If you’ve been following United Church Homes over the past few years, you’re probably familiar with the term ageism. But what exactly is ageism, and how does it impact the lives of the nation’s older adults? The following is a Q&A with Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, executive director of UCH’s Ruth…
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NEW ALBANY, Indiana – Residents of Muir Manor, a United Church Homes managed community in New Albany, Indiana, could soon reap the health benefits of spending time in nature with help from a $3,242 grant from the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, formerly the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County. Outdoor…
Read MoreUCH presented Wishing Well awards at this year’s Housing Donor Appreciation Dinner on July 24, 2019. The United Church Homes Wishing Well grant program is open to all UCH housing communities. It is a unique way to distribute annual philanthropic gifts given to support Housing Services. Participating in the program…
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Rhonda Farley was tired to the bone. She had spent the past several years waking at 4 a.m. daily to help care for her aging mother. With the assistance of her grown son, Rhonda was providing around-the-clock care for her mother, Georgena, who was experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s…
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Sue Sheidler has spent the past 11 years serving tirelessly on the United Church Homes Board of Directors. Throughout her tenure, Sue has served on every committee, including as chair of the nominating committee from 2009 – 2019. She was Board secretary from 2014 – 2018. Sue’s background in nursing…
Read MoreConnie Frater, manager of Shawnee Springs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, following a prolonged hospital stay. She had been the manager of Shawnee Springs since it opened in 1995 and helped train many managers over the years. Connie was always willing to help wherever she was needed.…
Read MoreOur residents are so engaged, we couldn’t write features on every story. Here are some highlights of other engagement activities by residents and staff of UCH communities from our Community Benefits Program. Cherry Arbors Dwight, a resident of Cherry Arbors, retired when he moved in. To fight boredom, Dwight began…
Read MoreMei Lin has crocheted hundreds of hats and scarves for various organizations and individuals, children’s hospitals, veterans’ groups, hospices, homeless shelters and cancer centers. Mei Lin is a 75-year-old resident of Barrington Square in Acworth, Georgia. In 1961, she emigrated from Taiwan to New York, where her husband owned…
Read MoreMARION – A grant from 100 Women Who Care Marion will go a long way to providing comfort and a positive dining experience for residents of Brownstone Terrace, a United Church Homes affordable housing community. Each quarter, the 100 Women Who Care group selects one project to support, and they voted…
Read MoreWhen it was incorporated in 1947, Lincoln Heights was the first primarily black self-governing community north of the Mason-Dixon line. Today, it has one of the highest concentrations of African-American residents in the state of Ohio — 95.5 percent — according to the census. Yvonne’s journey to Friendship Plaza included…
Read MoreOn Aug. 27, MaryJane received a clean bill of health from doctors at her 11-year checkup after receiving a liver transplant. In 1997, MaryJane was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and eventually led to cirrhosis. In 2000, doctors told MaryJane she would need a…
Read MoreNumerous studies have pointed to the negative effects social isolation has on overall health and cognitive functioning. Social isolation is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. Beyond the social benefits, being outdoors has physical and emotional benefits. Sun exposure provides Vitamin D, which is essential…
Read MoreDorothy has served more than 30 years on the Fairhaven Community Volunteer Service Group and, at one time, as volunteer coordinator. Dorothy remembers her grandparents and parents canning fruits and vegetables for Fairhaven when she was a little girl. Her parents, John and Mary Rinnert, and her grandparents, Harry and…
Read MoreSteve had a wonderful life. He and his partner of 41 years, Larry, had a small circle of loyal friends, a beautiful dog and financial security. Larry was a medical doctor who served the community over 39 years. They lived together in a beautiful home. Larry was Steve's best…
Read MoreGateway Commons, located in Columbus, Mississippi, and Boardtown Village in Starkville, Mississippi, were purchased from National Church Residences for an undisclosed amount, per an agreement between UCH and NCR. “We are excited about adding Gateway Commons and Boardtown Village to the United Church Homes family. We look forward to providing…
Read MoreThe Athena Award is a national award sponsored by organizations to recognize excellence in leadership to a woman of distinction each year. The award is presented to a woman who has demonstrated her passion to help other women reach their goals in business or community leadership. Cheryl started with UCH…
Read MoreIn an Associated Press poll, among families with incomes below $50,000, just 35 percent said they felt financially ready for retirement, while 66 percent of those in higher-income households felt ready. United Church Homes is committed to its mission to provide abundant living for older adults, regardless of their financial…
Read MoreCaroline and Sandy experienced homelessness before moving to Brownstone Terrace, a United Church Homes affordable housing community in Marion, Ohio. Sandy had been sleeping overnight in parks for three months, while Caroline had bounced from one house to another. When Caroline lost her rental apartment due to the landlord selling…
Read MoreSue joined the Board in February 2007 as UCH faced an uncertain future, due to the recession that took a financial toll on the organization. The Board needed to make tough decisions to guide the organization through those difficult times and prepare for a stronger future, she said. Sue’s relationship…
Read MoreMuir Manor partners with many community organizations to improve quality of life for its residents. In 2017, the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, Indiana, partnered with Muir Manor to replace 10 bathroom floors, 11 kitchen floors and bedroom and living room carpet in nine apartments. The foundation awarded a $10,000…
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