Community isn’t just part of our name. It is the heart of everything we do.

At Meth-Wick, we are dedicated to creating a place where older adults can thrive, feel supported, and continue to grow.

That commitment goes beyond care and amenities. It is built into our status as a not-for-profit organization.

What “Not-for-Profit” Really Means

You may be more familiar with the term ‘nonprofit‘ than ‘not-for-profit,’ and while they sound similar, there are important distinctions.

Both types of organizations reinvest any income back into their mission, rather than distributing profits to owners or shareholders. But while nonprofits typically serve the public at large (such as charities, museums, or hospitals), not-for-profits exist to serve a defined group; in Meth-Wick’s case, our residents.

At Meth-Wick, every dollar that exceeds our operational costs is reinvested into the community. That might mean expanding care services, constructing new living spaces, or introducing new enrichment programs. Because we’re a not-for-profit, we have the freedom to focus solely on what benefits our residents and community, not on what delivers a return for investors.

“Being a not-for-profit means we can keep our focus exactly where it belongs—on the people who live here,” says Kathy Horan, CEO of Meth-Wick Community. “Every decision we make is guided by our mission, not by a profit margin.”

For-Profit vs. Not-for-Profit Senior Living

Roughly 80% of senior living communities in the U.S. are for-profit. Many of those are part of large national chains, with key decisions made in corporate offices far from the communities they serve.

Meth-Wick is proud to be different. As a not-for-profit, we don’t answer to shareholders or private equity groups. Instead, our leadership is local and volunteer-based. Our Board of Directors includes 14 to 20 members from the Cedar Rapids community, bringing a wide range of expertise, from healthcare and finance to social work and real estate.

“We’re proud to be locally governed by people who understand this community and care deeply about its future,” says Horan. “That local insight is part of what makes Meth-Wick feel like home.”

This structure allows us to innovate without the pressure to cut corners or delay improvements. We can pursue what makes the most sense for our community.

A Longstanding Commitment

Meth-Wick has operated as a not-for-profit organization since its inception. We opened our doors in 1961 and were officially recognized as a not-for-profit organization in 1962. Our Articles of Incorporation require that Meth-Wick’s assets remain within a not-for-profit structure, ensuring that future generations will benefit from the same resident-focused mission.

“Meth-Wick was founded on the belief that older adults deserve more than just care; they deserve a vibrant, evolving community,” Horan says. “Remaining a not-for-profit keeps us grounded in that purpose, generation after generation.”

Interested in experiencing Meth-Wick for yourself? Schedule a tour and discover how our not-for-profit mission influences every aspect of our community. Contact us today!