Terry Spitznagel always knew she wanted a career that would allow her to be of service to others. But she knew she had a keen business sense and sought a path that would enable her to leverage both hard and soft skills. "I've been blessed with a career path where…
Our culture of compassion and respect sets United Church Homes apart, and our "I Live It" hospitality standards aim to show those we serve that we don't just say it-- we work to bring those values to life. Leading the charge is Amy Kotterman, Director of Customer Experience. Kotterman has…
March 13, 2020, is circled on United Church Homes senior leaders' calendars - just two days after COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the U.S. That day began a baptism by fire for every UCH team member. UCH faced two challenges against the backdrop of one of the most…
SAGECare LGBT Cultural Competency Training for Senior Living Providers United Church Homes communities have been recertified in SAGECare cultural competency training for those working with the LGBT community. The program is offered through SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT older adults since 1978.…
Creating an Inclusive Workplace Editor’s Note: Project Life, an integrated community employment program for people with developmental disabilities, has been postponed for the safety of participants, residents and staff at Fairhaven Community, due to the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. We hope the partnership will continue, stronger than ever, when we can…
By Paul Grassmann, JD, FCEP Thompson & Associates This year, we saw major changes in the estate planning arena that will impact almost everyone. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, better known as the SECURE Act, became effective Jan. 1. It effectively eliminated the Stretch…
United Church Homes' Commitment to Culture Change What jumps into your mind when you hear the words nursing home? Think about it. Did you picture a bright, friendly place, where staff and neighbors are like family? Did you envision an open floor plan and sun-filled community gathering spaces? Chances are,…
For Columbus Colony for Elderly Care staff, joining United Church Homes couldn’t have come at a better time. Staff, residents and families have been enveloped in the compassionate, inclusive UCH culture during an unprecedented time for senior living providers. On Feb. 3, United Church Homes Management and CCEC, a not-for-profit,…
Donor Spotlight: Lou Dickman Generous with her time and energy, the late Lou Dickman was known as the "helper of the community." Grounded in faith, compassion and love for her family and friends, this former resident of Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio, provided holy communion to friends, old and new,…
United Church Homes’ affordable housing ministry provides more than safe, accessible homes for low-income older adults. Aging in community, these residents experience abundant living with the help of integrated, on-site services and recreational opportunities. Over the past three decades, this ministry has grown with the support of community partners. UCH…
Lexi's Legacy Lives on at Trinity Community at Beavercreek's Memory Lane There’s a saying often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, despite no official ties to the president, that points to what is important in life. No matter its origin, the quote persists because the words are profound: “And in the end,…
How Meaningful Connections Contribute to Improved Health and Longer Lives In the past 50 years, research into loneliness and social isolation has skyrocketed. Breakthroughs in genetics and immunology allow researchers to measure, with great precision, the impact of loneliness on long-term physical and psychological health. It’s become a known, universal…
All the Lonely People More than a half century ago, the Beatles released a haunting song, “Eleanor Rigby.” Released in 1966, the song evokes our continuing modern predicament — we live surrounded by people yet report feeling lonelier than ever. Social isolation might seem like an individual dilemma, but the…
The Charitable IRA Rollover By Paul Grassmann, JD, FCED My general philosophy in life is that the simplest way is often the best way. When it comes to charitable giving, considering the new tax laws, this still rings mostly true. For most, complex trusts and private foundations are simply not…
After 43 years of service, Aug. 28 would begin like any other workday for Kay Flanagan, assistant director of nursing at Chapel Hill Community in Canal Fulton, Ohio. However, in many ways, this day would be a series of lasts as she worked her final shift. She cleaned out her…
Staff members from United Church Homes’ central office in Marion, Ohio, were reenergized and inspired this spring through fall, when they experienced the organization’s mission firsthand with trips to seven affordable housing and senior living communities in Ohio. The idea for the mission projects originated with the central office supervisor’s…
Getting homeless older adults off the streets or out of the woods is a resounding theme when you talk with Rev. Dr. David Schwab. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ for 50 years and long-time advocate for supporting United Church Homes’ affordable housing services, Rev. Dr. David…
Amid the launch of Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton, two United Church Homes locations that offer long-term and skilled nursing care welcomed a new medical director, Dr. Latha Venkatesh. Dr. Venkatesh has joined the teams at Trinity Community at Beavercreek and Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). Hailing from…
Three UCH Communities Earn Readers’ Choice Awards Three United Church Homes communities in Ohio have earned Readers’ Choice Awards from two newspapers. Harmar Place was voted Best Extended Care and Rehab Community in Marietta, and the Pines at Glenwood Community was voted Best Assisted Living in the Marietta Times’ Readers’…
Parkvue Community launched the world-class University Circle Interactive Cleveland learning program on its campus this year, thanks to the support of many individuals and a community foundation. Parkvue staff supported the program’s startup costs through last year’s Employee Giving Campaign, and lead donor Rev. Dan Busch’s passion for the program…
