2017: A Year of Opportunity

2017 Board of Directors:

  • Rev. Kathryn Anadein
  • Dr. Trevor Bates
  • Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
  • Rev. Daniel L. Busch
  • Rev. John Cramton
  • Mrs. Suzanne S. Ellis
  • Rev. John Gantt
  • Ms. Cathy Green
  • Mr. James L. Henry
  • Mr. Robert P. Lee*
  • Ms. Sandy Lindahl
  • Mr. Philip E. Mallott
  • Dr. Alan B. Mikesell
  • Mr. Phil Moots
  • Ms. Diane Moreno Zerby
  • Mrs. Susan Sheidler
  • Rev. David V. Schwab
  • Mrs. Jean Szilagyi
  • Rev. Robert Tussing
  • Mr. Karl Ulrich

*Deceased

Cathy Green, ChairmanLast year was one full of opportunities and challenges for United Church Homes. In 2017, we expanded our capacity to serve older adults in 14 states and two Native American nations, extending our mission to new territory. We also are committed to seeking out and creating ways to enrich the lives of people living in our communities. We continue to expand memory care life enrichment programs like Comfort Matters, Opening Minds through Art and Music & Memory while identifying new ways to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Providing quality care is a focus for UCH. One measure that we use is the 5-Star Quality Measure from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). I’m pleased to report that UCH has demonstrated excellence as a leader in quality in the state of Ohio and beyond. All 12 United Church Homes owned and managed communities that offer nursing care have earned five stars on quality! That is a remarkable example of the hard work and dedication of our team members who serve older adults every day.

Professional development is essential to fulfill the mission and vision of United Church Homes, so we continue to invest in our greatest resource — our people. Certified and highly trained staff members provide the best in services and supports for the people we serve.

In 2017, United Church Homes also invested in other ways: an expansion of Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio, where 10 state-of-the-art cottages are being constructed; a renovation and expansion of the assisted living center at Pilgrim Manor in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and major renovations at two managed communities, SEM Haven in Milford, Ohio, and Friendship Village Columbus. Additionally, we welcomed Harmony Apartments in Pleasant Hill, Minnesota, into the family of affordable housing properties in 14 states across the U.S.

The year also saw the completion of a three-year renovation at United Church Homes’ flagship campus, Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. We rededicated the campus while simultaneously kicking off the comprehensive Campaign for Abundant Life, a historic five-year effort to raise $20 million so United Church Homes can continue providing abundant life in community well into the future.

The UCH Board regularly evaluates itself and looks for ways to improve. During 2017, we completed a self-assessment and approved bylaw changes for a more compact board of 12-15 members. We also implemented a new committee structure, which we believe will enhance governance.

We look forward to continuing our work to be servant leaders throughout United Church Homes communities and outside of our doors in 2018!

View the 2017 Annual Report