Ottawa County Community Foundation Grant Supports Resident Engagement at The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island
PORT CLINTON, OH (July 9, 2026)— United Church Homes is pleased to announce that The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island has received a $2,000 grant award from the Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) to support enhancements to the assisted living outdoor deck, a popular gathering space for residents and their families.
The Ottawa County Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of Ottawa County to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families throughout the region. Through grants supporting education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts, OCCF invests in projects that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life.
The grant will help fund tables and chairs for the outdoor gathering space at The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island.
“We are grateful to the Ottawa County Community Foundation for recognizing the importance of creating spaces that foster connection and engagement for older adults,” said Paul Shaw, Administrator of The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island. “This outdoors space plays a vital role in the daily lives of our residents, providing opportunities for conversation, friendship and meaningful interactions with family members and fellow residents.”
The assisted living neighborhood serves older adults from Port Clinton, Catawba Island and Marblehead. As a smaller assisted living community, residents often depend on shared spaces that naturally encourage social interaction and engagement throughout the day.
Over the past decade, philanthropic support totaling approximately $27,200 has helped transform the outdoor deck into one of the community’s most valued amenities. Previous investments funded the construction of the deck, installation of a retractable awning and the purchase of initial outdoor furnishings. The new grant award will build upon those improvements and further enhance the resident experience.
Research has consistently shown that social isolation can negatively impact older adults, contributing to depression, cognitive decline and other adverse health outcomes. Accessible outdoor spaces provide important opportunities for residents to gather, enjoy fresh air and maintain meaningful social connections.
“The generosity of community partners like the Ottawa County Community Foundation helps us create environments where older adults can thrive,” said Gloria Hurwitz, vice president of advancement. “These enhancements will support daily engagement, strengthen resident relationships and help ensure this community remains a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.”
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For more than a century, United Church Homes has been dedicated to transforming the lives of older adults with quality housing and compassionate care. Now recognized as the 19th largest multisite nonprofit senior living organization in the U.S., according to the 2025 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 ranking, UCH proudly serves nearly 7,000 residents across more than 90 vibrant communities in 15 states and two Native American nations. Driven by a mission to redefine aging, UCH creates a culture of community, wholeness and peace for those it has the honor to serve.
About the Author: Ashley Bills
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