NEWS | Kidron Bethel Village

Kidron Bethel Retirement Services Inc., of North Newton, recently launched its $3.76-million “Commitment to Community” capital campaign to build a new healthcare skilled nursing wing and expand its current Village Centre. CEO Cindy Vanover announced the expansion project at Kidron’s annual Venture Club donors’ appreciation banquet held at KoernerHeightsMennoniteChurch in Newton.

The expansion will feature 14 spacious, private rooms in an 11,880 sq. ft. healthcare addition. The area will include a therapy room and spa, dining and activity rooms, living and gathering spaces, and a kitchen.

The centerpiece of the 3,000 sq. ft. expanded Village Centre will be a versatile center for worship, dining and events, as well as a coffee lounge. The project includes the addition of public restrooms, a covered, drive-up porte-cochere entry and parking lot expansion.

“My mother was a Kidron Bethel healthcare resident for two years,” said DeWayne Pauls, chairman of the “Commitment to Community” campaign committee. “Quality of care and excellent facilities will always be Kidron Bethel trademarks. Our new expansion project will ensure the care of our loved ones for years to come.

“In addition, the economic impact of 300 residents and 134 employees on the Newton business district can be measured in millions of dollars,” Pauls said.

“We have identified a critical need regarding the shortage of private healthcare bed space for Kidron Bethel and the larger community,” Kidron Bethel Development Director Ron Braun explained. “Also, we have exceeded our capacity to accommodate our residents at public events.”

According to Braun, with a goal of $850,000 to initiate the project, contributions and commitments to date total more than $720,000. A combination of these private contributions as well as the investment of long-term capital reserve funds and financing by a consortium of local banks will fund the project. Construction may begin in late spring and is expected to be completed in approximately a year.

Kidron BethelVillage residents agree with the needs.

“There are so many enjoyable activities at Kidron,” said independent living resident Rosella Goering Brandt, “but there is not enough room for us to get together for events. We really need an enlarged dining room / meeting room to meet our socialization needs. 

“While I'm now happily independent, in the future I may need health care,” Goering Brandt added. “I believe a building project is important to meet present and future needs for all who need and want personal and loving health care.”

“As a resident, I find Kidron Bethel has so much to offer, enriching our lives as we age,” explained Lester Ewy. “It’s a very inclusive community. None of us know just what the future holds. It is comforting to believe these changes will ensure the same compassionate care will always be given to us, whatever our needs may be.”