WesleyLife is pleased to announce the successful completion of its $1.2 million Park Centre Memory Campaign, a fundraising initiative that will transform memory support at Park Centre, a WesleyLife community for healthy living.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the leadership of a dedicated volunteer committee, the campaign will enable an ambitious redevelopment of Park Centre’s memory care household.
Park Centre, founded in 1992 as a grassroots initiative by Newton residents and developed by WesleyLife, serves nearly 180 residents. The campus offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care, all developed around a focus on holistic health and well-being.
A critical need
The memory care redevelopment comes at a crucial time. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are on the rise across Iowa, and Jasper County is especially affected. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as of January 2024, 11.2% of Jasper County residents 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a rate higher than the statewide average of 11%. That means more than 800 individuals in Jasper County are affected and may need to access quality, compassionate memory care close to home.
Park Centre is the only non-profit provider of dedicated memory care in Newton. Its memory support household, Garden View, includes 18 beds across 16 private rooms and one semi-private room. Half the residents are long-standing members of the Park Centre community, while the other half come directly from the Newton area, making this redevelopment a direct investment in local families.
The enhanced Garden View household will embrace the latest evidence-based practices in dementia care. Redevelopment efforts will focus on:
• Private suites with soothing amenities that reduce anxiety and foster comfort
• Purposeful spaces for recreational and interventional activities to promote engagement and connection
• Renovated kitchens and dining areas with color-contrasted tableware and adaptive equipment to improve nutrition and support independence
• Secure, accessible outdoor gardens to support emotional well-being
• Thoughtful interior design that includes natural lighting, soft furnishings, and residential-style details to replace institutional cues
Improving quality of life
“These upgrades are rooted in research showing that person-centered, purpose-driven environments can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia. We are so grateful to the donors who have made it possible for WesleyLife to truly influence the lives of residents and families in Jasper County,” Sophia S. Ahmad (left), vice president of philanthropy for WesleyLife, said.
Construction is under way, with project completion expected by this fall. In addition to transforming physical spaces, the campaign also supports team member training and education, ensuring the sustainability of person-centered care practices over time.
WesleyLife will share updates throughout the renovation process and looks forward to welcoming residents, families, and community members into a renewed Garden View household that honors dignity, fosters joy, and supports the healthspan of those living with memory loss. Learn more about making a personal impact on this project or additional initiatives.
