Valley Senior Living on Columbia is one of several communities in Grand Forks that serve older adults with many different needs, and the nonprofit behind it is run by a Board of Directors made up of members from 24 local Lutheran churches, which keeps the focus on compassionate Christian care for every resident, and you can see that in their daily work because they offer everything from independent apartments for folks who want to live on their own, to assisted living and basic care options when someone needs extra help, plus skilled nursing and transitional care services for those recovering after a hospital stay or needing full-time care, and memory care at Hearthstone Memory Care designed for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia, so there's a wide range of options all tailored to what each person needs and, over time, many residents move between these care types as their health changes. The staff is large-nearly 900 people work across three Valley Senior Living communities in Grand Forks, with over 550 residents altogether, and care teams include Certified Eden Associates, who care a lot about person-centered service and making sure each person feels respected, valued, and as independent as possible, so there's a strong emphasis on making this place feel like a real community and not just a facility.
The community is set up with features like a shared Town Square where people meet for social and spiritual activities, group events, gatherings in the auditorium, and organized religious services led by chaplains and church partners; comfort is also a focus, with indoor and outdoor social areas, garden spaces, exercise and game rooms, and a library for reading and learning, and there's a full-service hair salon called Myra Café for haircuts and grooming. Residents can join in an activity calendar with regular social programs, group events, bible study, or shopping trips, and there's transportation to medical appointments as well as access to outpatient treatments that include chemotherapy or dialysis, with connections to Altru Health System for physician visits-which can be a big help when health issues pop up. Apartment options include private and semi-private rooms in neighborhoods like Riverside, Almonte, Lanark, and Reeves, aiming for a sense of home and community, so nobody feels left out or isolated, and animals and children from local schools often visit, keeping things lively and warm. Folks recovering from illness or surgery benefit from transitional care and therapy in specialized areas like Valley Transitions; those who need daily medical help get skilled nursing support, while people who want independence or just a little support settle in senior apartments, assisted living, or basic care neighborhoods.
The corporate office for Valley Senior Living is found at 2900 14th Avenue South in Grand Forks, handling administration and general operations, and there are job opportunities with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, scholarships, and loan repayment programs, so the staff tends to stay a long time, which gives the place a stable, comfortable feel. The mission across every Valley Senior Living community is to treat residents with dignity and respect, preserve independence as long as possible, and listen to what matters most to each person, and that's reflected in daily routines, meals, religious activities, and overall culture, which leans on the Eden Alternative approach-encouraging growth and comfort even as folks' needs change. Staff-licensed and unlicensed-work together as care partners to make sure residents get the help and kindness they deserve. Amenities and services vary based on the type of care, but all support a lifestyle where meaningful activity, social connection, and spiritual care are valued as highly as physical health.
