News & Events

More than 50 individuals gathered at Perry Lutheran Homes for a special Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, a time set aside to give thanks for the many faithful volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our residents each day.

While not every volunteer was able to attend, the celebration reflected gratitude for all who serve across our campuses and programs.

Rev. Max Phillips, CEO, opened the event with a warm welcome, prayer, and reflections on Perry Lutheran Homes’ 70-year legacy.

“God has sustained

Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy in Perry, Iowa, together with Perry Lutheran Homes, is launching a new elementary school beginning with a kindergarten through second grade (K-2) classroom in Fall 2026, offering a unique option for families in the community. This marks the next chapter in its growing intergenerational campus at Perry Lutheran Homes and is part of a long-term vision to thoughtfully expand into additional grade levels in the years ahead.

The academy is also expanding infant care and daycare capacity to meet strong demand from working families and added

Tonya Swank’s journey at Perry Lutheran Homes began with a personal connection that would shape her future in care.

Her great-grandmother lived at Perry Lutheran Homes for seven years, passing away in 1999 at the age of 105. During visits, Tonya formed relationships not only with her great-grandmother, but with many other residents as well. “I got to know a lot of the residents and really missed seeing them after she passed away,” she shared. When her high school offered a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class, she didn’t hesitate. “I jumped

For 30 years, Carsin Olson has been a dedicated member of the team at Perry Lutheran Homes, serving residents and families in the Perry community with compassion and care.

Carsin first came to Perry Lutheran Homes to help fill in for what was then known as the staffing “pool.” It didn’t take long for her to realize she had found something special. “I just loved being at Perry Lutheran Homes and decided to stay,” she said.

Over the years, Carsin has served in a variety of roles, beginning as a Certified Nursing

A gentle snowfall set the scene as friends, families, and community members gathered for the Spring Valley Christmas Tour of Homes & Wine Walk on Thursday, December 11, at Spring Valley Retirement Community of Perry Lutheran Homes.

Spring Valley tenants graciously opened their homes and welcomed guests for the evening, serving as Tour of Homes hosts and sharing in the joy and hospitality of the season. Hosts included Wanda Miller, Pam Maher, Ken and Sue Finer, Nylene Hansen, Gloria Renshaw, Doris McCorkle, and Deaconess Grace Babbitts.

Guests toured festively decorated apartments

Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season at the Spring Valley Christmas Tour of Homes & Wine Walk on Thursday, December 11, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, hosted at Spring Valley Retirement Community, a Perry Lutheran Homes community.

Guests are invited to enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, including complimentary wine and charcuterie, live Christmas music with Doc McCaulley, tours of beautifully decorated apartments and common spaces, and opportunities to mingle with tenants and community members.

This year’s Spring Valley Tour of Homes & Wine Walk will feature over 100

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home is both rewarding and challenging. Daily routines may feel overwhelming, yet meaningful moments of connection are still possible—and incredibly important. At Perry Lutheran Homes, we walk with families every day, helping individuals with dementia live life to the fullest through innovative therapies, spiritual care, and person-centered support in our unique memory care neighborhoods.

Here are some practical tips to try at home.

Caregiver Tip #1 – Connect Memories Through Music

Music has a remarkable ability to awaken memories and emotions, even when

Join Us for an Uplifting Evening of Live Music, Praise & Community!

Perry Lutheran Homes invites the public to a special indoor community concert featuring the Perry Bible Church Praise Band, with members Randy “Doc” McCaulley, David Cannon, and Vic Blitz—delivering an inspiring blend of uplifting Christian music.

Community Concert Details:

Perry Bible Church Praise Band
Friday, September 19 at 6:30 PM
Eden Acres Campus, Perry Lutheran Homes, 1300 28th Street, Perry
Food & Beverage available for free-will donation

Come celebrate community and faith with a heartfelt evening of music that transcends generations and brings people together. Support

Perry Lutheran Homes was recently featured on WHO 13’s Hello Iowa for its one-of-a-kind, Christ-centered intergenerational model of living. The Hello Iowa segment highlights how Perry Lutheran Homes—together with Christ Lutheran Church and Acorns & Oaks Intergenerational Christian Academy—brings generations together to live, learn, and grow in God’s love.

Watch the full WHO 13 Hello Iowa segment below:

A Community of Faith Across Generations

For nearly 70 years, Perry Lutheran Homes has been a leader in Christian senior care across Central Iowa, providing a full continuum of services including in-home care, Meals on

This summer and every season, Perry Lutheran Homes continues to serve older adults through its Meals on Wheels program, delivering fresh, hot meals up to five days a week to seniors in or outside of Perry, Minburn, Dallas Center, Granger, Woodward, Bouton, Dawson, and more!

The program is available to any adult age 60 or older, living in northern Dallas County, Iowa, who has difficulty grocery shopping or preparing meals. Each meal is nutritious, home-cooked, and delivered right to the door—providing not only nourishment but a caring check-in from a trusted