ChildServe expanding services in Eastern Iowa

CORALVILLE — An organization serving children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries and other special health care needs is expanding in Eastern Iowa.

ChildServe is doubling the size of its location in Coralville and opening its first satellite location in Hiawatha. This is a “proactive approach to investing in the children of Iowa,” ChildServe CEO Teri Wahlig said in a statement.

“We’ve seen growth in wait lists for our services following the pandemic and have big plans to meet the increasing demand for children with special health care needs,” Wahlig said.

The expansion projects are part of the organization’s regional growth strategy that includes enhancing its three main campuses, Wahlig said. These campuses are in Ames, Des Moines and near Iowa City. There also is a location in Johnston.

“These locations will become regional centers from which we can extend our reach to surrounding communities with satellite facilities,” Wahlig said.

ChildServe serves more than 1,000 children and families from Johnson County and surrounding counties through more than a dozen services, according to the organization. The four specialist areas are autism services, pediatric rehabilitation, complex medical care and community-based services.

“We partner with local hospitals, pediatric specialists and health care providers to improve outcomes and make life a little easier for families caring for children with special health care needs,” said Marie Hassel, ChildServe regional director.

Over the next 18 months, an expansion project will double the size of ChildServe’s location at 2350 Oakdale Blvd. in Coralville. The expansion will increase access to outpatient therapy services, as well as autism and applied behavioral analysis services, for more than 220 children each year, according to a news release.

Team members who have been providing behavioral services at the 2771 Oakdale Blvd. location across the street will be brought to the main building.

A groundbreaking on the 13,000 square foot location is anticipated for spring 2023, according to the release.

ChildServe’s first satellite location is also anticipated for spring of 2023. It will be located at 1661 Boyson Square Dr. in Hiawatha.

The 7,540 square foot space will offer autism and applied behavioral analysis services, as well as outpatient therapy for more than 200 children, the release said.

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