March 17, 2025
Time flies when you are having fun.
Graceview Courtyard, an Immanuel affordable retirement living community in Council Bluffs, Iowa, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The day included a special event honoring residents, commemorating history, and celebrating veterans.
Since opening in February 2020, Graceview Courtyard has grown into a thriving retirement community, providing modern independent living apartments, engaging activities, and a supportive atmosphere for older adults.
A growing and affordable retirement living community
When Graceview Courtyard opened, only a handful of residents had moved in before the COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life. One of those residents was Phillis Dittmer, a retired teacher who has lived at Graceview since March 2020.
Pictured: Graceview Courtyard resident Phillis Dittmer, and Immanuel Community Foundation Executive Director Emily Tonniges pose for a photo at Graceview's fifth anniversary celebration.
“It was very quiet at first,” Phillis said. “There were maybe 10 of us here by the end of March 2020. We slowly met each other. We played Hall Bingo — one of the staff would call numbers from the first floor, and someone would have a speaker phone in the hallway that we could hear. It was fun.”
Since then, the retirement living community has flourished. With the addition of a second independent living building in 2023, Graceview Courtyard now offers 121 modern apartments with in-unit washers, dryers, and updated appliances.
Phillis plays an active role in organizing activities for residents such as crafts, Wii bowling, and card-making for deployed soldiers.
“There is a lot here that I love,” she said. “It’s a real community.”
A memorable anniversary at Graceview Courtyard for veterans and residents
Graceview Courtyard’s anniversary celebration on February 28, 2025, was a joyous event featuring live music, games, a nostalgic photo slideshow, and a delicious brunch provided by The Pancake Man. The gathering reflected the strong camaraderie among residents, staff, and families. The event was organized and staffed by the Immanuel Community Foundation.
Pictured: Immanuel Community Foundation Grants Coordinator Maggie Yaeger, left, and Special Projects Coordinator Kaley Carnahan, right, serve brunch to a Graceview Courtyard resident during the celebration.
One of the day’s highlights was the unveiling of Graceview Courtyard’s Veterans’ Wall, a permanent indoor tribute to residents who served in the U.S. military. The display includes custom shadowboxes honoring the veterans and their military branch, topped with the inscription: Honoring All Who Served.
A special veterans tribute in Council Bluffs
The Veterans’ Wall was the vision of resident and Vietnam War veteran Matt Dillon. Inspired by similar tributes at other Immanuel retirement living communities, Matt wanted Graceview Courtyard to have its own dedicated space to honor those who served.
“It’s very, very heartwarming,” Matt shared. “It brings tears to my eyes to see it finally done. It makes me feel proud.”
Pictured: Graceview Courtyard Matt Dillon stands in front of the community's new Veterans' Wall.
Matt, a longtime honor guard and former two-term American Legion commander, considers this one of his most meaningful accomplishments.
“We fought like heck to bring peace in the U.S. and other countries,” he said. “Every community should have something like this.”
The project was made possible through the Immanuel Community Foundation, which secured private funding to bring Matt’s vision to life.
“We know this was an important project for Graceview Courtyard,” said Emily Tonniges, Executive Director of the foundation. “Our role is to help enhance our communities when residents have ideas that improve their experience.”
Pictured: From left to right, Graceview Courtyard residents Stacey McKeever, Janis Clark, and Virginia Hill enjoy a photo moment during the celebration.
Graceview Courtyard: Your home for affordable and independent living in Council Bluffs
For residents like Matt and Phillis, Graceview Courtyard is more than just a retirement living community — it’s a place to belong. With modern apartments, engaging activities, and a close-knit atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for affordable independent retirement living in Council Bluffs.
“I feel great about Graceview,” Matt said. “It’s a great place with a lot of lovely, friendly people. It’s a very close community.”
With a growing resident base and meaningful projects like the Veterans’ Wall, Graceview Courtyard continues to thrive as a leading independent retirement living option for seniors in southwest Iowa.
