The Story of Heart Song
Denise Hanks saw the need for an adult day center in our community while working on the inpatient rehab unit of the local hospital. She discovered there are very few options for the caregivers to get the support they need. Discussing the dilemma with other health care providers, it became apparent that an adult day center would provide the perfect solution. Denise toured centers throughout the state and began researching the steps to make the vision a reality. In July 2019 the board of directors was formed and Heart Song was born.
Our Mission
Compassionate care with joyful hearts.
Heart Song is dedicated to preserving dignity in a safe and caring environment, through socialization and purposeful activities, to enhance the quality of life for those we serve.
Equally important is the support, relief and independence we provide to the caregivers and families, enabling them to continue caring for their loved ones and remain active in the community.
FAQ
Adult day care is a planned program of activities in a professional care setting designed for older adults who require supervised care during the day. Adult day services enable participants to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting, while still receiving needed health services.
Adult day care also provides caregivers relief from their daily caregiving duties, while knowing that their loved one is in a safe place. It also allows caregivers to continue in the workforce.
- The individual can no longer structure their own daily activities.
- The individual can no longer be left home alone safely.
- The individual lives with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home for other reasons.
Assisted living and nursing homes provide 24-hour care, whereas adult day services are for daytime care during weekdays.
Adult day care offers a win/win situation for everyone in the family—not only for the participant, but also for the family member who has primary responsibility as caregiver.
Adult day care provides much-needed relief for the caregiver, affording them a break from the physical demands and stress of providing round-the-clock care.
- Group and therapeutic activities
- Medication administration
- Exercises specifically designed for older population.
- Projects with a purpose will include making things or helping with community projects as appropriate.
- Meals (continental breakfast and lunch) and snacks.
- Caregiver education and support.
- Bathing and salon services are also offered for an additional fee.
Our goal is to open in 2024.
Improvements will include necessary modifications to be compliant with state regulations. We are securing the integrity of the building with a new roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades/improvements. Overall aesthetics inside and outside will include new windows, flooring, lighting and furnishings.
Heart Song is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on donations, fundraising events, grants, lender financing, and plans to lease space to other related entities.
Yes, Heart Song is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Monetary donations may be deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Heart Song’s vision is to offer an overall complex with multiple offerings to serve the aging population in southeast Iowa, which will include Milestones Area Agency on Aging, Community Center for independent adults, and educational programs.
In addition, plans are being discussed to add a future food pantry, beauty salon, and outpatient therapy.
- Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, excluding holidays.
- The community center will follow the same hours but may have extended weekend and evening times for special events.
Our Building and Location
History of Building
Heart Song is located at 2700 Journey Lane. The building was built in 1972 by Howard Juckett. It was a 72-bed nursing home that operated until March 2020.
The building sits nestled between two beautiful parks.
Crapo Park is an 85 acre city park established in 1895 for Burlington’s semi-centennial celebrations, and boasts an arboretum and botanical garden, located alongside the Mississippi River at Parkway Drive. It is reputed to be the site where the American flag was first raised on Iowa’s soil, by Zebulon Pike in 1805. Crapo Park was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Dankwardt Park is a 72 acre municipal park in the southeast section of Burlington, Iowa. It is located adjacent to Crapo Park and bordered by Shoquoquon Drive, and by South Main Street and Madison Avenue. The park was established in 1937 on land donated to the city by Lydia Dankwardt as a memorial to her family. Dankwardt Park hosts numerous recreational opportunities, including a disc golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, shelter houses, a skate park and more.
The Heart Song Board
The Board of Directors of Heart Song is comprised of a diverse group of individuals, ranging from medical professionals and business owners to members with project management, marketing, financial and legal expertise.
The wide array of skills and leadership, combined with the incredible passion for the mission of Heart Song, provide a solid foundation to build upon and develop a sustainable non-profit organization that will serve our regional community.
board members
- Denise Hanks, President
- Jeff Walters, Chair
- Kim Grimshaw, Secretary
- Jane Rechkemmer, Treasurer
- Dr. Anil Dhuna
- Dr. JoEllen Hoth
- Tiffini Brockway
- Tina Goodwin
- Dean Vantiger
- Carole Halicki
- Dr. Fran Jackson
- Dr. Teresa Salino-Hugg
Teresa Colgan is our Professional Advisor. Marlis Robberts is our Legal Advisor.
