Services
Medical Equipment Loan Program
The Foundation loans out medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other assistive devices for short-term or long-term use. This equipment is available free of charge to people with disabilities and medical needs, including injury or surgery, who live in Des Moines County.
E.B. Gnahn Scholarship Program
Our Scholarship program was established in 1958 from Edward B. Gnahn's estate. Scholarships are available to students with a disability majoring in any field. Scholarships are also open to students majoring in a health-related field or special education. Applicants must be a graduate of a Des Moines County high school or a county resident for five years prior to applying. Scholarships are renewable.
Aquatics Program
Since 1953, the Foundation has supported a water exercise program for residents of Des Moines County with disabilities or chronic health conditions. We offer funding for persons who meet the criteria to attend aquatic classes at the Southeast Iowa Regional Center for Rehabilitation.
*Aquatics Physician Form*
This form is required as part of our aquatics program. Must be completed by your physician ONLY.
Special Needs Activities
The Special Needs Activities purpose is to support and enhance opportunities for individuals, adults and children, to participate in various activities. This is done through specialized equipment or through direct funding. Examples of support are: Special Needs Students equipment for classroom's or home, Special Olympics, Special Needs Kids Rodeo, Camperships, Day of the Child, etc.
New Ideas
The Foundation is continuously exploring new ways to support children and adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Funding projects not currently in the foundation budget gives us the opportunity to expand in new directions and investigate new ways to benefit citizens of Des Moines County.
Programs
Special Olympics
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities
The Foundation supports our local Special Olympians that go to the state event in Ames every spring.
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities
The Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County joins various organizations throughout the county to help fund recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions in safe and structured environments.
National Night Out
Recreational Activities
National Night Out
The Foundation participates in this annual event on the first Tuesday in August. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Camperships
Hope Haven Development Center
National Night Out
The Foundation sponsors camperships for students with disabilities or chronic health conditions to attend Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines, Iowa, and Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa.
Hope Haven Development Center
Hope Haven Development Center
Hope Haven Development Center
The Foundation supports the work that Hope Haven does in Des Moines County for individuals with special needs.
