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Connections Magazine Summer 2026
What More Can I Do?
Western Home resident Rich Congdon turned his battle with diabetes and health challenges into a community sanctuary. In 2016, he created the Prairie Parkway Garden on unused prairie land, starting with 10 raised beds. It has since expanded to 45 beds, a year-round greenhouse, orchard,and the two-acre Beacon of Hope Sensory Garden – offering nutrition education, exercise and therapy for diabetes, autism, dementia and mental health. Driven by “What more can I do?”, Rich grows plants, people and hope.
The Hunt for Perfection
Bob, a legendary field trial dog trainer, turned his passion for dogs and competition into a remarkable 50-year career. After starting as an amateur while working at a packing house, he became a full-time pro, training over 100 field champions and winning both amateur and national titles. He competed across the U.S. and internationally, traveling with teams of dogs and horses. A family endeavor built on patience, instinct and excellence, Bob’s legacy continues to inspire even in retirement.
Western Home Communities launched the Learn & Earn Training Center to combat COVID-driven healthcare worker shortages. The innovative internal program removes barriers, offering paid training for CNAs, MedAids and LPNs while supporting employees as whole people. Participants like Katie advanced from no experience to LPN, and Mary earned multiple certifications, finding purpose in caregiving. With strong mentorship, hands-on practice, and holistic support, the program has slashed CNA turnover, tripled retention and built a compassionate, stable workforce that benefits residents and the entire Cedar Valley.
Learning and Earning
A Brain That Adapts
Brain health is not fixed but shaped throughout life through neuroplasticity. Simple, consistent habits – regular movement, nutritious food, quality sleep, stress reduction and social connection – support memory, mood, thinking and independence while reducing cognitive decline risk. Communities and programs like Fortified Life’s Mind and Motion combine exercise with brain-stimulating activities, as seen with participant Gene Erbb. Aging with curiosity and purpose keeps the brain resilient, proving that staying engaged and moving builds a vibrant, meaningful life.
A Culture of Connection
UNI and Western Home Communities share a deep, longstanding partnership that enriches lives across generations in the Cedar Valley. Through internships, visits, theater programs, and healthcare training, UNI students gain wisdom and purpose from residents, while seniors experience connection and renewed vitality. Led by President Dr. Mark Nook, CEO Kris Hansen, and Jerry Harris, the collaboration breaks generational barriers, builds community, supports workforce needs, and fosters a culture of learning, curiosity, and belonging for all.
A Future of Impact: Jerry Harris
Jerry Harris, raised visiting his grandparents in a nursing home, built a lifelong bridge between generations. A UNI football player and first-generation graduate, he created his own interdisciplinary major and began his career at Western Home in 1988. Today, as President, he champions partnerships through Learn & Earn, internships and programs like Timeless Journeys – fostering meaningful connections that give students purpose and residents renewed vitality.
A Future of Impact: Heather Schroeder
Heather Schroeder, UNI’s Vice President for Student Life and Western Home Board member, champions generational connection and belonging. Through shared “third spaces” like dining halls and Gilmore’s Pub, students and residents build organic relationships that dissolve barriers. The partnership fosters mentorship, purpose, and community – evolving into workforce solutions and a vision of intergenerational living – creating a Cedar Valley where all ages feel connected and enriched.
A Future of Impact: Maya Humpal
Maya Humpal discovered the heart of caregiving through Western Home’s Learn & Earn program via Cedar Falls CAPS. While training as a CNA, she formed meaningful connections with residents and gained empathy through UNI’s Dementia Simulation House. The hands-on experience clarified her purpose, leading her to pursue a healthcare major at UNI in Fall 2026. Her journey shows how local partnerships build confident, compassionate future caregivers.
Jan’s Independent Living Condo
Jan Steiert found new life at Western Home’s Prairie Wind after caregiving for her husband became too difficult. Now in assisted living himself, Jan stays busy with activities, happy hours at Gilmore’s Pub, friends, and decorating her apartment—her longtime dream. “I’m busier now than I ever was,” she says, thriving in a connected, independent community where everything she needs is right there.
Bea and Jim’s Active Living Villa
Western Home Communities offers flexible lifestyles — from the independence and customization of villa living to the convenience and connection of independent living. Residents like Bea and Jim Brumbaugh thrive by designing their space, pursuing passions (woodworking, interior design), and enjoying community amenities. “My only regret is that we didn’t do this two years earlier,” Jim says. Home, tailored to how you want to live.
Cold Mexican Corn Salad
Check out this resident recipe from the kitchen of Janet Sandell.