As we wrap up another incredible year at Mission Health, this season invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that we’ve experienced together. From milestone achievements to the everyday moments that reminded us why we do this work, 2025 was a year defined by growth, connection, and purpose.
Throughout the year, our CARES values—Character, Attitude, Respect, Excellence, and Service—were more than guiding principles. They were lived out through teamwork, compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to those we serve. Before turning our eyes to all that 2026 will bring, we want to honor the people and moments that made this year truly meaningful.
Resilience & CARES in Action
Just three months into 2025, Yates Center Health & Rehab in Kansas faced unimaginable loss when a prairie fire swept through the area, ultimately resulting in the total loss of the building. In the face of devastation, our Mission Health family rose together.
Staff members, residents, families, and partners embodied the true spirit of CARES—supporting one another, coordinating donations, and ensuring every resident found a safe new home and continuity of care. What could have been a moment defined solely by loss became one of strength, unity, and compassion.
Today, Yates Center Health & Rehab is in the process of being rebuilt, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and our unwavering commitment to those we
Connection, Celebration & Vision
In April, Mission Health welcomed hundreds of team members, plus-ones, vendor partners, and special guests to Tampa, Florida—home to our headquarters—for a week of connection, learning, and celebration.
The conference provided opportunities to engage with vendor partners, explore emerging healthcare technologies, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders, including American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) President and CEO Clif Porter. Evenings were filled with celebration as we honored our Mission Experience and CARES Award winners during a special night of recognition.
The week concluded with a meaningful give-back to our host city through a partnership with SPCA Tampa Bay. Participants worked in teams to build pet carriers and cat trees—supporting shelter animals and helping pet owners prepare for emergency evacuations. It was a powerful reminder that service extends beyond our walls and into the communities we touch.
WorkforceDevelopment & New Partnerships
Empowering our people and strengthening our workforce continued to be a top priority in 2025. Mission Health Communities proudly expanded its workforce development efforts through impactful partnerships with Great Jobs KC and Dwyer Workforce Development, creating accessible pathways into healthcare and long-term career growth.
Through Great Jobs KC, individuals in the Kansas City region can pursue tuition-free CNA training through local colleges and technical schools, along with ongoing career support. Building on this success, our partnership with Dwyer Workforce Development extends opportunities across Kansas by offering free CNA training paired with personalized wraparound services, including support for housing, childcare, and transportation.
After one year, Dwyer Scholars ready to advance can continue their education with support toward roles such as LPN, RN, and beyond. Together, these partnerships bring our CARES values to life by removing barriers, investing in potential, and building a stronger, more compassionate workforce.
Celebrating Excellence in Quality & Innovation
October marked a meaningful moment of celebration as we honored our 2024 and 2025 Quality Award winners. Thirteen administrators from across Georgia, Kansas, and Tennessee were recognized for their dedication to quality, leadership, and excellence—an achievement that reflects the high standards upheld throughout our communities.
As part of this recognition, these leaders were invited to attend the AHCA/NCAL Conference in Las Vegas, where they joined peers from across the country to learn, connect, and celebrate best practices in senior care. It was a well-deserved opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments while gaining inspiration to carry that momentum forward.
Growing & Elevating Our People
One of our greatest successes in 2025 was the continued growth of our leadership team. Throughout the year, we welcomed new Administrators and Directors of Nursing while also celebrating internal promotions that reflect the strength of our talent pipeline and our commitment to developing leaders from within.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand how we celebrate growth across Mission Health by formally recognizing promotions at every level of our organization beginning in 2026. We’re proud to start this initiative by honoring our Administrator and Director of Nursing promotions—roles that play a critical part in shaping culture, quality, and connection within our communities.
This year, we celebrate the well-earned Director of Nursing promotions of Denver Broady (Gallaway), Mackenzie Hanson (McPherson), Zomalar Baldwin (Meadowbrook), and Vanessa Bailey (Roberta), along with Jada McLeod’s advancement to Senior Administrator at North Ridge Health & Rehab following her service at Dickson Health & Rehab. Each of these leaders stepped into greater responsibility with confidence, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Beyond our communities, Mission Health leaders were also recognized on a national stage. Karen McDonald was honored as National Nurse Leader of the Year by NADONA—a powerful testament to her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to nursing excellence. We also celebrated Tina Thomas, who was elected to the AHCA/NCAL Assisted Living Board of Governors for the 2025–2026 term, serving as Secretary/Treasurer and bringing Mission Health’s voice and values to the national conversation.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we close the chapter on 2025, one thing is clear: Mission Health is more than the milestones we reach—it’s the people who rise, adapt, and lead with heart every step of the way. This year challenged us, stretched us, and ultimately brought us closer together.
Through resilience in the face of loss, celebration of excellence, investment in our workforce, and leadership shining both locally and nationally, our CARES values weren’t just spoken—they were lived.
These reflections are only part of the story. In January, we’ll continue our year-in-review with Part Two, highlighting even more moments, achievements, and people who shaped 2025 and set the stage for what’s ahead. As we step into 2026, we do so grounded in gratitude, strengthened by connection, and inspired by the incredible individuals who make Mission Health what it is.
The future is bright—and we’re ready to move forward together.
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