The Balance of a Leader

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

It took me years to find the right balance.

But I did it. And now I get to provide this balance to residents of The Willows. Here is what I mean…

…life is fragile, short. And that means we all should focus on the present moment, instead of the past or things we can’t change. Sometimes all we need is to be reminded of this and bingo, the sunshine of life appears.

As Executive Director of The Willows I am surrounded by what I call “Veterans of Life.” I get to spend my days with these wonderful people who have seen it all, and done it all. Yet these seniors are still so obviously kids inside. Sure, our bodies wear out, but our life doesn’t wear out. Youth and life are always inside of us.

These are the people who have learned to live in the moment, forgive others, not dwell on the past and to give the precious gift of time to others.

And this matches our slogan, “The WillowsLife.” It means a life where we recognize age, but we dwell on the happiness of our inner life. That is The WillowsLife.

Before I let you go, here is a secret. I lost my Grandmother when I was just 10, my Dad at 12 and my Mom at 18. In other words – I was super young. And it took me a long time to get over losing them. But I did, I found the balance.

And now, I see myself as a knight in armor, leading an army of “Veterans of Life” who live right here at The Willows of Marshalltown. And this army displays all of life’s best lessons, every day.

I am Jennifer. Feel free to call me anytime, whether you want a tour or to just visit. I look forward to that and my private number is 641-485-1672.

Love,

Jennifer
The Willows Executive Director

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My Kids Help Me Everyday

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

I mean, they have seen me working in health care for years now. They know I often work at all hours. But they also know that I love my job and that residents of The Willows are just like our own family.

In fact from time to time they suggest activities, trips or TV shows for our residents. To me that is super cool. “Mom how about this show for your residents…” It just melts my heart.

And my kids totally look forward to returning to The Willows to visit once Covid restrictions are lifted. I mean, it’s like they already know everyone at The Willows because it’s all I talk about when I am at home.

You know, I had worked in Assisted Living and Memory Care for a while before I joined The Willows, and that gave them a taste of Mom being Executive Director. But they’re still kids, and what kid doesn’t revel a bit in the freedom of Mom being away at work unexpectedly? Well, at least mine do.

Here’s another thing about our Willows Family. There are a lot of our residents who would have been great Executive Directors themselves if life had worked out that way. Our residents stop by my office regularly with ideas and suggestions…right down to letting me know about an idea for an outing, or, well if the beef stew was too salty at lunch.

I just love it, all of it. But nothing tops the help my kids give me. They love the Willows Family, and they love the way I love my job. Hmmm, I can’t wait to have them over for dinner and introduce you to them. Won’t that be fun? You betcha..

Love,

Jennifer
The Willows Executive Director

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Read the entire August 2021 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf)

August, Summer’s Last Stand!

Summer is in full swing, and we are having a great time enjoying our days here at The Willows.

July was filled with fun and excitement, and we are keeping the ball rolling with lots of special events to keep everyone busy, socially engaged, and happy. You will love it.

Whether it be time with family and friends or other fun activities, be sure to soak up all the good that The Willows Life…

Read the entire August 2021 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf).

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