MercyOne Waterloo Foundation receives Variety grant to support autism care

The MercyOne Waterloo Foundation received a $5,000 grant from Variety – the Children's Charity of Iowa to support autism care services at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

The funding will help enhance services provided through MercyOne Waterloo's Early Developmental Intervention (EDI) program, helping children and families access autism care. 

“I am so excited to expand compassionate, wholistic care to the community through our new autism clinic.  The support from Variety is an amazing gift allowing our multidisciplinary team to provide timely access to local evaluation, guidance, and support.  With the grant, our work will lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for many children and families in the Cedar Valley,” said Angela Townsend, MD. 

When autism is identified early, families can access services and support during some of the most important years of a child's development. Early evaluation can help children build communication, social and learning skills that support long-term life success.

“Partnerships from individual donors, community businesses, and grant funders like Variety - the Children's Charity is what makes the MercyOne Northeast Iowa Foundations successful year in and year out," said Joe Surma, Chief Development Officer, for the MercyOne Foundations serving Cedar Falls and Waterloo. "Truly working together, we are able to make a positive impact on the lives of some of MercyOne's youngest patients and their families. We are forever grateful for Variety."

Families interested in scheduling an appointment can call 319-272-7200.

For more information about MercyOne Waterloo Early Developmental Intervention, visit: https://www.mercyone.org/location/mercyone-waterloo-early-developmental-intervention 

To learn more about the MercyOne Waterloo Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.mercyone.org/waterloo/foundation.