Friendship Village Retirement Community

Through the Years

Through the years

Catch up on the press about us through the articles below.

Helping Fix Iowa's Childcare Crisis

It is an amazing experience for the children of It Takes a Village Childcare and residents of Friendship Village to learn and grow together.

Lisa Gates, President/CEO, was interviewed by the Gazette to touch on how It Takes a Village Childcare has benefited even through the childcare worker shortage - read the article HERE.


Changing up Childcare       

Bringing value to both residents and children!

Lisa Gates, President/CEO, and Tracy Newton, Director of It Takes a Village Childcare, express their enthusiasm for combining a childcare center with a retirement community!

Check out their article with KWWL HERE and tune in for their live interview!

Best of 2022

It's that time of year again! Let's show the Cedar Valley what Friendship Village is all about. Our community has been nominated Best of the Best for: 

 

  • 55+ Housing
  • Assisted Living 
  • Independent Living 
  • Nursing Home
  • Retirement Community 

 

Vote by clicking HERE


Champion Award 

nurse accepting Champion Award presented by Greystone Communities

And the first ever Champion Award through Greystone Communities goes to, Friendship Village Nurse, Tammy Steege. Check out all the awards here


Congratulations, Tammy, for your dedication to fulfilling lives. Enjoy her nomination video here


Rosewood Estate to Close

outside view of Rosewood Estate in Waterloo, Iowa

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Rosewood Estate will be closing within the next 90 days. The Board of Directors of Amity Fellowserve-Iowa, the nonprofit that operates Rosewood Estate, agonized over this decision and investigated numerous alternatives. However, with the increased costs of the State of Iowa's regulatory requirements for Rosewood Estate, as well the challenges of the past two years, the board determined that closure of the facility was the only viable option. " 

 Click here to read the article. 

Welcome Home!

view of dining room in the newly constructed Wellspring Living

Introducing Friendship Village's newest addition, Wellspring Living Health Center! 


Click HERE to read all about it. 


Voice of

Friendship Village

View all episodes here !

Employer of Choice 2021

Friendship Village is proud to receive the Employer of Choice for 2021. 

Job Fair at Friendship Village!

Positions range from dining services and housekeeping to nursing specialists such as Certified Nursing Assistants and childcare workers. Watch KWWL News for more! 
Friendship Village 50 year logo

Job Fair at Friendship Village!

Positions range from dining services and housekeeping to nursing specialists such as Certified Nursing Assistants and childcare workers. Watch KWWL News for more! 

Pickleball Court - Coming Soon!

We are thrilled to be adding Pickleball as a new leisure experience at our active living retirement community. Read more here
Ariel view of future pickleball court

Commercial - Facebook!

Keeping active and living their best life at Friendship Village Retirement Community in Waterloo!

Commercial - Facebook!

Keeping active and living their best life at Friendship Village Retirement Community in Waterloo!

Commercial - Dessert! 

Meeting up with old friends and creating new - there is something for everyone here at Friendship Village in Waterloo!

Join the FUN! 

NOW HIRING at It Takes a Village Childcare! 

Join the FUN! 

NOW HIRING at It Takes a Village Childcare! 

Join the FUN! 

NOW HIRING at It Takes a Village Childcare! 

Join the FUN! 

NOW HIRING at It Takes a Village Childcare! 

Friendship Village Commercial - Podcast

The possibilities are endless at Friendship Village Retirement Community in Waterloo!

Habitat for Humanity Homeowner!

This is the happy face of a future HOMEOWNER! Join us in congratulating this inspirational, hard-working, trailblazing mama! We are so proud of you, Sulyntha, and honored to be a small part of your journey    
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity
 #FramingHope #Partnerships #EmpoweringWomen #Community #BuildingFutures

Habitat for Humanity Homeowner!

This is the happy face of a future HOMEOWNER! Join us in congratulating this inspirational, hard-working, trailblazing mama! We are so proud of you, Sulyntha, and honored to be a small part of your journey    
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity
 #FramingHope #Partnerships #EmpoweringWomen #Community #BuildingFutures

Gov. Reynolds Visits ITAVCC

Child Care Resource & Referral of Northeast Iowa hosted Governor Reynolds and made an early morning stop at "It Takes A Village Childcare"

Read the Courier article here!
KWWL's Story
  • Governor Reynolds visiting It Takes a Village Childcare Center in Waterloo

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  • CEO, Lisa Gates, talking to Governor Reynolds at It Takes a Village Childcare Center

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2-Bedroom Village Place

Walk through our Village Place 2-Bedroom Apartment!
 

2-Bedroom Village Place

Walk through our Village Place 2-Bedroom Apartment!
 

1-Bedroom Village Place

Take a virtual walk through our Village Place 1-Bedroom Apartment!

Valentine's Day Fun!

Wishing you an extra SWEET Valentine's Day from Friendship Village! 
 

Valentine's Day Fun!

Wishing you an extra SWEET Valentine's Day from Friendship Village! 
 

2-Bedroom Virtual Tour

Take a virtual walk through of our Village Terrace 2-Bedroom Apartment! 

1-Bedroom Virtual Tour

Great Views. New, Stylish & Spacious. Open Concept Floor Plans. Modern Appliances. Quartz Countertop. Balcony or Patio Seating. Pet Friendly. 11-Ft Ceilings. Utilities, Cable & Housekeeping Included.
 Great Views. New, Stylish & Spacious. Open Concept Floor Plans. Modern Appliances. Quartz Countertop. Balcony or Patio Seating. Pet Friendly. 11-Ft Ceilings. Utilities, Cable & Housekeeping Included.

1-Bedroom Virtual Tour

Great Views. New, Stylish & Spacious. Open Concept Floor Plans. Modern Appliances. Quartz Countertop. Balcony or Patio Seating. Pet Friendly. 11-Ft Ceilings. Utilities, Cable & Housekeeping Included.

COVID-19 vaccine is here!

Lakeview Lodge Assisted Living and Pavilion & Lakeview Landing Health Center employees and residents proudly received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Read their story here
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Elfin' Around 

Residents were greeted at their doors by friendly elves handing out candy canes just in time for Christmas! 

Elfin' Around 

Residents were greeted at their doors by friendly elves handing out candy canes just in time for Christmas! 

Virtual Christmas Tour

Take in the spirit of Christmas throughout our Friendship Village, Landmark Commons and Rosewood Estate communities. 

Enjoy the virtual tour! 

CNA Apprenticeship Program 

Friendship Village & Rosewood Estate would like to proudly congratulate Rosilda & Emma as they completed the CNA Apprenticeship Program through Hawkeye Community College! 

The CNA apprenticeship program is offered to employees who wish to gain their CNA certification, or for an existing CNA staff that want to further their education and receive their CMA (Certified Medication Aide) certificate or CRA (Certified Restorative Aide) certificate. The CNA apprenticeship program runs for the course of one year in which they receive top-notch CNA training, customer service, CNA professional training, and then that choice of specialty at the end of the program. Friendship Village allows the employee time off to go to school and then work a schedule that suits them to maintain a good home/work life balance.  
This apprenticeship program is recognized by the Department of Labor as a true apprenticeship experience and is valuable education for the students involved.  
ENJOY the KCRG interview

CNA Apprenticeship Program 

Friendship Village & Rosewood Estate would like to proudly congratulate Rosilda & Emma as they completed the CNA Apprenticeship Program through Hawkeye Community College! 

The CNA apprenticeship program is offered to employees who wish to gain their CNA certification, or for an existing CNA staff that want to further their education and receive their CMA (Certified Medication Aide) certificate or CRA (Certified Restorative Aide) certificate. The CNA apprenticeship program runs for the course of one year in which they receive top-notch CNA training, customer service, CNA professional training, and then that choice of specialty at the end of the program. Friendship Village allows the employee time off to go to school and then work a schedule that suits them to maintain a good home/work life balance.  
This apprenticeship program is recognized by the Department of Labor as a true apprenticeship experience and is valuable education for the students involved.  
ENJOY the KCRG interview

Economic Inclusion Award

Friendship Village proudly accepted the Grow Cedar Valley Economic Inclusion Award! 

Employees of the Village represent our communities well - enjoy the video! 

2020 Employer of Choice!

Friendship Village received the Cedar Valley 2020 Employers Choice Award!

We appreciate our dedicated team of 345 + employees who ensure each resident is “living their best life.” It is a great honor to be selected! Thank you!

2020 Employer of Choice!

Friendship Village received the Cedar Valley 2020 Employers Choice Award!

We appreciate our dedicated team of 345 + employees who ensure each resident is “living their best life.” It is a great honor to be selected! Thank you!

Grandparent's Day! 

We appreciate ALL of our Village Grandparents! 

Wendy Bass, Top 10 Nurse! 

Making a difference in the lives of our Friendship Village residents for 22 years! Thank you, Wendy Bass, for your dedication & commitment - congratulations on being one of the top 10 nurses in the Cedar Valley! 

Wendy Bass, Top 10 Nurse! 

Making a difference in the lives of our Friendship Village residents for 22 years! Thank you, Wendy Bass, for your dedication & commitment - congratulations on being one of the top 10 nurses in the Cedar Valley! 

 Iowa Women’s Foundation Ovation 

Congratulations, Yessica Richardson! Mayor Quentin Hart, presented Yessica with Iowa Women’s Foundation Ovation recognition award. She was nominated by the House of Hope! We are fortunate to have a driven and compassionate housekeeper on our team here at Friendship Village! Read her story

Breaking Retirement Myths!

Friendship Village TV commercial #3 is NOW airing! 

Breaking Retirement Myths!

Friendship Village TV commercial #3 is NOW airing! 

Friendship Festival Highlights! 

It was a week full of FUN around the Friendship Village campus
  • Hallway Line Dancing 
  • Dance Class 
  • Movie Showings
  • Food Truck + Pie Eating Contest 
  • Craft Class 
  • Animal Showcases 
  • Crowning of Village Queen 
  • Treat Trolley

Breaking Retirement Myths!

Friendship Village TV commercial #2 is NOW airing! 

Breaking Retirement Myths!

Friendship Village TV commercial #2 is NOW airing! 

Friendship Village Group Prayer

Though faith we inspire, connect and honor those on their retirement journey.
This is our mission statement and we saw it lived out in a small way on May 20th. Residents, family members and staff gathered (while masked and social distancing!) outside in three different buildings all at 2pm. It was a wonderful time of prayer and singing together and knowing that God was hearing the same thing from each gathering-“God please heal us and help us keep going”. We were all together, united as family while in three different spots-it was an extremely meaningful time.
Thank you to Larson Construction for flying their drone so you can see and maybe feel you are a part of what happened.
Lisa Gates

COVID-19 Nurse Experience

COVID-19 has impacted many - click here to read the stories of our Friendship Village nurses who have been on the frontline. We thank each and every one of them for their passion and commitment to our community.

COVID-19 Nurse Experience

COVID-19 has impacted many - click here to read the stories of our Friendship Village nurses who have been on the frontline. We thank each and every one of them for their passion and commitment to our community.

A Day in the Life! 

Residents are staying healthy & happy here at Friendship Village - here's a peek inside of how they are keeping themselves active during this time!

 Friendship Village TV Commerical

Friendship Village is BREAKING MYTHS in retirement living. 

Friendship Village TV Commerical

Friendship Village is BREAKING MYTHS in retirement living. 

April Fool's Day Fun! 

A little chicken dance fun to brighten spirits around Friendship Village! 

Social Dist-Dancing! 

Resident's of Friendship Village are making social distancing FUN! 

Social Dist-Dancing! 

Resident's of Friendship Village are making social distancing FUN! 

Top 10 Nurses in the Cedar Valley

Congratulations to Friendship Village nurse, Wendy Bass, on being awarded TOP 10 NURSE in the Cedar Valley! Thank you for your dedication & compassion towards residents & those around you!

 80 Years Strong! 

2020 marks 80 years together for Yeoman & Erma Cowlishaw! Their love grows stronger & stronger each year. Enjoy  reading more about the Cowlishaw's in the beautiful article by the Hudson Herald. 

80 Years Strong! 

2020 marks 80 years together for Yeoman & Erma Cowlishaw! Their love grows stronger & stronger each year. Enjoy  reading more about the Cowlishaw's in the beautiful article by the Hudson Herald. 

Friendship Village's 'Learn & Earn' Program

Friendship Village has partnered with Hawkeye Community College to bring a CNA Apprenticeship program to our organization. Read more. 

Love is in the Air! 

Village residents took some time to share their love stories & give advice on how to keep relationships strong for a lifetime. Beautiful love! 

Love is in the Air! 

Village residents took some time to share their love stories & give advice on how to keep relationships strong for a lifetime. Beautiful love! 

Friendship Village's volunteer program honored

Residents of Friendship Village's volunteer program were honored to be nominated for & receive the Governor's Volunteer Award presented by Governor Reynold's at the Gallagher Bluedorn in Cedar Falls. Each one of these residents (&many more) are dedicated to serving our community all throughout the Cedar Valley. We appreciate their hard work!

Rehabilitant of the Year award at MercyOne Hospital

Village Resident, Mary Craven, was presented with the Rehabilitant of the Year award at MercyOne Hospital! This award is designed to honor one who has overcome a potentially disabling medical condition, but has gone on to resume a full and active life. Mary is involved in so much throughout the Friendship Village community & beyond! We are proud of your hard work & determination to always keep yourself going & being an inspiration to us all. 

Rehabilitant of the Year award at MercyOne Hospital

Village Resident, Mary Craven, was presented with the Rehabilitant of the Year award at MercyOne Hospital! This award is designed to honor one who has overcome a potentially disabling medical condition, but has gone on to resume a full and active life. Mary is involved in so much throughout the Friendship Village community & beyond! We are proud of your hard work & determination to always keep yourself going & being an inspiration to us all. 

Maj. General Curly Hultman – Minuteman Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Major General Evan “Curly” Hultman on being inducted into the Minuteman Hall of Fame. Curly is the first Reserve Officer to ever receive this honor. Thank you for your service! 

2019 Centenarian Award

FV resident, Louise Huff, received the 2019 Centenarian award at the beautiful, young age of 106 by the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging!

2019 Centenarian Award

FV resident, Louise Huff, received the 2019 Centenarian award at the beautiful, young age of 106 by the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging!

Village Terrace Ground Breaking ceremony Thursday, September 19th

September 19th, 2019 marks history for Friendship Village as they break ground on the 77 unit independent living complex!

Congratulations to Sabira Kantarevic

Sabira Kantarevic won Caregiver of the Year Award through Leading Age Iowa after she was nominated by her supervisor, Remi Cehic. Sabira was acknowledged and received her award at the Leading Age Iowa Conference held in September. Friendship Village is lucky to have Sabira on our team of caregivers!

Congratulations to Sabira Kantarevic

Sabira Kantarevic won Caregiver of the Year Award through Leading Age Iowa after she was nominated by her supervisor, Remi Cehic. Sabira was acknowledged and received her award at the Leading Age Iowa Conference held in September. Friendship Village is lucky to have Sabira on our team of caregivers!

2019 Employers Choice 

Friendship Village is proud to be a part of the Cedar Valley 2019 Employers Choice honorees! We are very appreciative of all our employees who are passionate and dedicated to what they do! Check out our article in the Waterloo Courier!

Congratulations to Ed Dickson

Congratulations to Friendship Village resident, Ed Dickson, as he retires from the Waterloo Public Library after 12 years of shelving books & bringing countless smiles to all who walked into the library. Enjoy retirement! 

Congratulations to Ed Dickson

Congratulations to Friendship Village resident, Ed Dickson, as he retires from the Waterloo Public Library after 12 years of shelving books & bringing countless smiles to all who walked into the library. Enjoy retirement! 

Friendship Village happily accepted the Sturgis Falls 2019 Most Creative Float Award!

With a theme of “Happy Trails” residents & employees enjoyed dressing up & riding on their “covered wagon” through the Cedar Falls parade.

Remembering D-Day

General Curly Hultman took time on the 6th of June to remember the D-Day invasion that took place 75 years ago. “I remember this day very well. I was on maneuvers in the 42nd, or the Rainbow Division....” Here is his story.

Remembering D-Day

General Curly Hultman took time on the 6th of June to remember the D-Day invasion that took place 75 years ago. “I remember this day very well. I was on maneuvers in the 42nd, or the Rainbow Division....” Here is his story.

Best Wishes for a Happy Retirement!

Sharon Leonard is retiring from Friendship Village after 41 years.
We, and the thousands you served, thank you.

Hall of Fame Congrats to Evelyn

Friendship Village Resident, Evelyn Craig, was inducted into the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Hall of Fame for portraying faith, discipline, knowledge & service of the Catholic Community. Congrats Evelyn! We are very proud of you!

Hall of Fame Congrats to Evelyn

Friendship Village Resident, Evelyn Craig, was inducted into the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Hall of Fame for portraying faith, discipline, knowledge & service of the Catholic Community. Congrats Evelyn! We are very proud of you!

Cedar Valley Retirement Community CEOs Forum

Friendship Village CEO Lisa Gates participated today in a “question and answer” panel at the Elks Lodge along with CEO’s from Western Home and New Aldaya Lifescapes sponsored by Ameriprise Financial Services. In attendance were seniors from all over the Cedar Valley looking into their options for retirement living!

Celebrating 79 years of marriage

Yeoman is turning 99 later this month. Erma is 97. The two high school sweethearts are more in love now, than ever. "She's the best at everything," Yeoman said while grabbing his sweetheart's hand. "Terrific cook, and of course, finds every dust ball in the country." The KWWL-TV story is here.

Celebrating 79 years of marriage

Yeoman is turning 99 later this month. Erma is 97. The two high school sweethearts are more in love now, than ever. "She's the best at everything," Yeoman said while grabbing his sweetheart's hand. "Terrific cook, and of course, finds every dust ball in the country." The KWWL-TV story is here.

Friendship Village talks Childcare on the Hill at the Iowa Capitol. 

It was Childcare on the Hill at the Iowa Capitol. Lisa Gates (CEO) and Sherry Turner (Dir. of Compliance and Education) led a round table discussion about Friendship Village’s new Childcare Center-"It Takes a Village". Senator Danielson took them around to meet many committee leaders. Friendship Village is being acclaimed across the state of Iowa as the example of an employer working to meet the lack of child care need.

It Takes a Village News

Miss the recent news coverage of our exciting new project? Listen and read more about this visionary effort at these two links. KWWL-TV here. Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier article here.
KCFI-AM interview here.

It Takes a Village News

Miss the recent news coverage of our exciting new project? Listen and read more about this visionary effort at these two links. KWWL-TV here. Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier article here.
KCFI-AM interview here.

Eight Over 80

Each year, the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier newspaper honors eight individuals who have made a significant impact in the lives of the their community. Oh, yes, they must also be at least 80 years old! This year, Friendship Village resident Theileane Raecker was among those celebrated. Read more here.

500 at 96 is #1!

Virginia keeps a poker-face as she plays the card game '500' with her pals. Is it the secret to a long and happy life? Read more here.

500 at 96 is #1!

Virginia keeps a poker-face as she plays the card game '500' with her pals. Is it the secret to a long and happy life? Read more here.

Friendship Village is named an Employer of Choice for 2016 in the Cedar Valley!

Read that article here.

"I worry every day about losing her" Iowa couple talks about 76 years of marriage

One of the longest married couples in Iowa just celebrated their anniversary. Read that article here.

"I worry every day about losing her" Iowa couple talks about 76 years of marriage

One of the longest married couples in Iowa just celebrated their anniversary. Read that article here.

Friendship Village's Velda Phillips named Woman of Year

We are proud that others recognize what we have known for some time. Read more here.
MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Finance Leadership: Lisa Gates works for Friendship Village residents

Even before Lisa was named Executive Director, her integrity and faith combined for recognition by the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. Read that article here.
DAWN J. SAGERT / The Waterloo Courier

Finance Leadership: Lisa Gates works for Friendship Village residents

Even before Lisa was named Executive Director, her integrity and faith combined for recognition by the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. Read that article here.

Remiza Cehic: Desire to help others is in her heart

Being a leader and overcoming obstacles comes naturally to Remi. Read her inspiring story here.
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

First Cedar Valley CCRC to catch the fever

Friendship Village recognized the importance of healthy foods and living for our residents and our employees. That's why we were recognized as the first local Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) to earn the Blue Zone designation.

 First Cedar Valley CCRC to catch the fever

Friendship Village recognized the importance of healthy foods and living for our residents and our employees. That's why we were recognized as the first local Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) to earn the Blue Zone designation.

Employees recognized by Leading Age Iowa

Friendship Village Congratulates These Employees on their 2014 Individual Awards From Leading Age Iowa

Employees recognized by Leading Age Iowa

Friendship Village Congratulates These Employees on their 2014 Individual Awards From Leading Age Iowa

Java House is launched

We all need a place to grab a quick bite and a great cup of coffee. Our newest addition is a bistro-area we call the Java House. Located at 600 Park Lane, residents and their guests can find a wifi-friendly location with a coffee shop vibe.
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