Our story began in 1987. Optimae LifeServices has grown from the kernel of an idea focused on a singular vision around delivering supported community living services in southeast Iowa to becoming a comprehensive health care and human services provider in six regions throughout Iowa. While so much has changed, our passion to be at the side and on the side of our customers, colleagues and communities has remained the same.
Our origin story begins in Fairfield, Iowa, with founders John Kuster and Harvey Hensley, who sought to improve the quality of life available in their community by providing disability and health care services in Iowa. From the very beginning, they believed that “Doing good is doing the right thing.” That sentiment, and the emphasis on creating an environment where people are respected and have a feeling of belonging, has thrived within the organization for nearly 40 years.
We’re proud of the fact we have helped lead and shape the conversation in the state of Iowa and beyond when it comes to the quality of services and standard of care needed to meet the growing and changing needs of customers in health care and human services. Over nearly four decades, we’ve grown from a two-person company to a place where more than 1,300 people deliver services every day — and nearly 40 of those are now employee owners. We have grown from a single location in Jefferson County to locations in over 20 Iowa counties — serving customers who live in more than 50 counties in central, southeastern, northeastern and south-central Iowa.
Optimae has also set the standard for delivering innovative and high-quality services. In 1995, under our previously known name, ResCare, we opened Davis Center, Iowa’s first community-based intermediate care facility for the elderly with severe and persistent mental illness. A few years later, we became one of the first eight providers accredited in Iowa to provide intensive psychiatric rehabilitation. This tradition of innovation and pushing to elevate the standard and breadth of care is at the core of Optimae’s origin.
We know that part of our rich history is our deep connections to Iowa communities. That’s why, as an Iowa-based company, we have always believed in investing back in the places where we serve our customers. We do this in many ways. Some are more obvious, such as creating new service locations, but also in other, more surprising ways.
In 2009, Optimae began to create what we call microbusinesses. These are businesses owned and operated by us and designed to create a place for customers to work in our supported employment program. Over the years, we’ve opened nine businesses, the first of which was Plain Talk Books & Coffee in Des Moines’ East Village, a neighborhood coffee shop and used bookstore that has become a neighborhood fixture.
Today, more than 220 customers gain diverse skills and experiences at restaurants, stores, farms and more across Iowa — through both our microbusinesses and community partners.
Step back in time to understand how our customers, our employees and our communities have helped shape who we are today. We are so grateful to be part of the fabric of Iowa communities and to be part of so many customers’ lives.