Growing Up, Aging Vibrantly at Meadowlark Retirement Village in Sparta
“Growing up in the town of Sparta was amazing,” says Dori Steffens, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Meadowlark Retirement Village in Sparta. “You could always go to your neighbors for anything. It’s a true community where everyone knows everyone, and they’re always willing to lend a hand. We’re a small farming community, known as ‘The Ridge,’ that mostly produces apples. To emphasize the smalltown feel, I’ll put things into perspective. I grew up on Anderson Street, and there was a cornfield in my backyard. That cornfield is now known as Meadowlark. It’s crazy to think that “my backyard” is the place that I get the pleasure of working each day with my work family.”
Sparta, Michigan, a town of just over 4,000, is home to not one but two Brio Living Services communities. Meadowlark offers high quality independent and assisted living as well as memory care, utilizing the Household Model of person-centered care. Next door is Harvest Way Affordable Living Community, home to 45 independent older adults.
“At Brio we believe housing and health care happen locally,” says Nicole Maag, Brio’s Chief of Residential Services. “Being a trusted resource for older adults and their families in the Sparta community is a crucial part of who we are. Not only do we offer senior living and care options, we also house the local senior center for Sparta in the Harvest Way community space. This partnership with Senior Neighbors is a great example of local synergy, allowing us to serve all older adults in Sparta.”
“I thoroughly enjoy it here,” says Michelle Skogler, Residential Living Manager at Meadowlark. “It’s an extension of the community, a down-to-earth, comfortable, family setting. Many Sparta community members or their family members move here and multiple generations have been served here. Many of our team members are from Sparta, and they know the residents. There’s a feeling of love and connection here.”
Meadowlark resident Joan Keiser, although not originally from Sparta, moved to the community to be closer to her daughter. “I liked the feeling from the moment I walked in,” says Joan. “I love the staff, and I can always find help.”
Dori says, “The best part of my life now is working at Meadowlark with pride and joy. I am the Life Enrichment Coordinator, and we have so much fun! We have exciting activities happening throughout each week such as Strong Memory, Fun Fitness, Bingo, Wii Bowling, live entertainment, and many other fun events, getting our elders outside to enjoy the summer weather. We utilize our fenced-in patio for ice cream socials, games, ‘pool parties’ or, what we like to say, ‘fun in the sun.’ Another joy of the summer weather is our annual Summer Celebration party that we have out on the lawn. This year’s theme was a western hoedown! Some of our Fall events include Applefest and a Petting Zoo.”
This proud Sparta native adds, “The best part is when someone comes through the door looking for a place to live. Our arms are wide open, always trying to help find a solution. I’m delighted because, most of the time, I know the people who are walking in, and it contributes to the home-life feel that we strive for each day.”
Learn more about aging vibrantly at any of our Brio Living Services communities or joining our team in a career you will love.