Volunteerism was a part of life for Joan and Lyle Middleton while growing up. They continued to foster that spirit in their adult lives and with their own children, creating an entire family of child advocates.

“We were both raised by people who taught us that it was important to help others,” Joan Middleton said. “It certainly wasn’t a matter of having enough time or having enough money or it being convenient.”

As they advanced in their own careers, they continued to see the benefits of volunteer work, particularly in the area of child advocacy. Through the I Have a Dream Foundation, the couple decided to sponsor a group of 44 children from low-income families. Now, the children are starting high school with the promise of post-secondary education in their futures.

Joan and Lyle received their bachelor’s and graduate degrees from Drake University – Lyle studying law and Joan education. She described teaching as “a calling,” despite her parents’ concerns of no pay, no esteem and no respect.

In 17 years in Des Moines Public Schools, Middleton focused her teaching efforts on students with learning and behavioral disorders.

Lyle went on to found Atlas Cos., a water-based coatings company that is still privately held by the family. Their daughter, Mary, now serves as the president and CEO.

Inspired by their past mentoring experiences, Joan and Lyle worked with the I Have a Dream Foundation and the Oakridge Neighborhood in 1997 to “adopt” 44 5- and 6-year-old children, assuring them that funds for post-secondary education would be made available.

“We had a chance to see what happened on an individual basis when you protect, shelter, guide over a long period of time,” said Joan.

“It is our hope that we assist them to get through high school successfully and we will help pay for any college or post-secondary education after grants and scholarships,” said Sara Bering, another of the Middletons’ daughters who is a mentor to one “Dreamer.”

Mentors work one-on-one with the children, but the Middletons are also heavily involved.

“My mom goes to football games, to pizza parties, they drive kids to piano lessons, we’ve done swimming lessons,” said Bering. “They’re just wonderful with them.”

Joan and Lyle host a dinner each month at their home for the children celebrating birthdays each month. And they recently took the group out for a “cheerleading dinner” to “pat them on the back or kick them in the butt.”

“I get tears in my eyes,” said Joan, reflecting on how far they have come and looking forward to their high school graduation – some will be the first in their families to earn a diploma.

“We believe we are raising home-grown leaders who are able to give back to the community,” she said.

Their work with the Dreamers inspired the Middletons to support a child advocacy project through the Drake Law School Legal Clinic. A $1 million gift to the clinic in 2001 helped found the Middleton Center for Children’s Rights, which incorporates four programs to accomplish its missions of education and service to the community. Bering works as an assistant at the center.

Through the Children’s Rights Clinic, one of the center’s programs, Drake law students work under the supervision of a faculty member on approximately 900 child advocacy cases a year involving abuse, neglect or juvenile delinquencies. The program is unique in bringing together lawyers, teachers and social workers.

The Interdisciplinary Training program provides training for child advocates in the community and a resource center provides information regarding children and families. Through a public policy arm of the center, students and a lobbyist draft bills centered on child welfare. A new urban education program will train teachers to work with inner-city youth.

“Not only do we represent kids, but we train lawyers,” said Suzanne Levitt, professor of law and executive director of the Drake Law School Legal Clinic and the Middleton Center. “They go out into the community and are wonderful child advocates.”

Levitt said the Middletons have continued to be involved with the center, keeping updated with the ongoing activities.

“They’re incredible advocates and wonderful people,” she said. “It’s not only in terms of money. They’re generous in terms of their time. They don’t just give money and walk away. They are a part of what you’re doing.”

Lyle emphasized that he and his wife are “long-haul people, not Band-Aids.”

“We’re definitely in it for the long term,” he said.

“They’ve been lucky all their lives and I’m lucky to be their daughter,” said Bering, who works as an assistant at the Middleton Center. “And it’s my job to be a shepherd of what they have showed me.”