From the Clinic to the Community

This past year, a group of local teens with autism stepped into a new challenge—joining Balance Autism’s teen group to learn skills that would help them thrive both socially and independently.

Balance Autism’s teen group is thoughtfully designed to help teens build healthy social and safety skills—essential tools for greater independence.

After 10 months and roughly 100 hours of instruction and practice, the students are wrapping up their experience by volunteering at a few local organizations.

These volunteer opportunities are extremely valuable for the teens, giving them a chance to practice the skills they’ve learned in a new environment while also gaining workplace experience. Like anyone, giving back is a powerful way to connect with your community, build a sense of belonging and purpose, and possibly discover new interests, friendships, or opportunities.

This summer, they kicked off their volunteering at Many Hands Thrift Market in Des Moines. The group volunteered once a week for five weeks, spending their time sorting, matching, labeling, and organizing donations. Their hard work didn’t go unnoticed—staff at Many Hands Thrift were so impressed, they invited the teens to return anytime!

The teens thoroughly enjoyed volunteering their time and shared their excitement about the opportunity to help others. As a group, they have chosen Furry Friends Refuge and Blank Park Zoo as their community service for the month of August!

We are incredibly proud of these teens and look forward to celebrating their graduation from the teen group just before they head back to school this fall. Watching their confidence grow has been a true joy. It’s an honor to be part of their journey—equipping young people with the tools they need to live connected, healthy, and purpose-driven lives. We can't wait to see where they go next.

 

Evelyn’s Retirement

Evelyn Horton is retiring, but her impact will live on forever.

Did you know? Evelyn has...

spent more than 50 years working in disability services (nearly 20 in the state of Iowa and at Balance Autism).

led transformative efforts to expand access to early, intensive intervention therapy for children with autism.

been instrumental in working alongside legislators to build the Medicaid-funded ABA therapy program in Iowa. (She led Balance Autism to be the first Iowa Medicaid provider in Iowa to provide ABA!)

served more than 7,000 children under her leadership over the last 19 years at Balance Autism.

been a long-standing advocate and member of Autism Society of Iowa, Iowa ABA, the Governor's Council, and Council of Autism Service Providers - CASP, to name a few.

built one of the state’s most comprehensive BCBA student cohort models for “growing” Iowa’s BCBA workforce, which is an essential role necessary to provide quality behavioral therapy for children and adults with autism.

been a remarkable colleague, visionary, advocate, mentor, leader, and friend. Her absence will be missed beyond measure.

Like we said…Evelyn is retiring, but CLEARLY, her impact will live on forever.

Join us in celebrating Evelyn Horton and her unforgettable 19 years at Balance Autism.

Record Breaking Annual Plant Sale

This year, Balance Autism’s annual Plant Sale reached new heights, breaking records and drawing more community support than ever before. At the heart of this success story is Julie, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in making the Greenhouse flourish.

Julie has been with Balance Autism since March 2012, bringing over a decade of experience and heart to everything she does. For her first 11 years, Julie was deeply involved in every aspect of the Campus farm and Greenhouse — from field prep and planting to harvesting, training clients, and managing staff. Now, with the transition away from outdoor field work, you’ll find her in the Greenhouse from January through May, leading efforts for the Plant Sale.

Her work goes far beyond watering and potting. Julie is the guiding force who ensures that the Plant Sale not only thrives but also serves its greater purpose — supporting individuals who live on Campus. Many of these individuals take part in the process, helping with plant care and even assisting customers during the sale. They love working alongside Julie, and the sense of pride and inclusion it brings is immeasurable.

But Julie’s impact doesn’t stop when the last plant is sold. She also handles snow removal in winter, mows the campus grounds all summer, and tends the orchard, trimming trees and clearing brush. Additionally, as Assistant Manager of the Maintenance Team, she uses her exceptional organizational skills to coordinate work orders, liaise with vendors, and maintain vital inspection records.

We issue a special thank you to Julie for her incredible work, leadership, and compassion. Her commitment helps our mission grow — one plant, one task, and one person at a time.

 

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