Meet Our Donors

Todd Millang has already made a significant impact on the lives of more than eight young men living at the Orchard Place Campus, and his personal commitment to improving the lives of troubled kids ensures that he will continue to make a difference for many years to come.

Mary Alice Epperly: Making an Impact in Her Community

Read about Mary Alice Epperly, whose son's positive experience at Orchard Place inspired a future gift to our organization will help change the lives of more children.

Former CEO Continues Planning for Orchard Place's Future

"The whole mission of Orchard Place is to help [children] to find themselves, their identity and how that works with their family, and get them back to their community," Earl says, noting that while the organization has evolved, its purpose has remained the same.

Giving Back Honors Orchard Place's Impact on Family

To say thanks for Orchard Place's impact on their lives, the Kofoeds have named Orchard Place in their will. "We realized that with all that we've been through, funding is hard with the state and such," Lisa says. "We feel this is our way to pay back. When things are good, you need to be grateful and pay things forward."

Developing Strong Futures

“I know a lot of kids at Orchard Place have been let down by adults in their life,” says Josh Ingalls, a loyal donor who has included Orchard Place as a beneficiary of his retirement plan. “I want these kids to know they are important and a priority for someone.”

Kimberly Shadur

"I think something about Orchard Place strikes a chord with people," she says. "For me, it's the pain I see in the children's faces. Their eyes show how tired and hurt they are. And I believe it's up to us to help them. The only way these kids can ever possibly become well-adjusted adults is if we increase our philanthropy to ensure that organizations like Orchard Place can provide the programs and services they need."

One Couple Extends Their Generosity Into the Future

Toby and his wife, Kelly, who is a social worker with the Des Moines Public School District, feel it is important to give back to the community. They are strong supporters of planned giving because it provides the donor with a way to give more than they might otherwise be able to. Kelly also feels that making a planned gift is "a way to have some control over your assets after you're gone."

A Long-Time Friendship Inspires Gift

A 20-year friendship with LuVern Shiffler inspired Jim Collier to make his first—and major—gift to Orchard Place. In fact, it was his first contribution to a children's organization. A renowned philanthropist, Collier's charitable giving has consistently focused on the performing arts. As plans progressed for a fundraising effort to renovate one of the living units at Orchard Place Campus, LuVern was delighted to learn that her long visits with Jim about Orchard Place had merited Jim's attention and financial support.

A Dedication to Children

During her time in Sioux City, she found herself being drawn to the children who were experiencing difficulties in their lives. She became familiar with Orchard Place since several of the children she had befriended had received treatment there. When beginning her job search in Des Moines, it seemed only natural to apply at Orchard Place.

Bernie and Brenda Mouw give back to Orchard Place through various planned and legacy gifts.

A Loving Legacy of Hope and Healing

Mental health services are absolutely crucial for children who need a helping hand as they make their way through the challenges of growing up. "These are kids who require special levels of care and trained staff to help them," says Brenda Mouw of Des Moines, who has heard the stories of many young people who benefited from their time at Orchard Place.

Get More Than You Give at Orchard Place

"Orchard Place is, to a large extent, one of Des Moines' best kept secrets, and I want to get the word out," Wes says. "They do a great job. They're a remarkable foundation. Our society has a lot of disenfranchised kids, and Orchard Place helps them keep moving forward in a positive way."

Generations of Caring

When Bryan Shiffler's great-grandmother, Elizabeth Mann, founded the Home for Friendless Children in 1886, she was unaware that her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandson would ultimately provide continuous leadership to the organization, now known as Orchard Place, over 130 years of its existence—but that's what happened.

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