Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Did you know that on average we spend a third of our lives at work? When you think about it that way, where we choose to spend those working hours takes on a whole new meaning doesn’t it?

As an employer, it’s not enough to just issue a paycheck every week. It’s not enough to just fill a job.

Because we work with real people.

And people are complex and special. They have purpose and drive and heart. And you aren’t just employing them, you’re with them through many of the highs and lows of their lives. So if you’re doing it right, you are like their second family. And you need to give them the compassion, support and guidance that a family would.

Working in a place like The Willows, this becomes doubly important because our employees are also an important part of the lives of the seniors we care for.

That’s why we have more staff per resident than you usually see in other assisted livings. We want our employees to have the time to form real connections with the people they serve with compassion and empathy. They can spend an hour holding a resident’s hand while they fall asleep, or reading the paper to them in the morning, or perfecting their mother’s meatloaf recipe.

It’s our job to support them, to build them up so they can do the same for the residents in their care.

So that when they come to work each day, it isn’t just a workplace, it’s home, it’s family, it’s a place where you know your friends have your back, it’s a place where you can feel every day, the difference you’re making in the lives of others.

We strive to create this environment every day at The Willows. If you want to hear more, I’d love to talk with you some time. Give me a call at 485-1672.

Love,

Jennifer Stanley

Executive Director

The Willows of Marshalltown

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Remember when you were young and something scary happened?

Maybe it was a tornado, or a huge rainstorm, or a big windstorm. And always at night.

Remember that? I know I do. And remember how you woke up and were scared?

How can we forget?

But what I also remember is that at times like those, Mom or Dad came down the hall and reassured me that everything would be OK.

When I called, they were there, and the next thing I knew, I was back to sleeping peacefully.

Because I knew, no matter how scary the world got, I always had someone looking out for me, making sure I was okay.

And no matter what age you are, having the safety net of knowing someone who cares about you is looking out for you, is so vital. It gives us peace of mind and deep ease so we can thrive in our lives.

As Executive Director of The Willows my staff and I get to be that for all our residents, bringing them that comfort and reassurance every day. We are the ones down the hall who are always there if they need us. We are the ones who are always at home for them.

I can’t tell you how many times a staff member has told me about an experience where a resident needed them, and they were so proud to show up for them. Anything, from a health scare to holding their hand for a while on a blue afternoon. We all take such pride in being here for them, however small the task. Even if the need never comes up, they always know, we’ll be here just in case.

It is one of the many reasons I love my job. I feel so lucky to answer the call for our residents, and for you.

So call me anytime, we’re here for you at The Willows at 485-1672.
Love,
Jennifer Stanley
Executive Director
The Willows of Marshalltown

It’s February and love is in the air!

Old Man Winter has yet to sink his teeth into the valleys and hollers of Marshall County. February, however, is well known as one of the coldest months of the year temperature-wise and the warmest to the heart as we approach one of the first holidays of the year, Valentine’s Day on February 14th.

Entering into February, it doesn’t take long to…

Read the entire February 2023 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf).