60 Forward: Where Community Comes Alive
August 2025
With a brand-new building and a refreshing perspective on what aging can look like, Heartland of Story County and the Sixty Forward Initiative are leading the way to nurture lifelong connectedness. This unique partnership between Mary Greely Medical Center, Ames Parks and Recreation, and Heartland of Story County, is creating a vibrant community for all at the Sixty Forward Center.
The Sixty Forward Center serves as a hub for a wide range of programs and activities, including the Adult Day Center, Meals on Wheels nutrition program, and service coordination—programs that United Way of Story County invests in. Beyond these structured offerings, the Center provides a space where people can naturally form friendships, share experiences, and support one another. These organic connections foster collective well-being by nurturing a sense of belonging and creating meaningful relationships, helping participants feel valued, engaged, and connected to the wider community.
Leadership That Inspires Connection
Executive Director Deb Schildroth is energized by the staff, volunteers, and participants at Sixty Forward. “This is becoming the gathering place, and that’s what we wanted,” she shares, reflecting on the ten months since the center opened in 2024.
A longtime Story County resident, Deb has dedicated her career to strengthening community through connection. This model is foundational for Heartland’s work. “We want to have people making connections,” she explains. Following three decades of work with Story County and the City of Ames, Deb is bringing her expertise to drive meaningful programming focused on social connection, nutrition, and physical activity. Above all, she is inspired by the way participants themselves take on leadership.
Deb shares a few favorite stories of participant-leaders making connections for everyone. “One of our volunteers moved to the community a couple of years ago because her daughter lives here,” Deb recounts. “Her spouse is deceased, and she just didn’t know how to best fit in, so she became an atrium ambassador.” As an atrium ambassador, this volunteer greeted everyone to the center. Over time, she decided she wanted to get even more involved and connect with others, so she started a group for people who have lost a partner and were seeking friendship. The group now has nearly fifteen members and is a shining example of what community means in Story County.
Small Steps Lead to Big Impact
Others are using Sixty Forward as a springboard to lead activities around town, Deb shares. “We have somebody that’s very interested in wildflowers and set up a walk through Brookside Park back in May.” What started out as a quick afternoon outing has led to many more connections at the Center. “They’ve come back here and now they’re having lunch together. That is exactly what we want to have.”
People are enjoying time together while being empowered to live happier, healthier lives thanks to the staff at Heartland and the engagement of participants. “People are taking a much more active perspective of their lives,” Deb adds, “This generation of people turning Sixty and older see themselves differently.” Every day, the Sixty Forward Center is abuzz with people gathering over coffee from The Bistro, staying active with EGYM equipment, planning their next outing or volunteer opportunity in the community, and much more. As Deb says, “Just come and experience it!”