Thanks to a successful campaign, residents living with memory challenges now have a space that truly feels like home.
When Park Centre opened in 1992, it was built on a simple but powerful idea: older adults in Newton deserve dignity, compassion, and a place where they feel they belong. Today, that idea shines brighter than ever — thanks to the incredible generosity of our community.
A Campaign That Changed Lives
The “Caring Minds and Hearts” campaign raised $1.225 million to renovate Garden View, our dedicated memory care wing at Park Centre. This isn’t just about new paint or furniture — it was about delivering on three important promises to residents and families:
- Create spaces that honor each person with areas for meaningful activities and quiet moments, plus a beautiful outdoor garden for fresh air and sunshine.
- Transform rooms into true homes with soothing colors, soft lighting, comfortable furniture, a warm kitchen, and spa-like bathing spaces that preserve dignity.
- Nurture compassionate care through education so our team can continue providing person-centered support that sees the individual — not the diagnosis.
Residents now enjoy spaces that feel welcoming and familiar, and families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for with dignity and respect.
Before and After
The heart of our renovation was creating environments that don't just look like home— they feel like home.
Jim, whose wife lives in Garden View, shares:
“The new space feels truly like home. The new furniture and seating areas create a comfortable and inviting space to spend time together. It brings comfort knowing our loved ones are in a warm, welcoming environment.”
Julie, a well-being assistant, says:
“We’ve witnessed improved social interactions. Residents who once ate alone now gather in the dining room. My favorite improvement is the kitchen area — it brings back memories of cooking for loved ones and gives residents a sense of accomplishment.”
Nancy, our lead restorative aide, adds:
"We want to thank all the donors that made it possible to remodel the memory care unit. The new calming color palette, soft lighting and new furniture make it feel homier. The new beds are really nice, giving the residents an improved night of sleep. The new bathing area is truly like a spa, giving the residents a relaxing atmosphere. We are looking forward to enjoying the new outdoor space."
Before...
After...
Why It Matters
For the families of more than 800 people in Jasper County living with Alzheimer’s, this renovation represents something profound: a promise that their loved ones will receive care that honors their unique needs and preserves dignity.
The Maytag family, whose leadership gift helped make this vision a reality, shared these heartfelt words:
“Our family has deep roots in Newton and Jasper County. We have seen firsthand how memory care services at Park Centre provide dignity and compassionate support to residents and their families. Our mother, Ellen Madsen, was a pioneer in this regard. Making this leadership gift to the ‘Caring Minds and Hearts’ campaign is our way of ensuring that Park Centre can continue to enhance its person-centered approach to memory care for years to come. We’re proud to support this vital community.”
Honoring Our Generous Donors
This transformation was possible because of the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations who believe in person-centered care. Every gift — large or small — created a legacy of compassion that will benefit countless individuals and families for years to come. We are deeply grateful.
Visionary ($500,000 and above)
• The Fred Maytag Family Foundation
Century Club ($100,000 – $499,999)
• Jasper Community Foundation
• Schiller Family Foundation
Founder ($50,000 – $99,999)
• Chris and Danaca Barton
• Geisler Penquite Foundation
• Jeffrey and Jodi King
• Tim and Janet Onnen
Keystone ($25,000 – $49,999)
• Black Hills Energy
• William* and Marlene Chumley
• FNNB Bank
Patron ($10,000 – $24,999)
• Lonnie and Connie Barton
• John Billingsley
• Karen Clark
• Clifford L. Fudge Family
• Bruce and Bev Curtis
• DeCook Family in memory of Larry DeCook
• Michael and Barbara Kaldenberg
• Monsignor McCann Community Fund
• Pence and Reese Families
• Dr. Paul and Dianne Ruggle
• Jean Schnell
• Sarah Patterson, Mary Schuchmann, Joel Schuchmann
Sustainer ($5,000 – $9,999)
• Anonymous
• Daniel J. and Ann L. Krumm Charitable Trust
• Paul and Jean Groben
• Katie Jones*
• Steven and Diane Knight
*Deceased
Campaign Committee Appreciation
We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers whose leadership and dedication made this campaign a success:
• Sue Fortune, Co-Chair
• Patrick Edwards, MD, Co-Chair
• Lonnie Barton
• Mike Kaldenberg
• Sarah Patterson
• Shari DeCook
• Steve Knight
• Sophia S. Ahmad
• Matthew Johnson
• Leisa Zylstra
Continue the Momentum
The campaign may be complete, but our mission continues. You can help sustain exceptional care and experiences at Park Centre.
Make Your Gift Today →
Together, we can build on this incredible momentum and continue creating spaces where older adults thrive, connect, and live with dignity and purpose.
