Our History

EveryStep, formerly known as HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa, has been offering care and support for Iowans for many decades.

Our roots date back to 1908, when a group of nurses saw the need for public health nursing in Des Moines and founded an organization to fulfill that mission.  

Since then, EveryStep has led the charge to address a wide variety of vital community health care and social service needs, offering prenatal support and home visits to new moms, assistance to immigrants and refugees, compassionate hospice and home care services, and grief and loss support.

Today, EveryStep has a strong reputation and a long history of serving vulnerable populations to help them live their best lives. Today, the non-profit’s 30 plus programs, more than 370 employees and nearly 900 volunteers offer care and support to Iowans.
 

Our Journey & Collaborations

Formerly known as “HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa,” the organization changed its name to “EveryStep” in October 2018, following an eight-year journey that saw multiple non-profit programs join together within a united family of services:
  • In 2010, HCI Giving Tree thrift store (now known as “EveryStep Giving Tree”) opened its doors in Urbandale, IA. All store proceeds benefit people served by the organization’s non-profit programs.
  • In 2011, the hospice program then known as “Hospice of Central Iowa” became “HCI Care Services.” The hospice program was among the first in Iowa, dating back to 1978, and its Kavanagh House on 56th Street is well-known for providing expert care and support at the end of life.
  • In 2012, HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa created a community partnership that united the rich legacies of two community non-profits into one organization – and one common mission. Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa, founded in 1908, offered a home health care program; specialized education and home visits for prenatal women, new moms and their babies; interpretation services to assist immigrants and refugees; developmental screenings and referrals for growing children and their family members; services to help older Iowans live independently; and community health and wellness programs.
  • In 2014, Amanda the Panda – a well-known grief and loss services program – became part of the HCI Care Services & VNS of Iowa family of services, and several community-based, non-profit hospice providers joined the organization’s hospice program.
  • In 2016, Monroe County Hospice in Albia joined the organization’s growing hospice program.
  • In 2018, HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa changed its name to “EveryStep” to demonstrate its unity as an organization and establish a common connection between its more than 30 care and support services.

Past Impact Report to Donors

2023 - People Helping People at EveryStep
2022 - 115 Years of Care and Support
2021 - Relentless Compassion
2020 - EveryStep Steps Up
2019 - Powers Our Mission
2018 - One Vision 
2017 - Life's Many Changes