Serving Seniors in Cokato Since 1964
Cokato Charitable Trust began with a simple question:
How can we ensure seniors in our community receive quality care close to home?
In 1962, a group of local leaders came together to study the need for a nursing home in Cokato. Charles Mitchell, Waldo Moberg, Carl Peterson, and Richard Peterson believed older adults should not have to leave their community to receive care. From the beginning, area congregations were invited to help shape the organization and operation of the facility.
That foundation of faith, service, and community partnership still defines who we are today.
The Opening of Cokato Constant Care Nursing Home
In April of 1964, construction began on what was first called Cokato Constant Care Nursing Home. The building was located on land east of the golf course and measured 13,500 square feet with additional basement space. It was designed to serve 66 residents.
On November 29, 1964, the doors opened to the public for an open house. More than 1,000 people attended. That turnout reflected something important. This was not just a building project. It was a community commitment.
On December 3, 1964, the first two residents were admitted. By April of 1965, the home was caring for 24 residents.
Senior care in Cokato had officially begun.
Growth Through Challenge and Change
Like many healthcare organizations, the nursing home faced challenges in the 1970s and early 1980s, including changes in management and financial pressures. The need for stability became clear.
In 1983, Wyman Nelson established The Cokato Charitable Trust. This transition marked an important turning point. The creation of a charitable trust ensured that senior care in Cokato would remain community-centered, mission-driven, and locally governed.
That structure continues today.
A Community-Governed Nonprofit
Cokato Charitable Trust operates under an eight-member Board of Directors composed of local volunteers. The board meets monthly and approaches every decision with residents, tenants, clients, staff, and community members in mind.
In addition, a Cokato Manor Advisory Board includes representatives from area churches, a member appointed by the Cokato City Council, and members of the CCT Board. This collaborative structure ensures that community voices remain part of our direction.
Our objective has always been clear. Develop quality senior services that allow older adults to remain in the community they call home.
Expanding to Meet the Needs of Seniors
As healthcare needs evolved, Cokato Charitable Trust expanded to serve seniors at multiple levels of care.
Key milestones include:
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1996
Heritage Place was built, including a new chapel, activity space, and rehabilitation area. Heritage Place is a 10-bed memory care unit designed to provide specialized support for individuals living with memory loss.
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1997
Edgewood Gables opened as a 30-unit independent senior housing community with supportive services.
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2000
Brookridge was constructed as a 16-unit assisted living facility attached to Cokato Manor. A new rehabilitation area was also added.
Who We Serve
CCT also developed a Medicare-certified Home Health Care Agency serving individuals within a 30-mile radius of Cokato.
Additional community services have included:
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Senior Adult Day Care
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Meals on Wheels
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Community fitness programming
Today, Cokato Charitable Trust employs approximately 180 full and part-time staff members who provide care across all divisions
A Legacy of Local Care
From a 56-bed nursing home to a full network of senior living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and community services, our mission has remained steady.
We exist to serve seniors with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Families searching for assisted living or skilled nursing care in Cokato, Minnesota often discover that our history is one of local leadership and long-term commitment. We were built by this community. We continue to operate for this community.
And we look forward to serving future generations with the same dedication that began in 1962.