Testimonials

Residents

Stew & Frances Stewart

"When we decided it was time to sell our house and find a place to spend the rest of our senior years, we spent days shopping all over Des Moines and the suburbs and then finally came to the conclusion that Calvin Community was the most desirable place to be.

This location is a short distance from everything we need.  Moving to Calvin Community was like moving back home to Beaverdale.

One of the most important items that truly impressed us is the people, both residents and employees.  They make you feel wanted with love and compassion, from day one, so kind and caring.  Each new day we live at Calvin Community is a better day, we love it!

We have never before experienced employees, so dedicated, in helping to make your home a happy place to live.  'Calvin Community is the sweetest home this side of Heaven.'"

Margaret Vance

"Calvin Community, my present home, I do like it here. My four grown children visited many assisted living homes for people in my present predicament.  I'm able to do many things for myself, but not able to live alone.  My children liked the people with whom they came in contact at Calvin.  They liked the grounds, the housing, the rooms and the cleanliness of everything.

There are always things going on.  Every day we have four short prayers at noon and dinner.  Every Thursday we have Vespers at 6:45 p.m. in the main lounge.  We have a piano or an organ player for a few hymns, then a visiting minister with a short message.  Many churches come to offer us communion through the months.

In September 2005,  I will be here at Calvin Community six years.  On August 7, 2005 I will be 90 years old.  Isn't that great!"

Julia Cawelti

"Calvin Manor has been my home for the last twenty years.  That is the longest time I have ever lived in one place.  I am thankful everyday that I came here.

What makes Calvin such a special place?  The same things that made our former homes 'home.'

Home is a place where we are comfortable, well cared for and as independent as we are able to be.  It is the one place where we can relax and be ourselves and at the same time have help when needed.

Here I am comfortable, confident, and secure.  One is never alone here unless he or she wishes to be.  I value my privacy and I can have it here. I also value the fact that when I want company and friendship I can have it.  What a wonderful combination!

Calvin Manor has been my good home for twenty years.  I highly recommend it!"

Employees

Natasha Oakley

"Calvin Community to me means a place I can go to work and enjoy what I do. 

I enjoy talking to the residents in the dining room or visiting them in their homes.  They mean so much to me.  The residents share their jokes with me and tell me about their day.

What I love most here is the work environment, the atmosphere and the residents.  I enjoy putting a smile on their faces and brightening up their day.  The residents love when I take the time to talk with them; it makes them feel special and important.  

Many residents don't have family who can visit them as often as they would want.  I am someone who takes the initiative to help those in need of a caring person or friend." 

Mary Burgen

"I have worked at Calvin Community for almost twenty-five years.  I enjoy working here.

The residents are always so friendly.  They treat me like family ,and I love them like my family.  They have made me different and a better person.

The guests are always very nice and quite complimentary.  I enjoy meeting the family of my friends.  I like for them to know I am there to help look after their loved ones when they cannot be there to do so.

I like to see the residents participating in the activities and enjoying the ones we put on for them.  It is a lot of fun working here, and I will miss it when I retire."

Kathy Shriner

"Calvin Community is where I work, but over the years it has become more than that.  I feel like Calvin is my second home and you are all my extended family.

The people of Calvin are there for each other.  I've seen them pull together for coworkers who experience family or health crisis.  I know residents who look out for others who have no close family of their own.  

I've seen people, both residents and staff, who spend their own money to make life easier for someone who lacks resources.  Calvin is full of 'good people' who treat other residents and those of us who work here as though each was a beloved family member."

Come discover your own reasons to enjoy Calvin; please visit us today!

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Calvin Community
4210 Hickman Road
Des Moines, Iowa 50310-3395
Phone: 515-277-6141
Fax: 515-271-0933
info@calvincommunity.org

Calvin Community is affiliated with the Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

No person shall be denied admission on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin or disability. We comply with the Fair Housing Act.