Do I buy the unit, buy stock, or rent it? No purchase! No stock! No buy in! The units will be rented only! This is an investment in OUR community. When you sell a house, you expect to buy something else in which to live. In this case, your pledge of financial support will get you a tax deduction because you are contributing to a non-profit entity. While the city is non-profit, the Dysart Community Betterment Corporation is a certified 501c3 non-profit recognized by the IRS. It is better for our own individual tax purposes that our gifts be deposited and set aside in the DCBC.

When will it be built? The first giant step is the successful accomplishment of the capital campaign. That will

yield the 20% to 25% “down payment” required for the USDA loan. Then bids can be let and construction can begin. That’s over-simplified, of course. We need your three-year financial commitment to DDV. All gifts are appreciated.

When will it be done? It is planned to be open for occupancy in late autumn, 2009. Again, successful completion of the capital campaign for the “down payment” is the first critical step. The sooner this can be accomplished, the better!

What is the difference between Base Assisted Living and Assisted Living? USDA supports assisted living facilities only. Base Assisted Living is for those who are able to maintain their own daily needs. Assisted Living is for people who need help with the activities of daily living.

Is there an age limit to get into it? Yes. USDA’s loan terms dictate that occupants be 55 years-of-age or older.

If this project gets built, what will happen in future years if shortages occur? The way it is set up now, it should NOT fall back on taxpayers. If the facility can’t meet expenses, it would eventually default to the USDA and they could sell it. Therefore, it would default on USDA and not on taxpayers.

Will short-term care be available? If space is available, short-term respite care may be arranged. Specifics of the lease agreements will be determined by the management company.

What are the criteria to get into the Assisted Living section of the building? Each person (or case) is evaluated by a Registered Nurse to assess that person’s needed level of care. Rental charges are determined after evaluation.

Can I move from one area of the facility to another? Yes, depending on your needs. The philosophy is to provide an environment where seniors “can age in place.” First, people will choose to occupy the Base Assisted Living apartments. When the person can no longer manage by him/herself, then the Assisted Living arrangements could be made. The client just moves to the next available apartment in that wing.

Can a person or couple in Base Assisted Living get meals? Yes. Meals are only one element of a range of services available.

Can I receive a reduced rental fee for a very large contribution? No. A donor recognition plan is in place for honoring all contributions, including very large contributions. The Dysart Dreamfield Village recognition system is being designed by local metal artist, Sarah Barfels, of Rowan Equipment and Fabrication, Inc., Dysart. She will create a giant (8’ diam.) round, metal, wall “Tree of Life” with different sized, engraved, colored leaves. Leaf sizes and/or colors will correspond to donation categories. Recognition information is available in the case statement and on a separate flyer.

Will “in-kind” donations be acceptable? In many instances, yes. Each offer will be evaluated independently.

When will my pledge payment need to be paid? We are speaking in terms of a three-year pledge commitment. Because of the USDA-imposed time constraints on procuring the “down payment,” the first year ends December 31, 2008. December 31 of 2009, and 2010, are the due dates for the second and third pledge payments.

What furniture is included in the different units? The common areas in both of the living areas are furnished. Base Assisted Living apartments are unfurnished except for appliances.

Are there private mail boxes? Yes. There are private, individual mail boxes in the main lobby.

Will there be cable hook-ups in the Assisted Living apartments? Yes, there will be cable hook-ups in every unit.

Will there be computer hook-ups in the apartments? There will be two telephone jacks in each apartment. More can easily be added at any time. Wireless internet services can be subscribed to from FCTC on an individual basis, just as you now do for your own home.

Who will hire the staff? The city will hire a management firm to staff the facility. The management firm will hire local people wherever appropriate. Vinton Lutheran Home and the City of Dysart are in contract negotiations for management services.

Will this project increase my property taxes? NO! This project will not increase property taxes. This facility will be built with a United States Department of Agriculture loan and a Security State Bank loan, whose terms are described in the case statement, and with contributions from this Dysart Dreamfield Village Assisted Living Facility capital campaign.

If the city is getting a loan to build the facility, why are you asking people to invest in it? One of the loan requirements is that the citizens must invest the first $1.2 million in the project as a show of good faith and to provide the “down payment” to get the loan. This is another community asset just like the library and the aquatic center!

What happens to the money I have given if the project doesn’t go? Monies collected will be returned to the donor; pledges would be cancelled. All indicators, however, are that this project WILL be successful!

Why should I contribute to this when I won’t/don’t use it? The Dysart Dreamfield Village Assisted Living Facility WILL affect everyone. Younger folks may have parents who need assistance; middle-aged people participate in their parents’ well-being, even from afar. Mature people who live here want to stay here. This is an important community asset made even better with city ownership instead of ownership by a private firm from out-of-town.

Can I reserve a unit now? YES! Talk to Roxanne Schneider, Dysart City Clerk, at City Hall, 319-476-5690.