Karen Goeders, a case manager with the Elderbridge Agency on Aging, spent time in both Elderbridge's old offices in the Bank of America Building.
But she much prefers the agency's new location at 308 Central Ave - not just because their remodeling was recently completed, Goeders said, but because she said they offer her the ability to better serve her clients.
She said her private office helps clients and their family feel comfortable and more secure that their talks are confidential.
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Karen Goeders, a case manager at the Elderbridge Agency on Aging, visits with board member Jen Sowers, of Algona, during an open house Tuesday afternoon of the newly finished offices at 308 Central Avenue.
"The can come in and talk," Goeders said. "We're able to shut the door and it's a much more calming atmosphere to meet with people."
She cites another issue: parking and access to the building.
"Sometimes we would see people out the window struggling," Goeders said of the former parking situation. "Here they can pull right up to the front door."
Robert Amman, interim healthy aging director, cited several other pluses in the newly finished building including workrooms for staff, room for future expansion, a fireproof room for confidential records and the computer server as well as a large meeting room that he said can be shared.
"It's available to other nonprofits for meeting space," he said.
There is even an office available for rent.
The freshly remodeled facility is also well liked by clients and service providers from other agencies.
Kim Larson, with Trinity Lifeline, said she works closely with Elderbridge clients and caregivers.
Larson said she likes the extra room and parking.
"It's beautiful," she said.
Marlene and Richard Bell, of Webster City, are former Elderbridge board members, they stopped by Tuesday to see the results of the work.
"It's a comfortable environment," Marlene Bell said. "They have a feeling of confidentiality and good parking."
Beth Bahnson, execute director of the Elderbridge Agency on Aging said she is happy with the newly finished work too. She too cited the ease of access for clients and parking improvements as well as the increased sense of confidentiality.
Part of that was done deliberately.
"We requested they put sound barriers in the office walls," she said.
Jen Sowers, of Algona, stopped by and stuck her head into Karen Goeders office, she was greeted warmly with a big smile and a friendly hello.
She said she likes the individual decorations in the case worker offices and the enhanced sense of privacy.
Goeders takes something else home from her days of helping people get help, connect with services and finding out that they indeed do have options.
"You get to feel like you're part of their family," she said. "And that they're a part of yours."
Contact Hans Madsen at (515) 573-2141 or hmadsen@messengernews.net