SunnyBrook Assisted Living, Inc. was established in 1995 in Fairfield, Iowa by Betty and David Howell. Betty Howell, who had been involved in geriatric care for 25 years, was inspired by the newly developing ideas of the assisted living movement. Her desire was to provide a home-like environment for each resident, maintaining the maximum level of independence, choice and dignity. SunnyBrook provides a full range of high quality services consistent with the individual needs and preferences of not only the residents, but their families and community as well.

In 2001, Jim Belilove, a graduate of Harvard Business School and longtime resident of Iowa joined with the Howells to build the first SunnyBrook Assisted Living facility in Fairfield, which was completed in February, 2003 and fully leased up within 6 weeks of opening.

Based on the success of the Fairfield facility, Jim and Betty developed the SunnyBrook at Ashford Park facility in neighboring Mt. Pleasant, located in Henry County, which experienced a similar reception by the community, reaching full occupancy within 6 weeks of opening in February, 2005. Both the Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant facilities have remained fully occupied since their opening.

In 2005, Jim and Betty partnered with James Elliott, a graduate of NYU Business School and an entrepreneur with business development, finance and marketing experience, to develop additional facilities across Iowa. In 2008, SunnyBrook completed four new assisted living projects in Iowa in the towns of Burlington, Fort Madison, Muscatine and Carroll.

Sunnybrook has created a recognized brand name in Iowa known today for the highest quality of care, excellent staff, integrity of service, vibrant activities for residents, delicious food and beautiful physical environment.

Ownership Team

Betty and David Howell are the original founders of SunnyBrook in Fairfield, Iowa in 1995. Starting as a 2 resident operation in her home, Betty Howell set the standards, methods and philosophy of care that have become the guiding principles of SunnyBrook in all its operations. Betty Howell is known throughout Iowa’s Senior Care community for her 25 years of experience in senior care and her passionate dedication to the principles of dignity, choice and community involvement.

Jim Belilove, MBA, is founder and president of Creative Edge Master Shop, Inc., a manufacturing company in Fairfield, Iowa, since 1988. Jim has been Betty Howell’s development partner since 2003, when the first SunnyBrook facility was opened in Fairfield, and has continued to be a principal in the financing, construction, and management of all subsequent SunnyBrook properties.

James T. Elliott, MBA, joined the SunnyBrook team in 2005. Leaving an investment banking career in New York City, James moved his family of 5 to Iowa to build SunnyBrook into what it is today. A Texas native, Mr. Elliott has been instrumental in the growth and operations of the company and is currently President and CEO of SunnyBrook Management Company.