History
In 1953, in an effort to find help for people with retardation within the community, a group of parents organized the Polk County Association for Retarded Children. Their initial goals were to create awareness within the community and find parents and children with mental retardation who had been isolated from the mainstream, and to educate themselves as parents. Since 1953, Link has affected the lives of hundreds, by providing support and services to individuals and their family members. Formerly known as Polk County Association for Retarded Children, the agency was established to find help for families who had children with special needs. In 1988, the Board of Directors and members of Polk County ARC voted to disaffiliate with the national and state chapters of the Association of Retarded Citizens and the agency changed its name to Polk County Association for Retarded People (Polk County ARP). To further distinguish the agency as an independent, direct care service provider that links people with mental retardation to appropriate supports and services, in 1992, Polk County ARP changed its name to Link Associates.
Committed to ensuring the success of Link Associates, in 1997 Link Associates foundation was developed with a sole purpose to support Link Associates in its mission. A foundation is a legal organization set up for a specific purpose or a good cause. Foundations offer several advantages, such as asset protection, perpetuity, and tax benefits.
Over the course of its history, the Link foundation has:
In 1998, when the state of Iowa started the Transportation Waiver, Link Associates did not have the funds to purchase a fleet of vehicles to start this service. From 1998 to 2019 the Foundation purchased and leased all the vehicles used to provide this service to Link Assonates.
During crucial financial difficulties, especially after the implementation of Managed Care in Iowa, the Link Foundation extend an interest free line of credit to Link Associates to help us remain solvent.
In 1999 the Link Foundation purchased its 4 first residential properties, which may be leased by those served by Link Associates. In an environment where accessible and affordable housing is limited, the activity of the Link Foundation has made significant impact on the lives of multiple people.
In 2011, the Link Foundation purchased the Link Associates’ main facility which serves as the headquarters for Link Associates. This 5,700/sq/ft houses the corporate offices, the day habilitation, leisure, and transportation services. The Foundation has leased the property to Link Associates at below market value as market value rental exceeded our financial capabilities. Annually the amount or rent is increased so we can continue operations in a building that is safe and accessible.
In 2020 the Link Foundation built a 4 person fully accessible home with ceiling lifts in two bedrooms and one bathroom to support more people with significant physical disabilities.
In 2021 they finished construction on another 5 person fully accessible home with two handicapped accessible and 5 bedrooms all with ceiling lifts.
In 2022 they purchased a three-bedroom ranch home to serve three additional people in Windsor Heights.
In 2022 they purchased a three-bedroom single level, accessible home to serve three additional people in Waukee, Iowa
In 2023 they purchased a three-bedroom single level, accessible home to serve three additional people in Waukee, Iowa.
In 2023 the Link Foundation was gifted a 4-bedroom home in West Des Moines as part of a gifted estate.
Because Home Matters
The Link Associates Foundation takes great pride in ensuring all of the properties provided for those supported by Link Associates are in nice neighborhoods, appropriate for the needs of those living there, are safe, attractive and affordable. Our homes are located all across Polk County and into Dallas.
