WesleyLife

02/19/2026

Heartfelt thanks to Polk County Iowa for making it possible for WesleyLife Meals on Wheels to serve even more deserving Central Iowans with healthy meals and well-being visits, positively impacting food insecurity right here at home.

A Polk County development grant helped fund the unique refrigerated food truck shown here. The vehicle is enabling Meals on Wheels to expand delivery capacity to reach an even greater number of older adults and military veterans of all ages; increase distribution of fresh produce from the hydroponic farm in the Meals on Wheels campus; and support the county's congregate meal program through more efficient bulk deliveries.

We are grateful to Polk County for its ongoing support of this important outreach!

(Shannon Draayer, executive director of community nutrition for WesleyLife, is pictured here in the center with Polk County supervisors, from left, Mark Holm, Angela Connolly, Jill Altringer, and Matt McCoy.)

02/19/2026

Today, residents and team members at Wesley on Grand, our community for healthy living in Des Moines, enjoyed a sweet surprise: a visit from baby lambs.

Animals have a remarkable way of creating connection and joy, and the smiles said it all. Moments like this bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to a community.

Thank you to Ryan Amundson, Wesley on Grand's director of well-being, for making the visit possible, from picking up the lambs and transporting them to safely returning them home. We appreciate the time, care, and extra effort that went into creating such a memorable experience.

Simple moments can be the most meaningful, and this experience was a perfect reminder of that!

(Photos by Ben Campney, https://hubs.li/Q043JY8p0)

02/17/2026

"Home" isn’t just a place; it’s peace of mind, dignity, and continuity with the people and routines that matter most.

That’s exactly what our latest blog post explores through the experience of a resident at Hearthstone-A Ministry of WesleyLife in Pella whose life was transformed by the WesleyLife Promise, a commitment that ensures residents won’t be asked to leave their homes if they outlive their financial resources.

In the link below, read Jim’s inspiring story of stability, care, and community.

🔗 Read more:

Jim found lasting security at Hearthstone in Pella through the WesleyLife Promise. His story shows how donor support helps ensure a true sense of home.

02/15/2026

Valentine’s Day unfolded in thoughtful ways this weekend at Wesley on Grand, WesleyLife’s community for healthy living in Des Moines.

The community’s Culture Club took a treat cart on the move, surprising team members throughout the building with popcorn, sweets, and a simple message of appreciation.

That same spirit showed up in a quieter personal moment. Residents Ron and Sue, who have shared 63 years of marriage, marked Valentine’s Day with a surprise planned by Ron, complete with flowers, a card, and a special lunch. With support from the community’s well-being team, the moment came together naturally, and the joy on Sue’s face said everything.

We hope you, too, are enjoying your Valentine’s Day weekend! ❤️

02/14/2026

To put smiles on your faces this Valentine’s Day, take a moment to scroll our team’s creativity at Fieldstone of DeWitt, a WellSpire Community!

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, love looks like warm meals, meaningful connections, and meeting real needs in our community. WesleyLife Meals on Wheels has teamed up with the Des Moines Area Religious Council to pilot a new food-pantry partnership that brings nutritious, ready-to-heat meals to older adults through local pantries. It’s care in action in every sense of the phrase.

In the link below, read more about this collaboration and why it matters.

WesleyLife Meals on Wheels has launched a partnership with the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) to pilot a new way of impacting food insecurity.

02/14/2026

Have you looked forward to retirement for years, only to find yourself asking, “What now?” 🤔

This is an incredible opportunity to step into a life of purpose and meaning during this chapter.

In our latest blog article, we discuss how you can live a purpose-driven life after retirement and how community can help. Read the article here:

Choose a life you love, with those you love, on your own terms. Pursue joy in everything you do including social interactions, enrichment, nutrition, and physical wellness.

02/13/2026

Every day, WesleyLife team members shape the experience of aging through compassion, skill, and genuine human connection. In this testimonial series, we’re sharing their voices: honest reflections on why they do this work, what it means to them, and the impact they see every day in the lives of those they serve.

This is what meaningful work looks like at WesleyLife! Join us; visit https://hubs.ly/Q04277x50 to browse our available positions.

02/12/2026

This morning at the WesleyLife Network Support Center in Johnston, a cart full of Valentine’s goodies rolled through the halls. With it came a chance for team members to slow down and connect.

Celebrations do not have to be elaborate to matter. Taking a few minutes to acknowledge one another builds trust, reinforces a sense of belonging, and reminds us that work is done by ... people. ❤️

May Valentine's Day bring you joy!

02/11/2026

At WesleyLife, health and well-being are not limited to physical fitness. Across our communities for healthy living throughout Iowa, we are committed to offering meaningful experiences that help people stay active, engaged, and empowered.

That commitment continues to grow at Heritage House-A WesleyLife Community in Atlantic, Iowa; Andrea Wiederstein, wellness coordinator there, recently earned her certification as a Rock Steady Boxing head coach. She trained in Indianapolis alongside professionals from across the country and worked directly with national leadership to deepen her understanding of how exercise can meaningfully support those living with Parkinson’s disease, which affects approximately 1 million people in the United States.

Rock Steady Boxing is a 90-minute, research-backed experience designed to strengthen the brain-body connection, which is affected by Parkinson’s. Each class includes warm-ups, cardio, strength training, core work, and non-contact boxing in a supportive environment.

Rock Steady Boxing is available at most WesleyLife communities for healthy living across Iowa, reflecting our organization-wide commitment to expanding access to evidence-based health and well-being experiences. Classes are not limited to residents; they are open to anyone living with Parkinson's.

At Heritage House, Andrea’s advanced training strengthens our well-being commitment locally and allows us to reach greater numbers of individuals and families. After all, health and well-being are not a single service or offering; they are part of how we show up every day.

02/11/2026

This American Heart Month, heart health isn’t just a topic; it’s personal. Amber Wentz, vice president of information solutions for WesleyLife and a registered nurse, shares her unexpected heart-health journey and how listening to her body changed everything. Her story is a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn’t follow a single script, and advocating for your health matters.

Read about Amber's experience in the link below.

In honor of American Heart Month, WesleyLife vice president of information solutions Amber Wentz shares a wake-up call for people of all ages.

02/09/2026

Like all our communities for healthy living, Heritage House in Atlantic looks for small, thoughtful ways to make everyday moments memorable.

To celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day last week, residents took on a blind taste test: one cake made from scratch, one from a box. For many, cooking and baking were skills they chose, enjoyed, and perfected over years — whether for family, friends, community, or simply the joy of doing it well.

They spotted the difference immediately.

Even Chef Reddick, joined in ... but he was completely fooled! 😉

The day was a fun reminder that our communities are filled with residents and team members who bring deep experience, sharp instincts, and talents that shine!