Mission

New Horizons Adult Day Centers’ mission is to enhance the quality of life for adults who are physically and/or cognitively challenged by compassionately providing day services.

 

History of Program

New Horizons Adult Day Center originated from the grass roots efforts of Ankeny citizens, local small businesses, health professionals, clergy and numerous churches to develop an adult day program. Initial Seed Money was granted through a competitive application process from The Brookdale Foundation to establish a Dementia Specific Day Respite Program to operate one day per week from donated space at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. The program opened January 7, 2000 to target the needs of persons with memory impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other related neurological conditions to include brain injury.

Our day program has expanded to five days of operation with comprehensive services and a move in 2003 to the Neveln Community Resource Center. New Horizons Adult Day Center has evolved into an acknowledged leader in dementia care for different populations and age groups. A capital community campaign raised funds to renovate a spacious room for the needs of older adults with minimal to moderate dementia and offer care and activities specific to their interests and abilities. In 2007 a second room was acquired and designed for the younger adults of 25-60 years of age to offer them an alternative specific to their lifestyle and interests.

New Horizons Adult Day Center is a private non-profit organization that is not affiliated with a larger medical institution and prides itself in being truly community based, driven by the needs of the persons and families we serve. We employ four full-time staff, part-time staff and many volunteers from our local churches to care for the 20-25 persons we serve each day.

The founding Board of Directors developed the initial standards of practice, personnel policies and acquired the necessary funds to establish the first Dementia Specific Adult Day Respite Program in Iowa sponsored by the nationally recognized Brookdale Foundation. We also established an interfaith volunteer program from funds from the esteemed Robert Johnson Foundation. New Horizons Adult Day Center is a member in good standing with the Iowa Adult Day Services Association and the National Adult Day Services Organization.