Orchard Place News

Polk County is providing Cooling Centers (daytime and overnight) and DART is offering free transportation. Learn more about these community resources and check out the hot weather safety reminders from our Orchard Place nursing team.

"This is the single largest gift in our 135-year history," said Orchard Place CEO Anne Starr.

How do you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S? The 19th Annual Orchard Place Spelling Bee presented by Nationwide. We are truly grateful to all our sponsors, teams, and volunteers who collectively helped us raise more than $45,000 to benefit youth cared for by Orchard Place.

Psychological Trauma & Juvenile Justice Conference will be June 7 & 8 in Des Moines. Confirmed speakers: Dr. Dispesh Navsaria, Trasie Adams Topple, Kelly M. Clougher, PhD and George Ake III, PhD.

Thanks to a $25,108 grant from Variety - the Children's Charity, outdated playground equipment at Orchard Place Campus will be replaced by swings.

With very hot weather expected this weekend the Polk County Health Department encourages residents to take extra precautions to stay safe. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and find local cooling centers.

This community-supported drive will provide school supplies and back packs to more than 800 children who are affected by mental health concerns. More donors and volunteers are needed.

Orchard Place needs new beds, dressers, desks and chairs with safety and durability top of mind. Purchasing furniture that is specifically designed for the unique population we serve requires a sizable investment, yet it produces a high return. Each set of replacement bedroom furniture is expected to last 25 years, providing a better night's rest for 4,500 kids!

The Orchard Place campus provides 24/7 intensive psychiatric services to more than 250 youth annually. The gap between what it costs to provide these important services and what we are reimbursed leaves us with a $300,000 to $500,000 loss annually over the past 5 years. Read below to see how you can help.