April 8, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

The 113-year-old nonprofit in Neenah launches public phase of
$3.25 million fundraising campaign to support campus enhancements
at a time when senior living quality and safety is more critical than ever.

While long planned and underway before the pandemic arrived, Neenah’s Valley VNA Senior Care administration knew that improving safety, enhancing quality of life for residents, and incorporating additional air quality measures was important. Architects were selected, facility improvement plans were drawn, a campaign cabinet gathered, and a quiet phase of fundraising began. Little did they know that in March 2020 their efforts to improve their campus would be heightened.

Today, with over 50 percent of the campaign goal raised, Valley VNA Senior Care leaders launch the public phase of Caring for Generations: a campaign to ensure quality care for those we love. The $3.25 million fundraising initiative will support a $6.25 million building project for the 113-year-old nonprofit in the Neenah and Menasha community.

“We had a campus renovation plan, and this year has proven how critical it is for us to complete that plan,” said Theresa Pichelmeyer, Valley VNA Senior Care President and CEO. “Our residents deserve the best—as do our staff. We want to be the place for people to choose for safe care with the most talented caregivers. This past year has certainly pushed us like we have never been pushed in over 100 years of service. Yet, it only strengthens our desire to keep offering outstanding care, to keep improving, keep delivering, and keep going. Even when it’s hard. By having the community help us make our plans a reality would be a welcomed gift to our residents and team.”
The results of this campaign will provide building renovations to ensure that people with dementia or increased physical requirements will be better accommodated and enjoy their surroundings.

Fundraising efforts will run through the end of 2021. Based on current plans, breaking ground will begin in mid-2021 for the phased building project. The building project will be broken into three to five steps depending on how quickly and fully the campaign goal is reached.

One highlight of the project will be to enhance the air filtration systems to help eliminate the spread of airborne diseases. The addition and renovation provide opportunities to improve on the environmental air quality in order to more effectively combat or prevent virus outbreaks.

The Caring for Generations campaign will also enable Valley VNA Senior Care to enhance and advance the safety of common area spaces such as kitchens, dining areas and lounges. Other living quarters, outdoor courtyards and special amenities like the Namaste Room, Fitness Center, and other spaces will all be added or improved.

“Our residents have rich and fulfilling lives,” said Christy Feuerstahler, Valley VNA Senior Care Music Coordinator. “Some were soldiers, professors, dentists, doctors or farmers. They are
parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, longtime neighbors, or best friends. Now at this stage of their lives, we are their home. We love and support them here and provide the quality of life they deserve. This campaign will help us do even more on their behalf.”

To advance the planned improvements, Valley VNA Senior Care is funding 50 percent of the proposed capital expenditures with hope that the community will assist with the other 50 percent—thereby allowing more improvements than the nonprofit organization could do alone. Valley VNA Senior Care will continue to fund its normal operating expenses during the campus upgrade project through financial planning and budgeting.

“Valley VNA supports families who need a safe place for their loved ones to go when they require specialized care and a place to feel at home,” said Frank Kearny, Valley VNA Senior Care Board President and campaign chair. “We support staying in your home as long as possible, but to have this amazing caregiving gem in our community when additional care is needed is a true gift. To be a part of the next chapter and help Valley VNA evolve to meet changing community needs is a privilege.”

Learn more about Caring for Generations.