Upon securing private funding for the project, Hearthstone, a ministry of WesleyLife in Pella, will build additional households at its Cottages location on Main Street to replace its Jefferson Place senior living campus, which sustained water damage earlier this year.
A water-main break caused flooding of the campus on February 20. Nancy Hamilton, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, told former Jefferson Place residents and their families in a letter on Monday that after considerable analysis, WesleyLife’s insurance carrier and independent engineers recommended the organization not rebuild the Jefferson Place structure on the existing site.
Following the water disaster, Hearthstone leaders secured temporary homes for Jefferson Place residents in nearby communities, in other WesleyLife communities, or with family. The evacuation affected 34 residents and also displaced 31 team members, who were offered available positions within Hearthstone and the WesleyLife organization.
“This is not an announcement that I make lightly,” Hamilton said in the letter. “Jefferson Place holds a special place in our hearts. It was home to many individuals over the years, providing quality care, fulfilling relationships, and support to residents, families, team members, and the Pella community.
“The good news is, however, that provided we are able to secure the needed private funding, we will continue to honor our Jefferson Place history with a similar model of care with an updated design at The Cottages. We look forward to welcoming back all Jefferson Place residents who would like to return to their homes with us!”
The plan for the new addition calls for the construction of 36 suites separated into two specific households of 18 residents each. Programming will be based on a “household” model similar to the current Cottages design and previous Jefferson Place programming, and will offer a way of life that provides enhanced meaning and purpose with team members who are familiar with residents’ histories and preferences.
“I look forward to sharing more information about our household model, and for now, I want to assure you that if you or your loved one wishes to have a home with us, your or their name is already at the top of our list,” Hamilton wrote in her letter.
Chad Vogel, Vice President of Philanthropy for WesleyLife, said the organization is moving quickly to secure the needed private funding so that the availability of care and services for seniors in Marion County won’t be compromised. Tentative plans call for project completion by mid-2022, Vogel said.
To learn more about providing a gift to help fund the program, contact Vogel at cvogel@wesleylife.org or (515) 271-6703.