On With Life, a brain injury, stroke and neuro rehabilitation center in Ankeny, has served thousands of individuals over the past 30 years. The organization announced its plans to continue growing through a major expansion on their Ankeny campus.
“On With Life is a fantastic organization with an amazing staff, and I’m excited for the opportunities this expansion will bring to On With Life and those we serve,” said CEO Jean Shelton. “This project will continue to set On With Life apart as a leader in neuro rehabilitation and allow us to serve thousands more who need our services.”
To support the new project, the On With Life Foundation has launched the Giant Strides campaign. The public phase of its fundraising campaign was announced at the organization’s annual Celebrate Life fundraising event on September 24.
The funds raised through this campaign will be used to expand On With Life’s footprint and enhance programming. Plans, currently in development with SVPA Architects and Hansen Company, include expanding the outpatient program with a new 20,000+ square foot building on the current Ankeny campus, improving the experience for those in the inpatient program by updating person served rooms, enhancing family housing to allow families to stay near their loved ones during their time at On With Life, and enhance technology and equipment to benefit all On With Life’s programs.
Thanks to generous donors, more than $3 million has been raised of the $5 million goal, including the leading gift of $1 million from Herman and LaDonna Meinders. The Meinders family, who live in Oklahoma City, are tremendous supporters of On With Life, both personally and through their foundation, The Meinders Foundation.
“Herman and LaDonna learned about On With Life through one of our volunteers, Janelle Conley, who started volunteering at On with Life in 2011. Their foundation made a large donation to the new therapeutic grounds on the Ankeny campus to name the butterfly sensory garden in honor of Janelle, On With Life’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year,” said development director Sara Wilson. “Their gift to the Giant Strides campaign shows the impact On With Life has throughout the United States, and their support is a testament to the amazing work of our staff and volunteers.”
To learn more or to support the Giant Strides campaign, visit onwithlife.org/giantstrides or call 515-289-9611.