Resources We Bring Light To
This is an area we want to dedicate to organizations and resources we find to be of high quality and useful within the context of what we do.
Please be aware this section contains links to websites outside of our organizations that we do not have control of. Always visit website links with care.
%20(1).png)
Mindspring Mental Health Alliance is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities by providing hope and education about brain disorders. It is a local organization in Des Moines, Iowa, with a passion for providing mental health education, support, and advocacy.
Visit Mindspring to see how they might be of help to you! Visit MindspringHealth.org
James and Larry Thacker Jr. have been frequent trampoline jumpers since 2022 at Get Air Trampoline Park and say it’s AN AMAZING spot for special needs jumpers and their families. It’s a place where kids can just have fun and be themselves.
Mike Johnson, the resource advocate and manager at Get Air Trampoline Park in Urbandale, Iowa, is an awesome guy to know. He really gets why sensory spaces matter and understands the needs of everyone who uses them. If you have questions about accommodations to make your visit better, definitely chat with Mike.
This said, these special events happen on the first Saturday of every month from 8 AM to 10 AM. For more info, you can check out their website by clicking the bolded title at the top of this resource box.
Evelyn K. Davis Community Center
The awareness, care, and compassion I have seen and felt within the Community Center perfectly embody Mrs. Davis's spirit today. As a child, I may not have understood this, yet I felt this deeply when I first entered Mrs. Davis Day Care Center, Tiny Tots. And my mom recognized it when she dropped me off at daycare. It was undeniably a safe space for me because it left a memory that I recall today. Working memories matter.
Today, when I visit Evelyn K Davis Community Center for the resources and mentoring that I receive for myself or for A-NOD, I pay close attention to how other individuals are welcomed at the door. This initial contact is crucial. I refer to it as an "A-NOD Space." As such, when I first sought assistance there, it felt right—like a nod from Mrs. Davis, affirming, "You are on the right track." As such, for A-NOD, the outcomes of the lessons I learn there or choose to utilize are vital, and this experience clearly reflects for me the effectiveness of the programs.
Lastly, I've reflected on an important thought last night: recognizing a gap is one thing, but advocating with one's voice for change is essential. The way Evelyn K. Davis Community Center aids/supports A-NOD's mission and vision to empower those they serve helps me to continue to confidently walk in my a-ha moment- a true testament to Mrs. Davis's legacy.
As such, her spirit continues to shine through in her Namesake's Center within a safe and supportive atmosphere that empowers each of us to overcome our challenges and barriers to not only our safety and happiness, but also to all those we choose to serve when we leave your door. This is community in action-a light that shines so that others can.
Cardinal FPV Cinematics — Rob Thomas-May of 2026
I’m proud to support A-NOD and the work they are doing to build awareness, understanding, and connection.
My own path in aviation started through model aviation, and those early experiences helped shape the career path and business I have today. As a lifelong Academy of Model Aeronautics member, drone pilot, and founder of Cardinal FPV Cinematics, I believe aviation, drones, robotics, and hands-on technical hobbies can give people meaningful spaces to learn, grow, and connect.
Anyone with an interest in aviation, drones, robotics, or model aircraft is welcome to reach out. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned, help point people toward useful resources, and pass that passion forward.
Reach out: robthomas@cardinalfpv.com
Website: www.cardinalfpv.com
STAPLES OF ALTOONA IOWA
At A-NOD, we recognize businesses that prioritize individuals facing anxiety, invisible disabilities, and sensory health concerns. Staples in Altoona, IA, stands out thanks to Lyric, a Printing Specialist who provides exceptional support to every customer. His commitment to addressing concerns about packaging, shipping, and delivery sets a high standard. This dedication is why we wholeheartedly recommend the Altoona, Iowa Staples location. May of 2026
Karl's Drive Wise Academy-Iowa-July 2026
Driver Training for Individuals that are neurodivergent. Yes, this is cool stuff that the neurotypical minds do not want you to know about. 😎
I approach the brain tasks of my students with neurodiversity very differently than traditional thought. The students implementing these methods have maintained a success rate of 100%.
Classification should occur on a multidimensional spectrum rather than a single line for clarification. Bridging, spikes, highs, and lows should be measured, evaluated, and quantified. The presentation of signs and symptoms is only one component to be considered and measured.
One significant aspect of our program is the introduction of bilateral music therapy for students to improve overall wellness and to overcome what is often referred to as the Amygdala Hijack Spiral (AHS).
When in an AHS, the following occurs: the adrenaline glands are hyperstimulated, excessive cortisol is released, and the brain and body enter a state of panic where the only objective then is for survival.
The key has been to create a seamless transition with all the parts of the brain being synchronized for a collective and positive outcome. Processing is transferred and integrated from the prefrontal cortex, allowing the hemispheres of the brain to function in tandem.
I have also looked at the significance of the synopsis of the brain being affected by distress in the spine and muscle composition.
Higher consumption of protein before and during lessons has helped tremendously, providing a longer-lasting fuel source for brain functions. This increases muscle memory, muscle encoding, and greater flexibility. This also assists the hemispheres of the brain to function more collectively with greater recall and improved cognitive function.
We train our students to use lateral thinking that embraces indirect and creative approaches rather than traditional step-by-step logic.
It has been proven that traditional educational methods seldom work for the exceptional minds of the neurodivergent. Yet those methods are arguably debated much like a cure for autism.
Embrace the mind, and amazing abilities will follow as educational opportunities are discovered. When using this holistic approach, the neurodivergent brain can function with greater efficiency and exceed any and all expectations.
For additional information, refer to the website or contact me directly.
Website:
drivewiseacademy.org
Cell: 641-455-4445
Karl@
Drive Wise Academy
“St Vincent de Paul’s mission is to help those in need become self-sufficient through education, community connectedness, and unconditional support.St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines is a non-profit, Catholic lay charitable organization, focused on supporting individuals who are facing economic, emotional, or spiritual difficulties. The organization offers a range of services aimed at addressing these challenges, including access to food and clothing, educational support, and job training programs, among other services offered. Our mission is guided by a commitment to compassion for those who struggle with issues such as poverty, health problems, or family-related concerns.”
SVdP has multiple programs that help support Central Iowans:
-
Two Healthy Food Pantries
-
Workforce Development Programs (Back2Work)
-
Immersion-Reentry Program
-
Polk County Jail Kiosk
-
Sobering Center
-
4 Thrift Stores
Learn more at www.svdpdsm.org
A-NOD has been mentored by SCORE for almost two years by Mark Bundy, whom we highly recommend! He met me where I was and helped me to navigate my anxieties of "wanting to do his tasks right, to helping me bring A-NOD tasks to fruition, to where it is right for those who find a benefit and a value in it!
SCORE-bringing success to small businesss
Spare Time Entertainment
Spare Time Entertainment is a family-owned company operating modern family entertainment centers featuring bowling, large arcades, and restaurants. Managed by Bowl New England, the company runs nearly 20 venues across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast.
Bowling accommodations are available for people who are learning to bowl or need assistive tools to bowl. For example: bumpers, ramps, and the door space for those in wheelchairs.
340 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 414-2824
sparetimewestdesmoines.com
Ask for Gared Hassel.
