Optimae LifeServices has been a recognized leader in health care and human services since 1987. For more than three decades, we have equipped our customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. We assist individuals with mental health, visible and invisible disabilities, and other barriers.
Our programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential services. We advocate for the rights and needs of over 5,000 Iowans every year, providing the quality of care we would want for our own family.
We’re proud to serve people living in more than 50 central, southeastern, northeastern and south-central Iowa counties from offices in more than 20 counties. Through compassionate, respectful and innovative services, we strive to help those we serve to live and work as independently as possible.
We do that by living our motto: “At your side. On your side.”
Whether you live in Ames, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fairfield, Iowa City, Ottumwa, Waterloo or any other Iowa community we call home, Optimae has locations that serve people who live in more than 50 Iowa counties.
Individuals with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities often struggle to find employment. Optimae offers our customers a clear path to employment through a number of microbusinesses we own and operate throughout Iowa, including farms, a bookstore, miniature golf, a bakery and pizzeria and more. We also offer supported employment through partnerships with organizations like PAWS & More, a local animal shelter in Washington County, and a local Burger King franchise in Wapello County.
Raccoon Forks Farms sells locally grown, fresh produce and free-range eggs through Community Supported Agriculture shares and at retail outlets across central Iowa. Raccoon Forks, which uses sustainable farming practices, has two farm locations, one in Redfield and another in Runnells.
Our Intensive Residential Service Home (IRSH) program is designed to serve individuals with complex mental health, disability and substance use disorder needs. In 2024, we formed our IRSH team and opened our first IRSH to accommodate a currently underserved population.
Helen’s journey to hope and healing
Often, when one dreams of retirement, thoughts of sandy beaches, time with the grandkids or travel come to mind. For Helen Raymond, her retirement met an unexpected chapter.
After working as a physical therapist for many years, specializing in care for children — an occupation that brought her joy and fulfillment — Helen realized she needed to focus on her mental health.
At Optimae, we take our position as a health care and human services leader seriously, whether it’s driving innovative solutions to service delivery, giving back or meeting unmet needs in communities across Iowa. We’re also proud to hold the highest levels of certifications in our field, including CARF International, CHAP, QUAD A and State of Iowa accreditations. Learn more about all of our certifications.
Optimae LifeServices is a leading employer in our industry, providing community services, behavioral health services, home health services and rehabilitation services across Iowa. We have a team of more than 1,300 people, many of whom have chosen to stay with the organization for decades. We offer a friendly and flexible environment. If you are looking for a new opportunity with an organization that values choice, respect, teamwork and education, we encourage you to check out our job openings.
