Specialties
More than just a place, Meadowlark is a not-for-profit organization devoted to caring for the elderly in the Manhattan area. Meadowlark provides senior living services and wellness programs throughout the area, as well as a full spectrum of senior living options at Meadowlark Hills, our continuing care retirement community. Meadowlark was founded in 1980 by a group of local citizens who wanted a better living option for older adults in Manhattan, Kansas. Today, Meadowlark Hills, is recognized worldwide for its person-centered approach to senior living. Here, residents live life according to their own schedules, passions and pastimes, and are given the respect and privacy that every person wants and deserves.
History
Established in 1980.
Meadowlark Hills is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. In 1974, a group of citizens noticed that the city's retired population was growing smaller, due to a lack of living options. In an effort to help keep Manhattan's community thriving and to give older adults more choice in the matter of where they live during retirement, these citizens partnered with six local churches to create Meadowlark Hills. Built on the concepts of continuum care, respect and compassion, Meadowlark Hills opened in 1980.
Since its opening, the organization has undergone great transformations to encompass and honor the household model. Meadowlark Hills is each resident's home. Staff, residents and board members are committed to enhancing quality of life by nurturing individuality and independence. Meadowlark is growing a value-driven community while leading the way in honoring inherent senior rights and building strong and meaningful relationships with all whose lives are touched.
Meet the Manager: Lonnie B.
Lonnie Baker is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Meadowlark. As the CEO, Lonnie is responsible for providing visionary, strategic leadership for the organization by working with the Board of Trustees and senior leaders to establish and achieve the short-term and long-range goals.
In 2011 Lonnie joined the Meadowlark team as the Chief Operations Officer. Previously, he worked in Garden City at Garden Valley Retirement Village as the administrator. Lonnie began his career in healthcare in 1997 and held various leadership roles since. He transitioned to the world of senior services in 2008.
Lonnie is certified as an Eden Associate, a Preceptor for Kansas Administrator in Training and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (Kansas). He has served on the LeadingAge Kansas board member and is a past member of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce board.