nathan’s story
Until last year, Nathan had been living with significant aggressive behaviors and autism. He moved around Iowa from one provider to the next until he was discharged to a hospital. He lived in a hospital emergency department for 90 days until he came to live with Hills & Dales. He is currently attending school again, living with roommates and THRIVING with the help of his staff!
Residential Center home renovation completed
In 2018, due to our extensive wait list, we added a makeshift “home” within the Residential Center by repurposing office space. While this allowed us to support more children, the space was fragmented, small, and not of the quality our mission demands. It didn’t feel like “home.”
This $600,000+ renovation project, which began last Spring, is now complete! Thank you to The Butler Family Foundation and many other generous friends. Today, 14 children and young adults are enjoying life and feeling “at home” within new living spaces designed specifically for them!
Weber Autism Center Now Open
The ribbon has been cut and services are now provided within the Weber Autism Center (1660 Embassy West Drive - Dubuque)! Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is currently offered to 60 clients aged 3 to 23. With additional staffing in place there is capacity to support an additional 20 children, within this quality facility and environment which matches the program’s quality services.
We look forward to many more years of being a leader in services for those with autism, while also equipping their families to have the tools needed to support their child at home and excel into adulthood.
This $3.1 million dollar project was made possible thanks to lead donors, Jim and Jane Weber, and countless other supporters.
Innovating and partnering
We passionately seek innovative and sustainable ways to meet the needs of those in need of services from Hills & Dales.
Over the past year:
We began the Childcare Medical Program, answering the community’s need for childcare, including those with disabilities.
We led legislative efforts to improve dwindling residential options for children. This funding and regulation changes opens new living possibilities for hundreds of children across the state.
We were a leading resource for various policymakers, as evidenced by a recent leadership tour during Dubuque’s 2024 Congressional Visit.
in memory of marilyn althoff, longtime hills & dales ceo
All at Hills & Dales were deeply saddened by the passing of longtime leader and friend, Marilyn Althoff, this past January. Her memory will live on forever through the mission of Hills & Dales.
Marilyn began her career with Hills & Dales in 1989 and served in numerous supervisory and leadership roles. She selflessly led the organization for 16 years before her well-deserved retirement in 2021.