When I came to work at The Willows, I had big dreams. And when I got to know the family that built it, I found that was something we shared. We all wanted to create a community that put seniors first, that was beautiful, full of life and comfort, and excellence in care and service. And we wanted a workplace that was like family, supportive and considerate with one another.

I knew that putting the residents first would be our north star. So we asked each resident; “What feels like home to you?” And from that we created a restaurant menu with a ton of choices every day of all their favorite foods. We planned outings and events, musical performers, faith services, crafts, card clubs, movie nights in our huge theater, tailgating parties, fishing trips, and of course, fabulous bingo prizes. We built a community together that felt like home.

When it came to building our team, we were lucky enough to find some of the kindest, most skillful, and compassionate people to join us. Every day I see examples of how exceptional they are. From jumping in to cover for a co-worker in crisis, to taking a memory care resident for a drive through her old neighborhood to hear her stories. These folks bring their hearts to work every day.

In 2019, we won our first Best of the Best award, for Best Assisted Living. It felt so gratifying to see that the hard work we had been doing to make this place something special was recognized in Marshalltown. In 2020, we won Best Assisted Living and Best Retirement Home. Last year, we took home Best Assisted Living, Best Retirement Community and added Best Place to Work as well. It’s an incredible honor. It’s the people that make the place, and we have some very special people here.

And these wonderful folks never stop striving to make life better, easier, and more fun for our Willows residents.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Love,

Jennifer Stanley
Executive Director, The Willows