Latest Spirit Articles



Barrington Square Resident Gives to Premature Babies

  Mei 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…


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From Millie, with Love

Never underestimate the impact a small act of kindness has on the world. Meet Millie Schilman, whose kindness extends to each and every resident of Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio. For the past couple of years, Millie has dedicated most of her free time to one simple act of kindness…


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Glenwood Earns Community Choice Award for Engagement

Residents of United Church Homes’ Glenwood Community in Marietta, Ohio, are an active bunch. The community has a high percentage of residents who are engaged with the local community, from volunteering at the hospital to participating in intergenerational programming at a school. Glenwood Community has earned a 2018 Community Choice…


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Campaign for Abundant Life

The Campaign for Abundant Life is increasing in momentum as more individuals, churches and community partners respond with support. 2018 marks year two of the five-year comprehensive campaign. The goal is to raise funds for charitable care, pastoral care, the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging, updated campuses for…


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A Journey from Kenya to Friendship Plaza

When 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…


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Supporters Honored at Donor Appreciation Events

At each event, UCH presented three awards — the Diakonie Award, the Spirit Award and the Ben M. Herbster Award. The Diakonie Award is presented to congregations to honor those who have demonstrated faithfulness in their support of the mission of United Church Homes and its communities. The Spirit Award…


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UCH Supports Staff Members through Liver Transplant

On 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…


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Becky Stacy Joins UCH to Lead Pilgrim Manor

Becky was searching for career opportunities closer to family when she learned of the position at Pilgrim Manor. While interviewing with interim administrator and United Church Homes Management Executive Director Karen Messick, Becky learned of the organization’s mission, vision and core values. “I was excited to find a community that…


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Dorothy Eckert Makes Lasting Impact

Dorothy 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…


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After Losing Partner, Man Finds Home at Morning Star

  Steve 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…


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Journey to Parkvue: Neighbors Discover They Share an Incredible Bond

New Parkvue resident Dr. E. Anne Eddowes was familiar with United Church Homes because she grew up with Ruth Frost Parker, a former Board member and the largest single benefactor in UCH history. Anne decided to move to UCH’s Parkvue campus in early 2018 after splitting her time between Arizona…


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Abundant Aging Through the End of Life

Over 200 people attended the third annual Symposium of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging at Marriott Columbus University Area. The Symposium featured education and discussion on end-of-life issues, said Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, executive director of the Parker Center. The keynote speaker was Dr. Ira Byock, a leading…


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Pilgrim Manor’s Inaugural Lunch Break to Educate Series: 2018 Tax Reform

  The 100-plus attendees enjoyed lunch followed by an informative lecture, featuring speaker Ryan Sheffer of Advance Capital Management, who guided attendees through best giving practices after the 2018 tax reform. All funds raised at the event support Pilgrim Manor’s Compassionate Care Fund for residents who have depleted or outlived…


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Fairhaven Earns Five-Star Quality Rating

CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. Nursing Home Compare provides quality ratings to each of the nation’s Medicare and/or Medicaid-certified communities. Each community is rated from one star to five stars based on three critical areas: health inspection…


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Housing Services Expands Portfolio to 61 Communities

Gateway 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…


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Murner Tapped to Lead Uplands Village

Herschel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Uplands Village having previously served in the Information Technology department and as chief operating officer. “I am both honored and excited for the opportunity to continue the lasting journey with Uplands Village,” he said.


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