Hearthstone-A Ministry of WesleyLife

08/05/2026

Congratulations to Katie Wiersma on being nominated as our July Culture Champion!
If you know Katie, you know she always has a smile on her face 😀

She consistently goes above and beyond to support both her peers and our residents. Her kindness, patience, and genuine compassion creates a welcoming environment where our residents feel valued and cared for. Thank you for all you do!

07/24/2026

07/12/2026

Community Roots Garden Club happens monthly, and it has been a favorite! Learning, growing and creating a small community of those who love all things gardening!

07/11/2026

WesleyLife week came to an end yesterday with a bean bag baseball game! The resident team came out victorious against the team members! Connection, laughs, and competitive spirit made the game so much fun!

06/29/2026

Our leaders bring more than professional experience to their work: They bring full lives, creative passions, and personal stories that shape how they lead.

Sophia Ahmad, vice president of philanthropy for WesleyLife, was featured last week in the Des Moines Business Record’s 2026 Photo Issue for her lifelong connection to music. A classically trained pianist with degrees in piano performance and literature, Sophia shared how music has shaped her creativity, discipline, collaboration and ability to connect with others, qualities that also inform her work in meaningful, relationship-based philanthropy.

We are grateful for leaders like Sophia, whose passions outside work continue to enrich the way they serve our mission and help foster connection across generations. Read the feature on Sophia in the link below.

06/16/2026

Hearthstone residents had a wonderful time participating in the Beanbag Baseball League of Central Iowa and celebrating the league’s 10th anniversary!
Our Dynamic Dutch team had an incredible season—winning all 8 games—but even more importantly, they continue to thrive through the connections, camaraderie, and smiles shared both on and off the “field.” ❤️
Opportunities like this bring people together in meaningful ways, and we’re so proud of our residents for being part of such a special community.
Moments like these are what it’s all about—creating connection and celebrating the joy that comes from being together.

06/10/2026

LifeServe Blood Drive
June 17; 9am-1:00pm
Schedule your appointment today!

06/09/2026

06/01/2026

Since 2013, we have carried on a special tradition—our annual resident vacation! Our then CEO, Rob Kretzinger, challenged communities in 2011 to take residents on an overnight trip. Heritage House embraced the idea and we joined just two short years later. Our two communities have proudly continued this meaningful outing ever since.

This year’s group enjoyed a wonderful “staycation” right here in Pella. Their adventure included tours of the Vermeer Museum, a visit to Central College, time exploring Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, and a stop at the iconic Pella Historical Windmill and museum.

The fun didn’t stop there! For two nights, the group stayed at the beautiful Cordova Cabins overlooking Lake Red Rock—creating a peaceful and scenic retreat. And of course, no trip is complete without great food. The group enjoyed local favorites including George’s Pizza, delicious bakery treats, Cranberry Stone cupcakes, lunch at Clover Leaf on Franklin, and Jersey Freeze ice cream.

When they returned home, one resident shared that the experience was “life-changing.” Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—creating joy, connection, and lasting memories together.

06/01/2026

Today marks an important milestone for WesleyLife as Allison Pendroy officially begins her tenure as president and CEO.

Allison succeeds Rob Kretzinger, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of leadership with WesleyLife, including more than two decades as president and CEO. This transition reflects years of thoughtful succession planning, as well as WesleyLife’s continued commitment to growth, innovation, and service.

Since joining WesleyLife as chief operating officer in 2023, Allison has helped strengthen operations, support communities and services, and advance priorities that help older adults experience independence, health, well-being, and joy wherever they call home.

As we welcome Allison to this new role, we also honor Rob’s lasting impact and the strong foundation he helped build.

Read more about this leadership transition and Allison’s vision for WesleyLife in the link below.

Allison Pendroy begins her role as president and CEO of WesleyLife today.