Calvary Baptist Church, the recipient of the 2018 Diakonie Award, sends children and teens to Parkvue Community for Christmas caroling and the Hallellujah! puppet show. Started in 1931, the church seeks to be a blessing to those it reaches. Its ministries include several programs for children and teens as well as opportunities for families and adults.

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.

Parkvue honored resident Mike Kevesdy with the 2018 Spirit Award. Kevesdy was born in 1923 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he minored in economics. He taught at Ohio Business College for 31 years and was a trucking manager for 24 years. Kevesdy is a 20-year member of Toastmasters.

Kevesdy said he has been impressed with the residents and opportunities the staff provides. At Parkvue, Kevesdy offers a chitchat group three times per week — an important activity to stimulate thinking and to socialize with others as they age. He also sits on the resident council and assists with happy hour and Bible reading.

The Spirit Award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the volunteerism, advocacy, inspiration and spirit for the residents and their families of United Church Homes communities.

Susan Sheidler is the recipient of the 2018 Ben M. Herbster Award from United Church Homes. Sheidler retired as vice president of nursing at Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Norwalk. She began working in senior living services as a nurse’s aide at age 16, and her passion for assisting older adults has not ceased.

Sheidler knew of United Church Homes for some time before having any contact with UCH communities; however, she was not initially aware of the affordable housing ministry of United Church Homes. That introduction was a turning point for her.

“United Church Homes meets all needs, from affordable housing to independent living and from skilled care to long-term care,” Sheidler said. Through benevolent care, UCH helps those who outlive or deplete their financial resources.

Sheidler has been a United Church Homes Board member since 2008 and currently serves as secretary.

The Ben M. Herbster Award, named after the first president of the United Church of Christ, is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Ben M. Herbster.

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-based nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, (740) 382-4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org