Generosity has been part of Meth-Wick Community’s story from the beginning. Founded on the vision and philanthropy of Barthinius L. Wick, Meth-Wick has grown into a community where caring for one another remains at the heart of everything we do.

Each October, Legacy Month allows us to celebrate the spirit of giving and recognize the many ways residents, employees, families, and friends shape Meth-Wick’s future.

This year’s theme, “Meth-Wick Cares,” highlighted two important funds that reflect the community’s commitment to its residents and employees.

As we look back on Legacy Month, we spoke with Meth-Wick CEO Kathy Horan about what this annual tradition means, the importance of being a not-for-profit community, and how generosity continues to make a difference.

Legacy Month has been a Meth-Wick tradition for many years. Can you share a little about its history and what it represents for the community?

Meth-Wick was founded in 1961 through a generous gift and vision left by Mr. Barthinius Wick, who wanted to create a place where older adults could live together in community during their retirement years.

That spirit of generosity and future focus remains alive and well 65 years later. Each October, we celebrate Legacy Month, when residents, staff, board members, family members, and friends of Meth-Wick collectively celebrate development and philanthropy.

Some people may be surprised to learn that Meth-Wick is a not-for-profit community. What does that mean in practical terms?

As a not-for-profit, Meth-Wick’s driving force is our mission: A dynamic active aging community focused on living life to its fullest.

About 80% of senior living facilities operate on a for-profit basis, so Meth-Wick’s not-for-profit status sets us apart. We focus on the needs of those who live here rather than the priorities of shareholders or owners.

Our 15-member volunteer board, made up of local professionals from diverse backgrounds, works to ensure that our services are high-quality and professional and delivered by experienced and compassionate staff in a respectful and supportive setting.

Meth-Wick is locally managed and intentionally structured to make decisions based on the best interests of our residents and nothing else.

This year’s Legacy Month theme was “Meth-Wick Cares,” with a focus on the Wick Endowment Fund and the new Meth-Wick Cares Fund. Why did you choose these two areas, and what does each fund support?

Meth-Wick Community is special because of its people. The campus is beautiful, but residents choose to live and staff choose to work at Meth-Wick because of the people here.

Residents care about each other and the staff, and the staff care about each other and the residents who live here.

Our focus this year came from residents asking how they could support staff and staff wanting to make sure we were continuing to support residents when they’ve outlived their available funds.

The result was Meth-Wick Cares: Caring for those who built our community and the hands that care for them.

What do you hope people understand about the role giving plays at Meth-Wick?

Giving is a way of life for many at Meth-Wick. Our residents have in the past and continue to actively volunteer both on campus and in the community, sharing their expertise and time.

They support causes they believe in, and we are very fortunate that their generosity also extends to caring about the future of Meth-Wick.

Through the generous giving of residents, board members, staff, and friends of Meth-Wick, we’ve been able to do things that our normal operating budget wouldn’t allow.

A few recent examples include purchasing a new bus, renovating Brendel Pond, helping with tuition for an employee in nursing school, purchasing new digital pianos for our care areas, and creating a guest suite for use by resident family members and friends.

How can a gift made today continue making a difference in the years ahead?

The Wick Endowment Fund is a perfect example of the long-term impact that giving makes at Meth-Wick.

Residents today benefit from Mr. Wick leaving funds to start Meth-Wick 65 years ago. Part of the earnings from this endowment supports the care of residents who have exhausted their savings.

The fund has grown over the years, and donations today help it continue to grow, ensuring that future residents will have the peace of mind of knowing that, if they need it, funds will be there to support their care.

Beyond this year’s Legacy Month focus, what would you like people to know about giving to Meth-Wick?

Each year we choose a focus area for Legacy Month, a project or area of need that we hope to support. Most importantly, though, we want people to support what they feel passionate about and to give where they feel the biggest connection. For some, that means giving to the selected project, for others it means giving to another area.

Regardless of the amount or where the donation is directed, we appreciate and celebrate every gift. Each contribution is another example of just how much Meth-Wick Cares.

Continuing a Legacy of Caring

Legacy Month may have come to a close, but the generosity that has shaped Meth-Wick for 65 years continues to make a difference in the lives of residents and employees.

To learn more about giving opportunities, including specific projects and items on our Wish List, visit our Giving page.

For more information, contact Lindsay Glynn, Director of Operations, at 319-297-8603 or [email protected].