About Advantages In Life
Serving Iowans Through Home & Community-Based Services
Our Mission
At Advantages in Life, we believe that every individual, no matter their level of ability. deserves to be an equal member of the community. This includes pursuing their individual desires in employment, living environment, hobbies, social and community activities, relationships, and all services they receive.
We ensure that our consumers will live a healthy and active lifestyle. Our interdisciplinary team works with each person to develop a personalized success plan and receive guidance on daily living and social living skills.
Our Story
Christy Ferm and Jenni Bauman-Roberts founded Advantages In Life in 2011 after seeing an increased need for services. Our administrative team now has 40 years of combined service in this specialized field. We are boldly committed to our members and very involved with their day-to-day lives. We are also always evaluating ourselves for best practices in the way we deliver services and discerning whether there are additional service gaps that we may be able to fill.
Our Services
Advantages In Life Inc. provides HCBS (home and community based services) for adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses. We work with an interdisciplinary team to establish and implement a plan tailored to each member’s needs, emphasizing a client-centered, personalized approach. These services are meant to help people live more independently in the home and community to receive the care they need while remaining in a safe and familiar environment.
We serve our clients through three types of services:
- Habilitation Services: These services help adults with chronic mental illnesses live successfully in their homes or community-based settings.
- Supported Community Living: This is in-home support for adults who have intellectual disabilities. Our team helps with their daily living needs, both in their home and out in the community.
- Host Homes: Our team partners with families or individuals who open the door to their home to create an environment where the members can thrive while receiving all the supports they need.
Working With All Iowa Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
Advantages In Life works with all managed care organizations in Iowa. We are proud to share that our agency is certified at the highest level through the HCBS accreditation review process with the distinction of “Excellence.” We believe this illustrates our ongoing advocacy and commitment to provide optimal services to all of our members.
Meet the Advantages In Life Team
Christy Ferm, Co-Owner
I am a total city girl gone country with a tad of spice. I grew up in California and made a life-changing decision to move to Iowa, where I worked at Mercy Medical Center in labor and delivery/perinatology for many years. I later took a job at Dallas County Public Health on the home health side and began to see the need in so many areas not only in our county, but all across the state of Iowa.
It was there I knew there was so much more I had in me to give on a whole different platform, and that is where Advantages In Life began. I decided alongside my business partner to start our own business where we would help people with intellectual and severe mental health disabilities. This is where I knew I had accomplished something words can't explain.
I have so many stories and so many lessons from our consumers, but most importantly they have taught me to slow down and take a look at all the simple joys we are blessed with every day and to know that as much as we teach them, they truly teach us more.
When I’m not working, I am a crazy sports girl who loves watching my San Francisco 49ers. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, relaxing at home, and running from one sporting event to another to watch grandkids play.
I have two grown children who I am incredibly proud of and six grandkids who have stolen my heart, but my absolute favorite is spending life with my husband, Mike.
Jenni Bauman-Roberts, Co-Owner
I was born and raised in Iowa. I attended Iowa State and received a social work degree. I just recently completed my Masters in Social Work and I provide clinical therapy after business hours part time. I have 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, children and grandchildren. You can find me at soccer games, football games, baseball games cheering on all my favorite people.
Christy and I met when we worked together for Dallas County and we took this leap together, starting Advantages in Life with just a dream. We have grown and experienced more than we ever could have imagined. We have laughed and cried a lot over the last 13 years, always with our members and staff at the forefront of our minds.
I love so many things about Advantages in Life but a few of my favorite memories to date are Special Oympics, AIL company wide Christmas parties for staff and members, seeing a member reach an important goal, and watching a member move into the community with total independence.
To me, our staff and members are family. I am so proud to be involved in the lives of so many amazing people. I look forward to continuing our agency’s mission in years to come, and I wholeheartedly believe “Together We’re Better!"
Kaitlyn Reams, Senior Director of Operations
11 years with Advantages In Life
"I started working at Advantages In Life in 2013 as a Direct Support Professional. After a couple years I became a Team Lead and then was promoted in 2018 as a Program Coordinator on the administration team. I have always had a passion for working with people with disabilities and have enjoyed making a career helping others.
Cassie J., Coordinator of Program Services
9 years with Advantages In Life
“I have been a part of AIL for 9 years. Each and every consumer is truly like family to me. I love that I get to be a positive role model to them and help make a difference in their lives!”