The Village, A WesleyLife Community

05/22/2026

We love that our campus brings joy to all generations! Recently, students from Strong Roots Christian School spent the afternoon with residents creating meaningful memories together. From painting colorful rocks for our Meditation Garden to enjoying Bingo — and of course topping off the day with an ice cream sundae bar — the laughter and conversations were nonstop! 🍨

Intergenerational connections like these do more than brighten a day. Studies show that meaningful interactions between older adults and youth can reduce feelings of loneliness, improve emotional well-being, foster empathy, and create a stronger sense of community for everyone involved. These shared experiences help bridge generations while reminding us all of the value of connection, kindness, and belonging. ⭐️

We are so grateful for the students who shared their time, talents, and energy to bring smiles and joy to our residents. Next time you visit campus, be sure to take a stroll through our Meditation Garden and keep an eye out for the hand-painted pops of colorful rocks hidden throughout! 🌸🪻

05/21/2026

There’s something truly special about the friendship between generations. 📚

We celebrated the end of another beautiful year of Victory Christian Academy Book Buddies in our meditation garden at The Village — filled with laughter, bubbles, ice cream, and hearts connected through stories.

As we also honored Mental Health Awareness Month, our Book Buddies shared inspirational messages along the walking paths to remind every person who passes by that they are loved, valued, and never alone. 💚

What began as a reading program became so much more:
A place for encouragement.
A place for connection.
A place where young hearts and wise hearts remind each other that kindness changes lives.

These Thursdays have left footprints on all of our hearts.

05/21/2026

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05/21/2026

We love shopping local at The Village! Thank you to our May Small Business Spotlight: Roots of Indianola for the fantastic opportunity to browse, shop and support local business!

05/20/2026

Huge shoutout to Roots of Indianola for being our May Small Business Spotlight!

We learned about what makes Roots so special and exciting updates regarding Indianola Main Street plans for future projects that will enhance our community.

Our residents loved browsing the exclusive pop-up shop, and one lucky winner even went home with a fantastic raffle basket full of goodies from the store.

We are grateful to support and celebrate local small businesses that bring so much heart to our community! 💜💛

05/20/2026

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. Keeping your brain active through learning, conversation, creativity, and curiosity can support memory, focus, and overall well‑being at any age.

The good news? Small, everyday habits—like reading, problem‑solving, or staying socially connected—can make a meaningful difference over time.

Check out the blog linked below for simple, practical ways to exercise your brain and keep your mind engaged.

https://www.wesleylife.org/blog/what-is-mental-fitness-tips-to-exercise-your-brain?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR6z1pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeLl4gd0XPDdha-N_2XcdQFPC035rlA6BsCKsZ47_IKFNQK6R-PmcVnZG2JWQ_aem_uWGV1Ww8F5gQEj_DlEgroQ

What is mental fitness? It’s a holistic approach to reducing stress, fostering emotional stability, and experiencing overall positive mental health.

05/17/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to invest in conversations and education that support mental well-being in our workplace and community.

Kiley, Director of Social Services, and Monica, Director of Community Well-being, recently attended the Indianola Chamber of Commerce Annual Mental Health in the Workplace Workshop. Opportunities like this help strengthen our commitment to fostering understanding, compassion, and support for those experiencing mental health challenges.

We remain committed to raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness—because mental health matters for everyone. 💚

05/16/2026

Our Senior Spotlights continue: 🎓

Join us in congratulating Deighton Claybrook, grandson of team member Michele, on his graduation from Newton High School!

Following graduation, Deighton plans to begin an electrician apprenticeship as he starts this exciting new chapter. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

05/15/2026

For 30 years, Rob Kretzinger’s leadership has helped shape WesleyLife into Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults.

On May 14, residents, clients, team members, business partners, friends, and family members gathered at Edgewater to celebrate Rob’s remarkable impact, reflect on WesleyLife’s growth, and offer gratitude for the thousands of lives touched by his vision, mentorship, and mission-driven service.

Rob will retire as president and CEO on June 1 and will continue to support WesleyLife as senior advisor.

Please enjoy, in the link below, a recap and photos from this special celebration. (Photos courtesy of Maharry Photography, Des Moines.)

Rob, a grateful organization thanks you.

Hundreds of friends, business partners, family members, residents, and others gathered May 14 to celebrate 30 years of Rob Kretzinger's leadership.

05/15/2026

Village resident Gordon Bivens presented Rob with a certificate of achievement today — a truly meaningful moment, as Gordon was once Rob’s college professor before becoming a lifelong friend. Moments like these reflect the lasting relationships and impact Rob has made throughout his journey.

Join us in wishing Rob a retirement filled with purpose, passion, and joy!

05/14/2026

Today we proudly joined the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative “Make It OK, Wear Green Day” movement to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness in Iowa. 💚

Residents and team members came together in green to show support, spark conversation, and pledge awareness for mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with it.

Let’s continue to remind one another that it’s okay to ask for help, talk about mental health, and support those around us. 💚