Bethany Community celebrated its 90th year of service to the Alexandria community in 2007.

In 1916, with World War I raging in Europe, area families were concerned about the growing number of seniors displaced from their homes and farms. Pledging their support to provide their neighbors with shelter, these families joined with others in the community to build Bethany Home - a name inspired by the village of Bethany, where Jesus rested with his friends.

Bethany Home began on six acres of donated land located on the shores of Lake Winona. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce pledged $1,500 to build Bethany Home. Local residents, churches and organizations raised the needed $75 per room for furnishings. And on New Year's Day in 1917, Bethany Home welcomed its first residents.

In the early 20th Century it was the power of committed, visionary people working together and building community that led to Bethany Home. Today, as we begin the 21st Century, we are facing unprecedented demographic changes. In fact, in 2020, Minnesota for the first time, will have more people over the age of 65 than school-age children. Yet some things do not change. For it is committed, visionary people working together who will ensure Bethany Community continues to innovate and meet the changing needs of our customers well into the future.