Mainstream Living Inc.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Joe Grenko's passing. Joe will always be remembered for his warm smile, his playful spirit, his love for the Green Bay Packers, and his passion for working on jigsaw puzzles. He will be dearly missed by many. Please keep Joe's family, friends, and his staff in your thoughts during this time.

Joe's service will be held this Friday, September 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel in Des Moines.

Joe Grenko Joe Grenko was born on January 21, 1967, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away at his home in Windsor Heights on September 16, 2026.Joe was known for his love of the Green Bay Packers and the rock band KISS. He was quick to share a smile and was always ready to give you one of his ....

Happy Direct Support Professionals Week 2026! 🌱

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Care. Growing Together,” is a reminder of what grounds us as we continue to grow and change, both as an organization and as an industry. At the heart of what we do is the care we provide and our commitment to supporting one another and the people we serve.

Here’s to the DSPs who help our community grow every day. Thank you for all that you do! 💚

A small group of our members and staff met up to enjoy an afternoon walk at Jordan Creek Mall. They had a great time catching up and enjoying dinner in the food court. Lots of laughs and good conversation along the way!

Today is National Nonprofit Day! We're grateful to be part of a community that shows up for people with disabilities every single day. To our staff, members, families, and partner organizations across Iowa doing this same work: thank you for supporting our mission and believing that people with disabilities deserve to live full, connected lives. 💙

🌟 Member Spotlight: Mainstream Living

This week’s Member Spotlight features Mainstream Living Inc., an Ames-based nonprofit organization that has provided community-based services for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs since 1975.

Guided by its mission of “Enhancing Opportunities, Creating Success, and Fulfilling Dreams,” Mainstream Living helps individuals participate in their communities, pursue greater independence, and live full lives in ways that reflect their unique needs, abilities, and goals.

💙 Three Critical Supports They Provide:

• Residential and Supported Community Living: Mainstream Living provides residential services and individualized support that help people remain in or return to their communities.

• Community Integration and Day Services: Through individualized programs, Mainstream Living helps adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs strengthen life skills, improve their quality of life, and become more actively involved in their communities.

• Employment and Vocational Support: Mainstream Living offers training, work opportunities, and supported employment services designed to help individuals develop valuable skills and pursue meaningful, competitive employment.

For more than 50 years, Mainstream Living has worked to create opportunities for individuals to contribute, build connections, and pursue their dreams.

We are grateful to recognize Mainstream Living as part of the IACP community and celebrate the meaningful impact its dedicated team continues to make across Central Iowa.

Learn more at: https://www.mainstreamliving.org/

What a great trip! Our Behavioral Health members and staff hit the road for a day at the Kansas City Zoo. 🦧

It's always a perfect time for ice cream! 🍦

We are sad to share the passing of Sheryl Bellis. Sheryl was a member of Mainstream Living for many years. She was a devoted and determined mother, who worked hard to build a life for herself and her son.

Please keep Sheryl, her family and staff in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Sheryl L. Bellis | Hamiltons Funeral Home Sheryl Lee Bellis, 66, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born November 21, 1959, to Earl and Phyllis (Clement) Sanders in Burbank, California. Sheryl lived most of her adult life in Des Moines and was an avid fan and collector of Betty Boop. Her…

Happy belated 4th of July! 🎉 Our Behavioral Health crew had a great time celebrating at the parade in Carlisle. So glad they got to enjoy it in the sunshine!

A group of our members and staff recently packed up for a road trip down to Tennessee! One stop they made was to the Hollywood Wax Museum, where they got some awesome pics posing next to their favorite celebrities. They also headed to Rock City to see the incredible views. What a great opportunity for our members to get out and explore! We are so thankful for our staff that help make these adventures possible for our members.