When a brain injury, stroke or neurologic diagnosis changes life in an instant, recovery requires much more than medical treatment. It requires expertise, family support, purpose and environments designed for healing. That is where On With Life and Hubbell have built a partnership that is transforming lives across Iowa.
From specialized neuro rehabilitation in Ankeny to long-term skilled care in Polk City, this collaboration is helping individuals and families move beyond survival and toward a future filled with possibility.
What Is On With Life?
On With Life is a nationally recognized neuro rehabilitation organization dedicated to helping people recover from brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, concussion and other neurologic conditions. Unlike traditional rehabilitation providers, neurologic care is not just one program among many. It is the organization’s sole focus.
That commitment has made On With Life one of only two CARF-accredited inpatient post-acute neuro rehabilitation programs in the United States, a distinction that reflects exceptional standards for quality, safety and person-centered care.
Each year, approximately 1,300 individuals receive services through On With Life’s continuum of care. Many travel from across the Midwest because programs with this level of neurological specialization are rare. For persons served and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments, On With Life provides more than therapy. It provides hope, direction and a pathway forward.
“The road to recovery from a brain injury is difficult, and the support of family and loved ones is a critical piece of the process.”
– Jean Shelton, CEO, On With Life
Why Family Support Is Critical to Neurologic Recovery
Recovery from a neurologic injury does not happen in isolation. Family members often become caregivers, advocates and essential members of the rehabilitation team.
Recognizing this need, Hubbell selected On With Life as the beneficiary of its sixth Hubbell Extreme Build. In 2024, hundreds of volunteers, trade partners and community supporters came together to construct two fully furnished family homes on the Ankeny campus.
The homes feature:
- Five private family suites in each house
- Shared kitchens, dining rooms and living areas
- Space for families to learn caregiving skills
- No-cost accommodations for loved ones during rehabilitation
The impact has been immediate. The homes operate at nearly full occupancy, helping remove financial and logistical barriers for families who may otherwise face lengthy hotel stays or long daily commutes. More importantly, they allow families to actively participate in the recovery process. Whether learning safe wheelchair transfers, medication management or daily living routines, loved ones can gain confidence while remaining close to the person receiving care.
Creating a Home Away From Home in Ankeny
For many families, the family homes represent temporary housing and opportunities for healing together.
The homes are particularly valuable for rural Iowans who may travel several hours to access specialized neurological rehabilitation. Some suites are frequently used by outpatient participants who require consecutive days of therapy and would otherwise face exhausting daily transportation challenges. By keeping families nearby, On With Life creates an environment where rehabilitation can extend beyond therapy sessions and into everyday life.
Long-Term Neuro Care in Polk City
Not all neurologic conditions allow individuals to return home independently. For those requiring around-the-clock skilled nursing care, On With Life’s Polk City campus, renovated by Hubbell Construction Services, provides a long-term solution centered on dignity, purpose and quality of life.
Through a major partnership with Hubbell, the campus was completely renovated and expanded into a modern, home-like environment specifically designed for individuals with complex neurologic needs.
Today, the facility includes:
- Approximately 40 specialized long-term care beds
- Ceiling lift systems in every room
- Therapy and activity spaces
- Home-inspired common areas
- Enhanced safety and accessibility features
The transformation has been so successful that occupancy quickly reached capacity, with a growing waiting list of individuals seeking specialized neurological long-term care.
Addressing Iowa’s Need for Adult Ventilator Care
One of the most urgent challenges facing Iowa families involves young adults who rely on ventilators and complex medical care. While pediatric programs provide excellent support for children, many families face uncertainty when individuals age out of those services.
To address this critical gap, On With Life and ChildServe are working together to expand the Polk City campus with 25 additional beds, including ventilator-capable accommodations. For many families, the expansion represents something far greater than additional capacity. It creates a future where loved ones can remain close to home while receiving specialized care.
Rehabilitation That Focuses on Real Life
At On With Life, recovery is measured by clinical outcomes and helping people return to the activities and identities that give life meaning. For farmers, that may mean returning to the field. For children, it’s returning to the playground.
After hearing feedback from Iowa’s agricultural community, On With Life partnered with John Deere to install a full combine simulator on campus. Farmers recovering from injury can now practice real-world tasks before returning to work.
Other innovative programs include:
- Return to Drive
- Specialists evaluate and train individuals whose neurologic condition may have affected reaction time, vision or decision-making. Regaining driving privileges often represents a major milestone toward independence.
- Return to Work
- A dedicated vocational environment allows individuals to practice job skills in realistic settings. Workshops, computer stations and simulated workspaces help people rebuild confidence before re-entering the workforce.
- Return to Purpose
- Whether the goal is employment, volunteering, hobbies or family responsibilities, rehabilitation plans focus on what matters most to each person.
How Hubbell Helps Build Spaces That Heal
The partnership between On With Life and Hubbell extends far beyond construction. When designing facilities for individuals recovering from neurologic injury, every detail matters to Hubbell Construction Services. Lighting, noise levels, room layouts, walking paths and common spaces can significantly impact recovery and well-being.
Working closely with On With Life staff, Hubbell developed environments that balance clinical excellence with comfort and connection.
The results can be seen throughout both campuses:
- Family-friendly gathering spaces
- Accessible outdoor walking paths
- Natural light and calming environments
- Home-like interiors
- Functional care spaces hidden behind thoughtful design
Together, the two organizations have demonstrated how purposeful design can support both healing and independence.
Supporting On With Life’s Mission
Community support continues to play a critical role in making these programs possible. Signature fundraising events such as Celebrate Life and the Hubbell Extreme Charity Golf Classic help fund equipment, transportation, technology and program enhancements not covered by traditional reimbursement sources.
Individuals and businesses can support the mission by:
- Attending fundraising events
- Sponsoring community initiatives
- Volunteering on campus
- Purchasing items from the Amazon wish list
- Advocating for specialized neuro rehabilitation services
Tee Up for a Cause at the Hubbell Extreme Charity Golf Classic
Community support plays a vital role in helping On With Life expand services and create opportunities for individuals recovering from brain injury, stroke and other neurologic conditions. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to get involved is through the Hubbell Extreme Charity Golf Classic, held annually at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Des Moines.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit On With Life alongside other Iowa nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life across the state. The tournament brings together business leaders, trade partners, community members and supporters for a day of golf, networking and philanthropy. Since its launch, the event has raised more than $550,000 for local organizations, including nearly $70,000 in 2025 alone. Support from golfers, sponsors and attendees helps ensure On With Life can continue providing specialized rehabilitation expertise, innovative programs and life-changing care for individuals and families navigating neurologic challenges. To register, sponsor a team or learn more about the event, visit the Hubbell Extreme Charity Golf Classic website.
“Every day, we help individuals and families navigate life with brain injuries and other neurological conditions, providing compassionate, individualized care that supports independence, connection and quality of life. Support from the Extreme Charity Golf Classic helps make that care possible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does On With Life specialize in?
On With Life specializes in rehabilitation and long-term care for individuals with brain injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, concussions and other neurologic conditions.
Where is On With Life located?
The organization operates campuses in Ankeny, Polk City, Coralville and other locations throughout Iowa.
What are the Hubbell Family Homes?
The Hubbell Family Homes are no-cost lodging accommodations built on the Ankeny campus, allowing families to stay close to loved ones during rehabilitation.
Why is specialized neuro rehabilitation important?
Neurologic conditions often require highly specialized care teams, equipment and therapies that differ significantly from general rehabilitation programs.
Moving Forward, Together
No family expects to need neuro rehabilitation. Yet every day, Iowans face life-changing injuries and diagnoses that require extraordinary support.
Through innovative programs, specialized expertise and a shared commitment to community, On With Life and Hubbell are proving that recovery is about more than rehabilitation. It is about helping people rediscover independence, reconnect with purpose and truly get on with life.
