Des Moines, Iowa – Sherri Nielsen’s path to leading Easterseals Iowa wasn’t a direct one, but deeply personal. Her journey, rooted in advocating for her brother who faced disabilities stemming from a childhood diagnosis of diabetes, has shaped her commitment to ensuring access to vital services for individuals and families across the state. As Easterseals Iowa prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, Nielsen is steering the organization through a period of both reflection and innovation, continuing a century-long tradition of responding to community needs.
Nielsen’s story is a testament to the power of lived experience. She recalls her mother’s tireless efforts to secure education and medical care for her brother, a struggle that ignited a passion for advocacy within her. That early exposure to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families ultimately drew her to Easterseals. “When I started at Easterseals, I knew that their values aligned perfectly with my own,” Nielsen shared in a recent interview. This alignment isn’t merely philosophical; it’s a driving force behind her leadership.
A Century of Service and Adaptation
Easterseals Iowa’s longevity is a remarkable achievement, particularly in the ever-changing landscape of non-profit organizations. The organization’s ability to adapt and innovate over the past 100 years is something Nielsen takes immense pride in. “We don’t shy away from change,” she emphasized. “We adapt and innovate to ensure our clients have access to the services they need.” This commitment to responsiveness is central to Easterseals Iowa’s mission, which encompasses a broad range of support services, including education, health, employment, community integration, and transportation assistance.
The organization’s reach extends to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. Easterseals, nationally, reports that more than 1 in 4 Americans – over 70 million people – live with a disability. This underscores the widespread impact of the organization’s work and the critical need for continued support.
The Heart of the Work: Client Impact
While strategic planning and organizational milestones are important, Nielsen consistently returns to the human element of her work. She finds the greatest fulfillment in witnessing the positive impact Easterseals Iowa has on the lives of its clients. “My favorite days are the ones when I get to hear from a client or family member about the impact our services have had on their lives,” she said. These moments – celebrating a client’s first job or watching a child thrive in a summer camp experience – are what fuel her dedication.
These individual success stories are a direct result of the comprehensive services Easterseals Iowa provides. The organization offers a variety of programs designed to empower individuals to live independent, full lives. From early childhood education programs, like the one that helped four-year-traditional Katelyn “shine” at Easterseals North Georgia, to employment assistance and community support, Easterseals Iowa strives to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. Easterseals also offers a free, confidential child development screening tool, the ASQ-3, to support families during the critical first five years of a child’s life.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment
As Easterseals Iowa embarks on its second century of service, Nielsen is focused on building upon its legacy of responsiveness and innovation. The organization remains committed to identifying and addressing the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that its services remain relevant and impactful. The organization’s dedication to saying “yes” to the needs of the community, as Nielsen puts it, will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The organization’s centennial celebration in 2026 will serve as a milestone, but also as a launchpad for continued growth and impact. Easterseals Iowa is poised to remain a vital resource for individuals and families across the state, empowering them to live their lives to the fullest. For those interested in learning more about Easterseals Iowa’s services or how to get involved, resources are available on their website.
The next major event for Easterseals Iowa is the official launch of their centennial fundraising campaign, scheduled for late summer 2026. Updates and details will be available on their website. Share this story to facilitate spread awareness of the important work being done by Easterseals Iowa and the impact it has on countless lives.
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