About Us | Uni-Hope Life Skills & Services — Iowa

People First.
Always.

2016
Year
Founded
9+
Years
Serving Iowa

Uni-Hope Life Skills and Services was founded with a single conviction: every person deserves to live with dignity, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging. That belief guides everything we do — every care plan, every interaction, every day.

2016
Year Founded
6+
Waiver Programs
100%
Person-Centered Care
24/7
Residential Support
4+
MCOs Accepted
Our Story

Built on a Belief in Every Person

Uni-Hope Life Skills and Services was established in Iowa in 2016 with a clear purpose: to provide compassionate, high-quality community-based support that allows adults with disabilities to remain safely at home — not in a nursing facility or institution.

We began by serving individuals under Iowa's Medicaid waiver programs, and over the years we've grown our team, expanded our services, and deepened the relationships we hold with the individuals and families we serve. But what has never changed is our commitment to seeing each person as a whole human being with unique strengths, goals, and the right to self-determination.

Every care plan, every home visit, every conversation with a family member reflects that commitment. We are here for the long haul — not just to provide a service, but to be a trusted presence in the lives of those we support.

Equal Opportunity Provider
Our Mission
To empower individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives in the community — with dignity, safety, and the support they need to thrive on their own terms.
— Uni-Hope Life Skills and Services, LLC
What We Do

Comprehensive Support
Across Iowa

We provide Supervised Community Living and hourly support services to adults across six waiver programs — each tailored to the individual's unique needs, goals, and care plan.

Brain Injury (BI)
Specialized SCL and hourly support for adults living with acquired or traumatic brain injuries — focused on safety, recovery, and independence.
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Intellectual Disability (ID)
Daily and hourly support to help adults with intellectual disabilities build life skills, pursue personal goals, and thrive in the community.
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Habilitation (HAB)
Structured skill-building services to increase independence, functional abilities, and community participation for adults with disabilities.
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Health & Disability (HD)
Medically-aware personal care and community support for adults with physical disabilities or chronic health conditions — at home, safely.
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SCL Group Home
24/7 supervised residential care in a shared, home-like setting — structured routines, personal care, and community integration.
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SCL Host Home
Personalized 24/7 care in the private home of a trained, matched host family — the warmest, most family-centered residential option.
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What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Dignity & Respect
Every individual we serve is treated with unconditional dignity. We honor each person's history, preferences, and right to be seen as a whole human being.
Person-Centered Care
Support is built around the individual — not the other way around. Every care plan starts with goals, interests, and needs defined by the person themselves.
Community Belonging
We believe everyone deserves to be part of their community — to have friends, pursue hobbies, hold jobs, and live connected, meaningful lives.
Safety & Trust
Families trust us with the people they love most. We take that responsibility seriously — through rigorous hiring, training, and consistent oversight.
Growth & Independence
Our goal is never dependency — it's progress. We celebrate every skill gained, every goal met, and every step toward a more self-directed life.
Compassionate Excellence
Doing good work and doing it with heart are not opposites — they're the same thing. We hold ourselves to the highest standards because our members deserve nothing less.
Voices of the Community

What Families & Members
Are Saying

★★★★★

Uni-Hope changed our family's life. My son finally has support that actually sees him — not just his diagnosis. His confidence has grown so much since starting with them.

D. Mitchell
Parent of a member, Des Moines
★★★★★

I never thought independent living was possible for me. Uni-Hope's staff believed in me before I believed in myself. I cook my own meals now, I go to the gym, and I have real friendships.

T. Johnson
Service member, West Des Moines
★★★★★

As a case manager, I've referred many individuals to Uni-Hope. They are responsive, professional, and genuinely invested in outcomes. They're one of the first providers I call.

L. Rivera
Case Manager, Iowa MCO
★★★★★

My daughter has been in the host home program for two years. Her host family treats her like their own. I can sleep at night knowing she is safe, loved, and thriving.

G. Washington
Guardian, Ankeny
★★★★★

From the intake call to the first day of services, Uni-Hope was clear, organized, and warm. The whole process showed me they genuinely care about what happens to the people they serve.

A. Kowalski
Family advocate, Ames
★★★★★

I was nervous about moving into a group home after years in an institution. Uni-Hope's staff made it feel like home from day one. I have my own room, my own routine, my own life.

M. Harris
Group home resident, Iowa
Get in Touch

We're Here to Help

Whether you're looking for services for yourself or a loved one, or you're a case manager making a referral — reach out. Our team responds promptly and will guide you through every step.

Office Address
939 Office Park Rd, Suite 201
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Phone
Website
939 Office Park Rd, Suite 201
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Get Directions

Ready to Take the
First Step?

Whether you're seeking services for yourself or a loved one — or joining our team — we're here to guide you through every step.