Sheldon, Iowa — Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon played host to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Tuesday afternoon during her swing through northwest Iowa.
VNU invited the governor to thank her for being instrumental this past year in securing funding increases for Medicaid programs in the 2021 legislative session and Village CEO, Barry Whitsell, praised the governor for being a champion of people with disabilities. He said Governor Reynolds made sure that legislators knew that dollars needed to be allocated so that agencies like VNU could continue to provide quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. He said VNU is so appreciative of her efforts and leadership in advancing funding increases so that the Village can more fairly compensate their direct support professionals.
The governor was welcomed onto the Village campus by staff and residents who were lined up outside to form a welcoming party along Village Circle.
While at the Village, Governor Reynolds toured the two new homes VNU built this past year which each provide a family environment for six residents and learned about how the workforce crisis is affecting direct support professionals (DSPs) and the ability of DSPs to continue to provide quality and comprehensive care to their residents.
The governor had visited Sioux Center prior to stopping at VNU. Following her visit to the Village Reynolds made a stop in Sibley.
Images from Governor Reynolds visit to Village Northwest Unlimited may be viewed below.
Photos courtesy of Village Northwest Unlimited
VNU residents & staff welcome Governor Reynolds to the Village Campus
VNU CEO Barry Whitsell explains the Village’s new houses to Governor Reynolds
