OF RISK?
Dignity of risk is the concept of respecting the decisions individuals make regarding the risks they are willing to take. Having the opportunity to try something, and possibly fail, can be valuable in achieving end goals and maximizing independence.
WHY DOES THIS CONCEPT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REHABILITATION?
Maximizing safety can come at the expense of maximizing rehabilitation potential. We don’t want to be so focused on the possibility of failure that we never give our persons served the opportunity to try the things that are important to them. People are free to take risks in their own lives whether or not they have a neurological condition –the risk of failure is part of
being human. We believe the rehabilitation setting should be no different.
WHAT DOES IMPLEMENTING THIS CONCEPT AT ON WITH LIFE LOOK LIKE?
Dignity of risk can be implemented in several ways. Ultimately, we want to collaborate with the person served and their support system to understand what their rehabilitation goals are and then help them get there. If someone has a goal that seems too “risky,” such as rock climbing or returning to work, we often find ways to help them work toward that goal in a gradual fashion that prevents them from undertaking too much risk at any given point.
Another way we can implement dignity of risk is by preventing or reducing physical restraints
(such as lap restraints or enclosed beds) in a person served’s environment. We work with them to find alternative methods of seeking assistance. We also support persons served and their caregivers in assessing risk by providing education on how their injury may affect performance in real-world scenarios, as some risks (e.g. driving) may simply be too great to undertake.
HOW DOES THIS CONCEPT ALIGN WITH ON WITH LIFE’S MISSION AND VALUES?
Dignity of risk strongly aligns with our personcentered approach. By recognizing the importance of our persons served autonomy, we can work together as partners in reaching their rehabilitation goals rather than telling them what they ‘can’ and ‘can’t’ do. +
our experts
passion for work
In July 2024, On With Life was introduced to its new therapy dog – Lucky!
While she is currently in training and working up to taking the official therapy dog certification test, she has already brought so much joy to persons served in all of On With Life’s programs. She provides a happy place and sense of comfort when needed, and brings motivation to therapy sessions by encouraging persons served to engage in activities that require balance, reaching and endurance.
Lucky looks forward to playing fetch, enjoys munching on an ice cube or chunk of cheese, and perks up when you bring out her tennis ball or an old sock. She is the perfect (and cutest) addition to On With Life’s team!
THE JOURNEY TRAVELED TOGETHER
MOVING THE LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAM
“This transition was a huge undertaking that would not have been as successful without the teamwork and collaboration of so many people working together and focusing on our persons served.”
JENI LEWIS Program Administrator
When it was announced in April 2022 that the Glenwood Resource Center would be closing in 2024, On With Life immediately began the process of seeking out a new home for its Long-Term Skilled Care program. While finding a new location and renovating a building was a significant undertaking, it is only half the story.
A group of 32 persons served, a fragile population with intense medical needs and varying levels of cognition, would need to move when the new building was complete. Wanting to ensure a safe and minimally disruptive move for them, planning began
immediately. For almost two years staff members across several On With Life teams and programs came together to form committees and task forces, each focused on a specific part of the transition process.
It was decided that the best way to go about the moving process would be to move two or three persons served a day, five days a week, over the course of three weeks. A detailed schedule was created of when each person served would move. For every person served there was a team to pack up their belongings, drive the trailer, drive the person served, unpack belongings, and tour the persons served around
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Long-term care leadership team for all the time and efforts spent in planning and executing the move
Staff who continued to work with persons served in Glenwood up until the move
Staff who drove back and forth between Ankeny and Glenwood for months leading up to the move
The facilities team for preparing Polk City for move in, and Glenwood for move out
Staff members help prepare the new building for persons served
their new home upon arrival to Polk City. For every scheduled staff member there was a backup, as well as an emergency team in case something went wrong.
The official move took place May into June of 2024 and because of the amount of planning and preparation that went into the process, was a great success. Nearly a year later all 40 beds in the new facility are full, and persons served and staff continue to settle into their new home. +
Ankeny nursing for training new staff leading up to the move
Staff who volunteered to help move persons served, build furniture for the new building, etc.
Staff who helped cover the workloads of those heavily involved in the transition process
Rose with Strength Bead Program
Over the past year persons served in On With Life’s outpatient program have collected beads during their rehabilitation journeys. Each bead represents a significant hurdle or accomplishment, such as completing a therapy evaluation or managing an emotionally challenging day, so that persons served have a visual representation of their hard work and progress. The Rose with Strength bead program was implemented by Occupational Therapist Darcy Cortum, who got the idea from her daughter’s stay in the NICU.
through her diagnosis. As the days passed and Fallon’s collection of beads grew, Darcy couldn’t help but compare her family’s experience to the journey
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
The concept of the bead program has a direct relationship with neuro rehabilitation by involving the “happy neurotransmitters”: endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Experiences create chemical reactions in the brain that make individuals feel happy. The bead program specifically involves the release of dopamine, the “reward chemical”, that is activated by completed tasks and achieved goals. It also incorporates serotonin, the “mood stabilizer”, which is activated when individuals experience pride, growth and feelings of accomplishment.
served have found motivation through the process, and staff have enjoyed engaging with persons served in this new way that helps them become more involved in their own plans of care. Collecting beads has also helped persons served share their experience with others, using the visualization to tell their stories in a unique way.
Darcy’s daughter, Fallon, was born with a rare kidney disease. For four months Darcy spent every day by her side collecting beads as Fallon fought
of many persons served at On With Life. She began to think about how she could implement a similar concept at On With Life and when Fallon passed in February 2024, Darcy was motivated to make it happen in honor of her daughter.
The program found a lot of success in its initial year with nearly 75 persons served choosing to participate. Persons
Darcy is currently in the process of growing the program, starting with On With Life’s inpatient and long-term care programs. Her goal is to make the Rose with Strength bead program a company-wide initiative, eventually expanding to the Residential Neuro Rehabilitation and day services programs so that person served are able to participate across On With Life’s continuum of care. +
In
2024 On With Life celebrated its 10th Annual Celebrate Life event
More than 400 individuals gathered at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny and over $180,000 was raised through donations, raffle sales and a silent auction.
During the ceremony honorary co-chairs Luisita McBurney (On With Life Inc. Board member) and Brian Clark (On With Life Inc. Board member and previous person served), shared about their On With Life experiences, and several awards were given to individuals who have impacted the organization in various ways. Four powerful stories from persons served were also shared – scan here to watch them.
people first
A NOTE FROM STEVE VAN OORT, PRESIDENT OF THE ON WITH LIFE FOUNDATION BOARD
As we reflect on the past year, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve had together. Our recent history has been full of remarkable progress, transformation and growth—both for On With Life and the people we are privileged to serve.
Through your unwavering generosity and dedication, we’ve been able to achieve many significant milestones. Our community of donors has truly been a beacon of hope, showing up in extraordinary ways to ensure that our work continues. Your gifts, whether large or small, have allowed us to enhance our programs, expand our services, and ensure that individuals on their journeys to recovery can continue to move forward with dignity and support.
However, while we have made giant strides, the work is far from over. As we look to the future, we know that our mission is ongoing, and the need for support will only continue to grow. Our vision is bold, and the impact we can achieve together is profound, but it will take continued investment and collaboration to ensure we are able to create lasting change in the years to come.
As we move into the new year, we ask for your continued support in helping us build on this momentum. Together, we can ensure that the foundation’s work thrives, and those we serve are empowered to live their lives to the fullest.
Thank you for your trust and partnership! I would welcome the opportunity to connect with you to see how your philanthropy goals and individual passions might align with On With Life’s fundraising initiatives. Reach out to foundation@ onwithlife.org, and the team can connect us.
Steve Van Oort President, On With Life Foundation Board
2024 by the Numbers
On With Life’s mission is supported by the generosity of many donors, volunteers and advocates who offer financial donations, in-kind donations, time and/or talent. Thank you for your support in 2024!
937 total DONORS
6
LEGACY SOCIETY members
2,814
VOLUNTEER hours
561
ATTENDEES attendees at fundraising events
75% of employees participated in the GIVING CAMPAIGN
79 CIRCLE OF LIFE members
$1.2
MILLION DONATED in labor and materials from 50+ partners for the Homes of Hope Extreme Build
202 AMAZON GIFT ITEMS purchased
To read more about different ways you can support those On With Life serves, visit ONWITHLIFE.ORG/WAYS-TO-GIVE.
STEVE VAN OORT
For more than ten years
Karen Tylka has been a part of On With Life’s Parkinson’s community. She started with the LSVT program shortly after being diagnosed with the disease in 2014, and continued to proceed with further therapy, support groups and PD programming that On With Life offers. On With Life has become a second family for Karen, and
meetKaren Tylka
she is known amongst staff for her commitment to checking in with her fellow persons served. When Karen officially retired from her full-time job last year, On With Life Physical Therapist and Team Lead Gail McGaughy had an idea for her.
“Karen has always supported other people with Parkinson's,” said Gail. “She has a huge heart and wanted a way to give back to her community so when we saw a need at On With Life for peer mentoring, we knew just who to reach out to.”
Karen embraced Gail’s idea of peer mentoring and connected with three individuals in 2024. Her sessions were simply conversations about the struggles that come with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and tips to help combat the progression of the disease.
“People with Parkinson’s disease are always eager to hear what is working for others,” said Karen. “I have been exposed to what does and doesn’t work for me after 11 years and if I can share that knowledge with others, hopefully it can help them.”
Incorporating exercise and movement into her daily routine has consistently been a focus for Karen and sharing which exercises have worked for her are typically a part of her peer mentoring sessions. And while this information has been greatly beneficial for those she is talking to, Karen has found that just being a peer and listening ear has been significantly impactful as well.
“These individuals are so happy to know that who they are talking to gets it,” said Karen. “You can try to explain your experience to someone who doesn’t have Parkinson’s but to talk to someone who truly understands what you are going through helps you feel better. It makes you feel not so alone.”
Karen knows how a Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel isolating and hopes to evolve her peer mentoring to provide easier access for those looking for that connection +
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed and are interested in peer mentoring, call the On With Life outpatient clinic at 515-298-9696.
Another great way to find support is through On With Lifes Parkinson’s disease programming! Learn more about the PD support group, boxing classes and PD Singers at ONWITHLIFE.ORG/GROUPS
Karen and Gail practice LSVT BIG movements together
Karen runs with Bob Schmidt, a persons served with Parkinson's disease, during a therapy session at On With Life
meet
G race W orlie
Life's 2024 Celebrate Life fundraising event
Grace Worlie worked at On With Life’s inpatient facility, first as an RN and then as an administrative assistant, for two years. She had initially been drawn to the impressive staffing ratios the role provided and ended up loving how that allowed her to get to know the persons served she worked with.
“I was able to walk with persons served and their families through a difficult time in their life,” said Grace. “I enjoyed being able to be there for them.”
Grace was first introduced to being a donor during On With Life’s Employee Giving campaign – an annual event where employees are invited to support the organization by making a donation to the On With Life Foundation. Knowing that her donation would directly impact persons served, Grace
FOUNDATION FEATURES Our Donors
Individuals, Organizations & Corporations
ABB/BIS, Inc.
Laura Abbott
Abendroth Russell Barnett Law Firm
Ron Abrams
Susan and Mark Ackelson
Cindy Ackerman
ADED, Inc.
ADP
Agilent
Karin and John Ahrold
Joetta and Jerry Akers
Taylor Albaugh
Dianne Alber
Sarah and CJ Alexander
Debbie Alfrey
All Star Concrete
Patrick Allen
Barbara Alley
American Heart Association
Cathy and Bob Amfahr
Brooke Amirov
Lisa and Jeff Anderlik
Debra and David Anders
Brittney Anderson
LaVonne and Gary Anderson
Martha and Bruce Anderson
Megan and Rockford Anderson
Roni Anderson
Vicky and Larry Anderson
Amy and Dave Andreesen
Ankeny Sanitation
Kelli Anliker
John Anthofer
Mary Antoun
Robert Aplin
Debra and Thomas Applebee
Mel Applebee
Deb and Paul Arend
ASM Construction
AssuredPartners
John Auer
Sandra and David Austin
Sarah and Dan Bacehowski
Mary and Bryan Baker
Baker Group
Carol and Chuck Balvanz
Bankers Trust Company
Dr. John and Charman Banks
Jeff Barnes
Elena Bartemes
B-Bop's Inc.
Maranda Bear
Joshua Beck
John Becker
Sarah and Jeff Becker
Gloria and Leo Beebout
Justin Beede
Bonny Beenen
Beisser Lumber
Joanne Bell
Brad Benson
Linda Berg
Veda and Terry Bergeson
Vitus Bering
Diane Berndt
Amy and Bill Bethel
made the decision to contribute a recurring gift from each of her paychecks.
Despite loving her role at On With Life, Grace eventually took a new role outside of the organization in order to be closer to home. However, even though her employment at On With Life had ended, her donations did not.
“I have seen what On With Life can do to help others,” said Grace. “I loved working there so much and I want to continue helping them carry out their mission.”
Grace continues to contribute with regular donations to the organization, as well as through her time. She loves coming back to volunteer at On With Life events, allowing her to catch up with past persons served and co-workers. +
Karmen Betts
Trynity Betzer
Donna Bever
Dale Bickenbach
Abigail Bierma
Amy Bishop
Jane Blacketer
Jill and Curt Blake
Riley Blaylock
Jess and Peter Blough
Lisa and David Bluder
Margo and Don Blumenthal
Carmine and Steven Boal
Bob Brown Chevrolet
Bob's Discount Furniture
Charitable Foundation
Susan Bode
Jessica and Matthew Boelman
Judith Boes
Jacob Boevers
Laura and Tracy Bollin
Stanton Bonta
Pam Bormann
Jaime Bostic
Kari Boyens
Glen Braddy
Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa
Rebekah and Larry Brandmeyer
Natalie Brandt
Lauren Brant
Chloe and Tim Bratvold
Samantha Braune
Steven Breese
Shirlene Brendeland
Jane Brenneman
Max Bridgewater
Paul Brinkman
Leola Britten
Olivia Broich
Kathleen Brooks
Adam Brown
Claire and Thomas Brown
George Brucks
Raymond Brunk
Grace (center) volunteers at On With
Our Donors
The On With Life Foundation is grateful to the many individuals, corporations and foundations – those named below and those who have asked to remain anonymous – who supported On With Life's mission through charitable donations and grants received between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. It is the Foundation’s goal to be 100% accurate in the spelling and inclusion of all contributors. If you have any questions or concerns about a listing, please contact the Foundation office at 515-289-9611 or by email at FOUNDATION@ONWITHLIFE.ORG.
More information on ways to give can be found online at ONWITHLIFE.ORG/FOUNDATION.
DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTE $1,000 OR MORE TO THE ON WITH LIFE EMPOWER HOPE FUND IN A CALENDAR YEAR ARE DESIGNATED AS CIRCLE OF LIFE SOCIETY MEMBERS.
