The history of this beautiful facility began with an idea of Alta Schrock, who envisioned a nursing home to be created in an empty building that was owned by Clifford and Alfred Froh. The suggestion was put into the hearts of the Mennonite Board of Missions in Iowa. They purchased the building and 80 acres of land from the Froh brothers for $1. Today, Thurston Woods Village continues to be sponsored by Mennonite Health Services, while they do not support financially, they do assist in approving the Board of Directors, the CEO and any changes in the bylaws of the corporation.
In 1953, the old Froh Homestead opened its doors as a nursing home accommodating 35 “guests” with housing room for eight to ten workers. Eventually the need outgrew the facility and, in 1968, the home was moved from the U.S. 12 building into Sturgis. Licensed as Froh Community Home, there was room for 66 residents. In 1976, expansion was completed to allow space for 118 residents.
In 1985, Thurston Woods Village incorporated and became a retirement community. The Villa, a 60-unit home for the aged was added, along with a 33-unit, rent subsidized apartment complex.
In response to the need for independent housing with services, the Village Homes duplexes and Gables apartments project started in 2000 and today consists of 6 apartment buildings (36 apartments) and 15 duplex buildings (30 homes), with room for expansion.
Most recent improvements and additional services is the adult day center called Thurston Cares which is located in the Enrichment Center across the street. Thurston Woods Village is continually seeking ways to improve their services and to respond to changing industry needs. While Thurston Cares is currently just offering the adult day center program, this area of care will continue to expand over time to include in home services.
Today, Thurston Woods Village serves 300 residents at various levels of care, employs 200 plus individuals and maintains over 25 buildings on more than 100 acres of land. Governed by a Board of Directors, which serve after being recommended and approved by the members of the Board making it a self-perpetuating Board. Each prospective Board member meets with a representative of Mennonite Health Services who will then make the recommendation to the Mennonite Health Services Board of Directors for approval.
