The Family Caregivers Center of Mercy
The Family Caregivers Center of Mercy officially opened its doors on December 19, 2015. But for Kathy Good, the Center was born on April 14, 2014, when she was asked a question. Tim Charles, former Mercy President & CEO, wondered if she had any interest in exploring the creation of a Family Caregivers Center. At that time, Kathy had been a caregiver to her husband, Dave Good, for 11 years. She said yes..
Throughout the course of nearly two years, they worked to bring the Family Caregivers Center to life — doing feasibility research, securing donors, and more. At first, the Center was operated by a mighty group of volunteers and led by Kathy. The team worked hard to coordinate support groups, develop educational programming, and to bring resources and relief to caregivers.
As time went on, the Family Caregivers Center continued to expand its offerings to meet the growing needs of caregivers and adults living with chronic conditions. In February 2017, the DeWolf family, major donors of the Center, requested a meeting to see how things were going and what was still needed.
But, Kathy didn’t feel anything more was needed at the Center. Instead, she had a bigger vision for what was needed to better serve those living with dementia. So, she shared her thoughts with the DeWolfs.
“It was a successful meeting,” she recounts in her book, "My World Wore a Bow Tie."
The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia of Mercy
Yes, it was! In November of that same year, Kathy, Tim, the DeWolfs, and other stakeholders visited Abe’s Garden, a senior living community in Nashville, Tenn. They were blown away by the memory program and all that they experienced during the visit.
Upon their return home, the DeWolfs challenged Mercy Medical Center to bring something just as powerful to life right here in Cedar Rapids. Tim presented a concept to the Mercy Board of Trustees — and, just like that, the seed was planted.
The Chris and Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia of Mercy held a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2021. A month later, Kathy Good was hired as the Director of the DeWolf Innovation Center, becoming an official employee. The Center opened two years later with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June of 2023.
Today, the DeWolf Innovation Center revolves around its mission to frame a new future for aging and dementia so that older adults and those living with dementia live fuller, more satisfying and purposeful lives. The Center is open to anyone who is curious and wants to learn.
The DeWolf Innovation Center is made possible by an initial gift of $2 million from Chris and Suzy DeWolf, as well as additional gifts from many generous donors.
"My World Wore a Bow Tie" by Kathy Good
In her book, "My World Wore a Bow Tie," Kathy Good details not only the story of her life enjoyed alongside her husband, Dave, but also the realities of his diagnosis, what it means to be a caregiver, and how their lived experiences brought a unique opportunity to help countless others.
Copies of the book are available through the Mercy Foundation. A $30 donation is suggested for each copy, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy and The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia of Mercy.
