Care residents have earned their van!

There was an especially happy moment at Montezuma Specialty Care on Saturday, May 22.

A goal that staff and residents have been working toward for several years was reached.

As a result, residents will have a safe new van to ride in for visits to clinics, special outings and to attend community events.

Amanda Van Maanen, activities director, made the announcement Saturday on social media.

Happy tears were shed today, including mine!” she wrote.

Staff and residents have had bake sales, soda can drivers and other fundraisers,” she said. “But, we hit our goal.”

That goal was $20,000, and Van Maanen expressed thanks to the Poweshiek Community Foundation for its gift of $7,500 toward the total.

Thank you to all who have been a part of this project!” Van Maanen wrote.

Never give up hope! Keep your faith and know that big dreams do come true,” she said.

Montezuma Specialty Care is a 49-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care.

The facility is part of West Des Moines-based Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest non-for-profit skilled nursing and long term care provider.