Anonymous $1 Million Gift Establishes First-Ever Endowment for UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball, Strengthening the Future of Mental Health Care in Central Iowa
Jan 16, 2026UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball, the leader in community-based mental health services in Central Iowa, has received an anonymous $1 million gift that establishes the organization’s first-ever endowment. The gift comes on the heels of Eyerly Ball’s successful One Place for Care campaign and the recent opening of its new, centralized facility this past April.
The endowment provides unrestricted annual support for Eyerly Ball President Cynthia Steidl-Bishop to invest in programs, services and staff. This offers the flexibility needed to respond to patient needs, strengthen care delivery and advance mental health innovation across the region.
“This gift is a profound vote of confidence in our mission, our leadership and our team,” said Cynthia Steidl-Bishop, president of UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball. “Unrestricted support like this allows us to meet people where they are, adapt to evolving needs and make thoughtful investments that create lasting impact for the individuals and families we serve.”
The anonymous donor shared a deep belief in the importance of mental health care and the reality that meaningful, lasting change requires sustained investment. Their hope is that this gift not only strengthens Eyerly Ball’s future but also inspires others to support flexible, mission-driven care.
Eyerly Ball serves individuals across 22 counties in Central and Northern Iowa through multiple locations, offering comprehensive mental health services rooted in compassion, accessibility and community partnership. The newly opened Eyerly Ball brings services together under one roof, including a clinic-designed space, a peer-led drop-in center and an onsite pharmacy – all creating a welcoming, coordinated hub for individuals seeking mental health support.
“This endowment ensures Eyerly Ball can continue building on the momentum of One Place for Care,” Cynthia added. “It strengthens our ability to serve today while investing in the future of mental health care for our communities.”
For more information about Eyerly Ball and ways to support mental health care in Central Iowa, call the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation at 515-241-6304.
“This gift is a profound vote of confidence in our mission, our leadership and our team. Unrestricted support like this allows us to meet people where they are, adapt to evolving needs and make thoughtful investments that create lasting impact for the individuals and families we serve.”
