Each spring, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Dancing with the Stars Dubuque Style, an event designed to highlight the importance of Dubuque area nonprofits.  Since its inception in 2010, Dancing with the Stars Dubuque Style has raised over 1 million dollars for more than 50 local nonprofits. This year, I have the privilege of working to grow that impressive number while raising funds for an organization that is very close to my heart.

Hills & Dales provides services to children and adults with severe mental and physical disabilities from 19 counties throughout Eastern Iowa. Valuing a quality of life that enhances dignity, upholds rights, and encourages choices by the individual, Hills & Dales aims to build meaningful lives for those with disabilities by offering services that support the whole person and enhance community inclusion.

When touring the Hills & Dales Residential Center, I was struck by the extent of what was being accomplished under just one roof. In addition to providing residential, vocational, community, and childcare services, Hills & Dales also offers 24-hour nursing, a commitment that extends well beyond licensing mandates. Additionally, they recently added Autism Services to their already lengthy list of programs and now offer the only evidence based therapy (ABA) to 23 children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  As evidenced by the abundance of heartwarming photos that adorn the walls of the center, they manage to do all of the above while demonstrating a profound connection to each and every individual with whom they work.


There are concrete challenges that the team faces regularly, the most significant being lack of accessible housing and means of transportation. These are areas in which your generosity would have a profound impact.

The work being done at Hills & Dales is nothing short of extraordinary. Please consider making a donation to this vital community organization.  It would mean the world to me!