For 45 years, Wesley Village of Macomb has provided an almost complete life plan for seniors – from independent living condominiums and apartments to skilled healthcare accommodations to memory care to home services.
But there was always one piece missing from the 'life plan puzzle.'
That missing piece was assisted living units that allow residents to continue living independently, but with the availability of a little help when they needed it. Now, thanks to bonds issued from the City of Macomb and the generosity of donors, 'Judy's Suites' is scheduled to open on the second floor of the retirement center building in October 2026, after the final sign-off by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Wesley Village opened in February 1980 to offer independent living apartments, following by a skilled care unit in April 1980. The campus has added a short-term rehab unit, three household-model-of-care units, Wesley Estates (condominiums) and a community center over the years.
'We follow the Life Plan Community model, and having a dedicated unit or wing for assisted living was our missing piece of the puzzle,' said Shelly Martin, who has served as Wesley's CEO for 23 years of the nearly 27 years she has been with the organization. 'This is something we've dreamt about for a long time. We've done extensive studies for this three times over the years, but there always seem to be obstacles. This time, everything fell into place.'
Along with the bonds that were approved at last week's Macomb City Council meeting, which allows Wesley Village to borrow money at a low interest rate from Clock Tower Community Bank in Macomb to fund the $1.3 million renovation of the main building's second floor into the new care units, it was a Fellheimer Grant of $165,000 that got the project off the ground for good this time, Martin added. Plus, Wesley's Development Director Lisa Ward has been working to get donations to further fund the new project.
The biggest donation has led to the naming of the new wing, which will have a registered nurse available eight to 12 hours a day, and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) around the clock, in the honor of the late Judy Gedney. Judy, along with her husband, Roger, who passed away in 2024, both called Wesley home for several years.
Other naming opportunities, as well as other donor options, are still available, she added, including naming the wing's family room, commons area and legacy and steward suites. To discussion donation opportunities, contact Ward at (309) 833-2123, or [email protected].
'We are so thrilled to brand our new unit as Judy's Suites in her memory,' Ward shared. 'The 26-suite wing is going to provide such a wonderful addition to our campus. We're just incredibly overwhelmed and overjoyed at the generosity of our donors, and the support we've received for this much-needed addition.'
According to Martin, this new option gives residents extra support they might need, while still maintaining their independence. The renovated rooms will be accessible, with small kitchenettes available in each suite.
'Our goal has always been to provide a safe and welcoming environment where seniors can thrive,' Martin pointed out.
'With Judy's Suites, we're able to add one more option that many of our residents have been asking for.'
There's already a waiting list in place, which indicates the need – and desire – for independent living, with a little help in place, Martin added.
'We've been dreaming about this for a very long time,' she concluded. 'It's going to be a great addition for not only Wesley Village, but for the region as these services are needed, and we're so very appreciative of the support we've had from our residents, the City of Macomb and our community.'
Wesley Village currently employs around 150, with more expected to be hired when Judy's Suites open, serving as home to 220 residents. The retirement care community is operated by a 12-member Board of Directors. The organization receives some funding from Wesley's Illinois Great River Conference, Medicare and Medicaid, grants, donations and the Fellheimer Trust.
