More than a century after its founding, Village Shalom paused to celebrate one of the people who have helped shape its legacy with the dedication of its assisted living memory care community.
On July 15, residents, families, donors, past and present board members, staff, former colleagues and community leaders gathered to dedicate Bettinger Place, honoring Dr. Irene Bettinger for her lifetime of leadership, service and unwavering commitment to older adults, memory care and the Kansas City Jewish community.
Dr. Bettinger’s relationship with Village Shalom extends far beyond her work as a physician. She and her late husband, Leonard Bettinger, devoted years of service to the Village Shalom Board of Directors, and both had the distinction of serving as board chair. Together, they helped guide the organization through years of growth while championing exceptional care rooted in Jewish values.
Even today, Dr. Bettinger remains one of Village Shalom’s strongest ambassadors. Whether advocating for memory care, supporting fundraising initiatives, mentoring future leaders or encouraging others to invest in the organization’s future, her dedication has never wavered.
That enduring commitment was reflected not only in the crowd gathered to celebrate her, but in the generations of family members, friends, colleagues, residents and community leaders whose lives she has touched throughout her career.
Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, extended family and lifelong friends, Dr. Bettinger officially dedicated Bettinger Place with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. During the ceremony, Dr. Bettinger reflected on the values that have guided Village Shalom throughout its history.
“Village Shalom, for me, revolves around three main things: our history, our tradition, and our mission of tikkun olam — to repair the world,” she said.
Founded in 1912, Village Shalom has served the Kansas City Jewish community for more than 114 years while welcoming residents of all faiths. Throughout its history, the organization has remained grounded in the Jewish values of compassion, dignity and caring for older adults, while continually evolving to meet the changing needs of seniors and their families.
Family, friends, colleagues and Village Shalom leadership outside of Bettinger Place shortly before its ribbon cutting.
For Village Shalom board member and former Board Chair Bob Gershon, the ceremony carried special meaning. Just days after the dedication, his own mother would become a resident of Bettinger Place.
“Like every family facing this journey, we’re experiencing a mix of emotions,” he said, “but alongside those emotions is something equally powerful — confidence.”
Gershon shared that his confidence comes from knowing his mother will be surrounded by professionals who understand not only how to care for individuals living with memory loss, but how to help them continue experiencing joy, purpose and meaningful human connection.
“As a board member and former board chair, I’ve always had a strong connection to Village Shalom’s mission,” he said. “As a son, that belief is now even more deeply personal.”
Linda Clarkson, whose husband, Doug, is a resident at Village Shalom, offered a personal reflection on her family’s experience after her husband suffered a stroke last year.
“Village Shalom became our lifesaver for this new difficult chapter of our lives,” she said.
She described how the care her husband receives has allowed them to continue their journey together “as husband and wife, as friends — not as patient and caregiver.”
Clarkson also praised the staff’s compassion and the daily moments that make Bettinger Place feel like home — from music and outings to quiet acts of kindness and reassurance.
Her closing words reflected the philosophy Dr. Bettinger has championed throughout her career.
“They still have purpose and are regarded by everyone at Village Shalom as the unique individuals they are,” she said.
The dedication of Bettinger Place recognizes far more than one remarkable career. It honors two lives of service and leadership that have helped shape Village Shalom’s mission for generations. Through their guidance, generosity and commitment to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, Irene and Leonard Bettinger have strengthened an institution that has cared for older adults in Kansas City for more than a century.
As President and CEO Simon Abrahms reflected following the ceremony, “Irene and Leonard Bettinger exemplify what it means to lead through service. Their commitment has strengthened Village Shalom for decades, and it is only fitting that future generations will know their story every time they walk through the doors of Bettinger Place. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of this community, and we are honored to celebrate it.”
Following the renovation of its third floor, Village Shalom is now welcoming new residents and families to its assisted living memory care community. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the organization will host “A Day in the Life of Memory Care,” an open house designed to introduce prospective families to the newly refreshed neighborhood, innovative programming and compassionate, person-centered approach that define Bettinger Place.