Bethany Life

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

It’s time for another Where Are We Wednesday, our series highlighting the people, places, and progress shaping Story City.

Today we’re excited to feature Bethany Life, a cornerstone of our community since 1914. Located right here in Story City, Iowa, Bethany Life offers a variety of care options for older adults, including assisted living, independent living, and long-term care.

Bethany Life isn’t just a place to live it’s a place where seniors can thrive with dignity, compassion, and support. Their commitment strengthens our community, providing meaningful employment, health services, and a welcoming environment for families and neighbors.

This is smart growth in action investing in services that meet the needs of all generations and ensure Story City remains a strong, connected, and caring community.

02/20/2026

Today, we celebrate National Caregivers Day and the incredible hearts behind the care.

To our Home Health Aides and our Timberland Village and Cedar Place companions, thank you for the early mornings, the encouragement, the laughter, and the steady presence you provide each day.

You do more than assist with daily tasks. You build relationships, offer comfort, and create moments of joy. Because of you, our community truly feels like home.

We are so grateful for your compassion and dedication. 💙

02/18/2026

Today, we observe Ash Wednesday and begin the season of Lent together in reflection and faith.

Pastor Dave held an Ash Wednesday service for our residents, offering a meaningful time to pause, pray, and reflect as we enter this Lenten season. Together with our residents, families, and staff, we step into this time of year focused on renewal and hope.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

02/17/2026

Today, we celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day in the best way. 💛
Students from St. Cecilia Catholic School joined our residents for a morning of bingo, laughter, and sweet connections.

A simple act of kindness can make the biggest difference. 💛

02/16/2026

❤️ Our hearts were full this Valentine’s Day as residents and tenants in The Households, Cedar Place, and Timberland Village spent the day celebrating love, friendship, and time together, sharing smiles and sweet moments with one another. As it says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

02/13/2026

Roll up your sleeve and help save lives at our upcoming blood drive with the American Red Cross!

It’s an easy way to make a big impact, and donors will receive an Amazon gift card from Amazon as a thank you.

Spots fill quickly, so sign up today using the link below and be part of something amazing!
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=StoryCityIA

02/12/2026

February is National Wear Red Month ❤️

What better way to show our support than by coming together as a team? Today, our staff wore red to stand united in promoting heart health, encouraging healthy habits, and reminding everyone to take a moment to care for themselves and the people they love.

02/10/2026

02/06/2026

💌 National Letters to an Elder Day is February 26th!

We’re inviting our community to help make this day extra special by sending letters for our residents to open and enjoy. A simple note, card, or message of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day and remind them they are thought of and appreciated.

If you would like to participate, please send letters to:

Residents of Bethany Life
212 Lafayette Ave.
Story City, IA 50248

Thank you for helping us share kindness and connection with our residents!

02/04/2026

Bethany Life is joining the caricature trend! 🎨✨ Here are some fun caricature pictures of daily life with our residents as we enjoy activities, laughter, and time together. 💜

02/02/2026

🌟 Resident of the Month: Ellen 🌟

Ellen was born in Chicago in 1953 and is the oldest of four sisters. She spent part of her childhood in New Mexico, living with her family of six and their dog before moving to Des Moines during her junior year of high school.

Ellen went on to attend the University of Iowa, where she met her future husband, Dave, at the Iowa Jewish Student Center. Dave asked Ellen out after a four-week debate on the role of women in the Jewish faith. They were married in Des Moines on June 22, 1975.

Together, Ellen and Dave raised three children, and today she is a proud grandmother to six grandchildren.

Ellen enjoys traveling, with New York being her favorite destination. She loves socializing, riding bikes, shopping, going on bus trips, playing bingo, and playing bridge with other residents.

We are proud to celebrate Ellen as our Resident of the Month 🌸