The Legacy And Valley View Estates

Growing up, Julie and Pete worked in a nursing home during the summers. They often thought about ways they could make things better for each resident they worked with; that experience stuck with them the rest of their lives. When they started their married life, they seriously considered buying a big house and starting a home-like environment for the elderly.

Their dream took shape over two decades ago when they embarked on a journey to establish The Legacy in Morris, Minnesota and Valley View Estates in Long Prairie, Minnesota. The aim was to build assisted living and memory care communities that offer a genuine sense of belonging and a higher quality of life.

Today, The Legacy and Valley View Estates stand as a testament to their dedication, with their children, Jolynn and Charlie Warnes, continuing their mission as co-owners.

“The Legacy in Morris holds a special place in our hearts because it was always my dad’s dream to give back to the community that shaped him and his brothers. I often hear residents share stories about my dad’s days as a young athlete or the impact my grandparents had on this small town. It’s incredibly rewarding to now care for those who once cared for my family,” says Jolynn.

A Family-owned, Community-focused Alternative

In a landscape increasingly dominated by large corporations, family-owned and community-focused, “mom-and-pop” assisted living homes like The Legacy and Valley View Estates foster a warm, supportive environment, treating each resident with respect and affection.

Unlike larger corporate-run communities, The Legacy and Valley View Estates have the flexibility to truly listen to residents and their families and react quickly. This allows them to respond directly to preferences and needs without the constraints of corporate bureaucracy. For instance, if residents prefer more hotdishes and fewer soups, the facilities can promptly adjust the menu accordingly.

“Our goal is to give our residents a significant say in their daily lives. We see the elders in our community as heroes and we aim to treat them with the respect they deserve,” says Charlie.
Community involvement is at the heart of everything the Warnes’ do. They believe that a thriving community depends on working together and staying connected. By having regular resident council meetings with the ombudsman and hosting many community events and activities, both facilities ensure that residents are active participants in making a positive impact on the communities they have long called home.

The philosophy held by The Legacy and Valley View also extends to their specialized memory care services. Their expertise fills a critical gap by offering compassionate care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions. Many rural communities have very limited options for assisted memory care and the Legacy and Valley View Estates fill that gap.

Leaving Lasting Impacts

The warmth and homely atmosphere at each facility have earned them a reputation as the “fun assisted living home,” where many residents feel they have found not just a place to live, but a family to be a part of.

The true impact of the Warnes’ approach is best seen in the lives of their residents. Stories like Grandma Evelyn’s, who found renewed vitality after a major heart attack, or Grandma Joyce’s, whose well-being dramatically improved while battling Alzheimer’s, highlight the profound difference that compassionate, personalized care can make.

“Our facilities have such quality of care and quality of life that they’ve become a home for our own families to live and work,” Julie and Pete say.

Families of residents also share appreciation testimonials about the impact the facilities have had on their loved ones.

“You provide care down to the tiniest detail. When we came in and you had brought her pajama shirt to be mended because it was missing a button signaled to me that you care about her dignity,” says one family member.

Another family member says, “Your kindness, joking banter and love of the people you care for is so evident. Thank you for the wonderful care of our father and for making him feel that the Legacy was his home!”

Looking ahead, the Warnes’ have plans to deepen their community involvement and explore new growth opportunities. Building partnerships with local and state governments is a key strategy, as they advocate for greater support and resources for family-run assisted living facilities.

The Warnes’ story is one of dedication, compassion and community. As their facilities continue to grow and adapt, they remain unwavering in their mission—to provide a home where the elderly can thrive, surrounded by a community that cherishes them.