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About Us

A storied history centered on care and compassion.

Since our humble beginnings as Linn County’s first children’s human service agency (we’ve been around since 1879), we’ve evolved to serve the ever-changing needs of our community. Our programs focus on prevention, treatment, and outreach and serve children, teens, and young adults. We support more than 4,000 youth and families per year—primarily in Linn and Johnson counties in southeast Iowa—but all families are welcome at Tanager.

Our Mission is Clear:

To provide services to children and families that inspire, empower, and heal.

What We Do

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Prevention

Early intervention can help children and teens stay in school, stay out of trouble and lead healthier, happier lives.

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Treatment

Through a comprehensive approach to treatment, our team offers an array of services to children and their families.

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Outreach

We believe education and experiential learning is key in empowering children, families, communities, and systems.

RISE Through Adversity

You can cultivate wellness and resilience using this holistic framework to engage in positive experiences that enhance your well-being.

Recent Reports

Boards

Tanager has a long history of support from some of the most prominent community leaders in our area. The following members of the Operating, Foundation, and Associates Boards provide invaluable support and guidance to the organization. If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate another, please contact Jenni Archibald.

FY23 Operating Board

Todd Kerska, President
Brandi Mueller, Vice President
Stefanie Rupert, Treasurer
Thom Pritz, Secretary
Molly Altorfer
Robert Becker
Laurie Dawley
Julie Estenson
Jane Glantz
Margaret Horsfield
Nikki Kettelkamp
Molly LaKose
Ali Limbert
Amber Mason Lusson
Lisa McGrath
Stacie Osako
Adam Palmer
Ben Rogers
Kanu Salaria
Ryan Shenefelt
Ryan Shultz
Matthew Skogman

Susan Streit
Lisa Thirnbeck

 

FY23 Foundation Board

Dick Meisterling, President
Barrie Ernst, Vice President
Duane Jasper, Treasurer
Jane Glantz, Secretary
Jane Glantz, Secretary
Kyle Boardman
Pat Deignan
Chad Fesler
Diana Ledford
Nancy Lynk
Lisa McGrath
Jim Novak
Jim Schmitt
Ryan Shenefelt
Duane Smith
Gary Streit
Lisa Thirnbeck
Fred Timko

Associates Board

Adam Maske
Blake Stephenson
Carissa Johnson
Chelsey Steckly
Emily Phelan
Erin Foster
Erynn DeRycke
Jaime Mead
Jamie Craine
Jaymie McGrath
JD Klopfenstein
Jessie Owens
Justin Allendorf
Krista Barnell
Kyle Zimmerman
Meghan Hackbarth
Molly LaKose
Molly Monk
Ryan Shenefelt
Sarah Van Deest

Stories of Care. Of Inspiration.

PIH has opened up opportunities for resources for Jacob. We have known for a long time that he has had struggles, but didn’t know where to go to get the help that he needed. With the guidance of our worker, we have made some good steps toward getting Jacob the resources that are available.

I’ve always been impressed with the help Will is getting at Tanager, and I’m so grateful that you go out of your way to include the rest of our family, as well. There are so few people we can talk to about what’s going on in our family, and the work you do is really valuable in helping families like ours know that we’re not alone, and there’s a semblance of “normal” in what we’re going through, and that there is hope for the future.

Tanager Place helped me to deal not only with day-to-day events, but also taught me to improve my overall attitude, put my life into perspective and to increase my sense of self-worth.

Our grandson, Chase had spent about six months at Tanager. We were very happy with the treatment he had received. We can see a very positive difference in him. I have to admit, it was very hard for us to see him go there, but we knew he needed help. The staff at Sinclair Cottage was very good with Chase. We were impressed on how the staff interacted with the children. Thank you again for all of Tanager’s help in making our grandson a better person

Leadership

Clinical and School Based Therapists

Memberships:

We are proud to be a part of the following organizations:

Our History

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1879

Industrial School founded to provide education to disadvantaged children. Mission grew to include children in need of adoption.
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1926

Camp Good Health established to offer camp experience for disadvantaged children, continues today as Camp Tanager.
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1940

Renamed The Children’s Home of Cedar Rapids.
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1950

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Join a world-changing team.

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We’re here to help.

If you (or someone with you) are experiencing a medical emergency, or are in danger, call 911 immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988 immediately.

Your Life Iowa:                      (Facilitated by Foundation 2)
855-581-8111

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
988

General Information:
319-365-9164

Get Involved

Donate

Make a difference for children in your community and help thousands of families with a donation to Tanager.

Volunteer

Learn about our reoccurring or one-time volunteer opportunities and help build a brighter future.