Member Spotlight: Monica Bartlett, Nishna

Building Independence, Creating Connections: Monica Bartlett and Nishna Productions

For Monica Bartlett, Executive Director of Nishna Productions, helping individuals with disabilities live meaningful, independent lives is more than a career. It is a commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive in the communities they call home.

After spending a decade working in manufacturing, Bartlett knew she wanted something more from her career. She wanted to make a lasting difference in people's lives. In 2006, she found that opportunity at Nishna Productions, beginning as a Business Developer working with local employers to create vocational training opportunities.

Nearly two decades later, after serving in several leadership roles, that same sense of purpose continues to guide her work.

"The individuals we serve motivate me to keep on 'fighting the good fight,'" Bartlett shares. "Seeing them make positive strides, achieve their goals, and be active in their community makes me proud to be a part of Nishna Productions."

Meeting Unique Needs, Creating Meaningful Opportunities

Founded in 1974, Nishna Productions has grown from humble beginnings into an essential resource for individuals with disabilities across four counties in Southwest Iowa. Today, the organization supports 205 individuals with a dedicated team of 200 employees.

With service centers in Shenandoah, Red Oak and Glenwood, along with 29 residential sites and a licensed group home, Nishna provides supported employment, day habilitation and residential services designed to help individuals achieve greater independence.



What makes Nishna especially distinctive is its ability to serve individuals with a remarkably diverse range of needs while remaining deeply connected to the rural communities it calls home.

From individuals pursuing their first employment opportunities to those with significant behavioral, developmental or complex medical needs, Nishna's approach recognizes that independence looks different for everyone.

Bartlett believes that even individuals facing the most complex challenges deserve the opportunity to live fulfilling lives within their communities.

"Even though this is the case, these individuals can be served in the community, and they deserve this opportunity," she explains.

Strengthening the Communities They Call Home

Operating in rural Southwest Iowa presents unique challenges, but it also creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration.

Over decades of community outreach, Nishna has developed strong partnerships with local employers who recognize the organization as a valuable resource for meeting staffing and production needs.

Those relationships do more than create employment opportunities. They help individuals become active participants in their communities, develop skills, form connections and discover a greater sense of purpose.

For Bartlett, these everyday opportunities represent something much bigger.

Whether someone is living in a home of their own, working alongside neighbors or participating in local activities, each accomplishment reinforces the importance of community-based services.

Yet providing this level of individualized support requires dedicated professionals and sustainable resources. Bartlett recognizes that workforce shortages and inadequate reimbursement rates continue to challenge organizations like Nishna, particularly as providers work to attract and retain qualified direct support professionals.

Despite these obstacles, her outlook remains grounded in optimism and the belief that meaningful progress is possible.

Finding Strength Through IACP
Throughout her leadership journey, Bartlett has valued the connections, resources and advocacy provided by the Iowa Association of Community Providers.

From professional development opportunities for direct support professionals to guidance for executive leadership, she sees IACP as an important partner in helping providers navigate an increasingly complex service environment.

Equally important is the Association's advocacy on behalf of organizations and the individuals they support.

Bartlett appreciates knowing that when providers face challenges, they have an organization working to elevate their concerns, ask important questions and advocate for meaningful solutions.

That shared commitment helps strengthen a statewide network of providers united by a common purpose: expanding opportunities for Iowans with disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities.