Red Oak Rehab & Care celebrates 50 years of the facility serving the community

Red Oak Rehab & Care Center and WEL-Home Health are celebrating the facility serving Red Oak for 50 years.
The milestone will be marked by hosting the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 at the facility located at at 1600 Summit St. The public is invited to attend.
“This is a big celebration to mark the facility serving the Red Oak Community for 50 years,” said Cheryl Runyan, administrator of Red Oak Rehab & Care Center.
The event also provides an opportunity to work with the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and other area organizations. “We’re going to be holding raffles for gift baskets, as well as a giveaway basket for one lucky guest that evening. The money raised from the raffle will benefit Animal Alliance Rescue,” Runyan said.
“The Chamber will be present, and we’re getting a lot of donations from businesses. We’re getting a donation from Riverbend Heritage Lodge for a free night’s stay. Darcy Richards, the owner, has been awesome.”
Runyan, who has served as the administrator of the skilled nursing facility for three years, said they are celebrating the facility’s 50th anniversary, despite various ownership over the years.
The nursing home was built in 1973, according to Runyan. The WEL-Home Health Agency was added in 1994 to provide another care option for the community and provide support for residents who were able to return home from the facility but needed a bit of help to safely stay there.  Today the team provides services for about 160 people.  
Being able to oversee the center’s 50th anniversary celebration, Runyan said, has been a wonderful feeling.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the Red Oak Community. I’m from the Omaha and Bellevue area, and you just don’t get that small-town community feel there. The Chamber is very involved and helpful, the entire community shows up for the homecoming and Junction Days parade, and the residents love it. We get them on the bus and hand out candy and prizes. You just don’t get that in bigger cities. Red Oak is such a beautiful town. I love the square and the shops. Everyone is very accommodating when we do something like this celebration,” Runyan explained.
Runyan highlighted the facility’s residents, saying it’s the people she helps serve that make her job richly rewarding.
“I love their stories. We have some great residents here, and their life stories are amazing. We have a pastor, and we have someone who’s good at horticulture that takes care of our garden out back. We even have a resident that has written her own book. My best day is when we can make them happy and smile or get them something they want or need that entertains them,” said Runyan.
Runyan also praised the staff of Red Oak Rehab & Care and WEL-Home Health, as it’s their dedication that has contributed to the center’s longevity.  Stephanie Wood, the Director of WEL-Home Health, has built a great team and program.
“We have lots of great staff here. There are team members who have been with us for more than 20 years.  We have new members and teammates who have returned to make a difference at both the Home Health and Nursing Home. I think that says a lot, especially in this market.” Runyan said.  
Lastly, Runyan said they are grateful to the team, the residents/clients and businesses who continue to make a difference and be the reason they do what they do.  Runyan said it has been an honor to be a part of Red Oak. 
The public is invited to join the family of staff and residents in celebrating 50 years during the Business After Hours Sept. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.