Partnerships & Alliances
The Homestead has formed special friendships with others to help folks with autism. Here is a partial list of our friends who collaborate on projects with us:
Autism Society of Iowa
Iowa's affiliate of the Autism Society of America, serving the special needs of people with autism and their families
Polk County Master Gardeners
These friends share their knowledge and expertise to help us grow quality plants and it is our pleasure to provide them with working space in our greenhouse.
Leopold Center
Provided financial support to help The Homestead develop an innovative apple orchard which explores the organic orchard management and serves as a model learning program for commercial and hobby growers.
Iowa State University
Students and faculty from I.S.U. shared in the development and ongoing care of the organic apple orchard and methods to teach people with autism how to complete the tasks associated with orchard management.
Wild Prairie Learning Center
Helped The Homestead transform four acres of farmland into natural prairie - matching the plants indigenous to our area.
Heartland Area Education Agency
Features a Task Force which specializes in autism.
Ruby Van Meter School
School-aged children residing at The Homestead have the opportunity of attending Ruby Van Meter's school in Des Moines.
Better Homes and Gardens
A corporate sponsor of our 5,000 square foot greenhouse, providing initial support to construct this facility.
Country Gardens Magazine
Sponsored a sensory integration garden on campus which included a variety of plants selected for their strong appeal to the senses (sight, touch, smell and taste). The garden's development was featured in a series of articles in this magazine.
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
The mission of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation is to be a catalyst for and sustainer of, preventive health services for vulnerable populations. Through formation of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation in 1984, local leaders intended to carry on the tradition of Northwest Community Hospital, which had supported the health of its community for 20 years. Endowed by proceeds of the sale of the hospital, the foundation shifted the spirit of a community hospital into the role of community caretaker, committing its resources to improving health throughout central Iowa. Over the years, however, foundation grants cannot be evaluated by dollars alone. True results are measured in the health of children and adults whose lives are improved by the work, every day, of dedicated community partners. For more information please contact them at www.MidIowaHealth.org.
Iowa Foundation for Medical Care
We optimize the quality of medical care and health through collaborative relationships, education, and health information management.
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation is a charitable public foundation established by community stakeholders for the purpose of improving the quality of life in greater Des Moines by initiating programs, coordinating resources, and supporting organizations that enhance education, community betterment, arts and culture, health and human services. The foundation works to provide leadership and resources in partnership with the community toward accomplishing this mission.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino – More Than You Imagine!
Provided financial support to help The Homestead develop an apple orchard, purchase vehicles, fund our children’s home, and fund research for children. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is a not-for-profit organization managed by the Racing Association of Central Iowa. As an Iowa corporation, it provides millions of dollars annually toward community betterment, funding organizations such as United Way, Variety Club, Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside, local government, public and parochial schools. Prairie Meadows has partnered with more than 500 different charitable or nonprofit groups for the purpose of community betterment since 1996.
Variety- The Children's Charity of Iowa
Variety, The Children’s Charity of Iowa is a non-profit organization committed to serving special needs children. We help support agencies that provide care, treatment, activities and shelter to critically ill, underprivileged, handicapped, abused, at-risk, and other deserving children. For more information call 515.243.4660.
National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism
The National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism or NARPAA represents organizations from across the United States devoted to supporting the unique needs of adults with autism. The Homestead is a proud member of this group.
