By David Lawrenz
The Fellowship of Brethren Homes met for its Annual Forum at West View Healthy Living in Wooster, Ohio, on Aug. 10-12. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the forum offered a welcome opportunity to gather with like-minded friends and colleagues from Church of the Brethren-affiliated senior living communities.
In attendance were representatives of Hillcrest and Casa de Modesto in California; Garden Terrace in Washington; the Cedars in Kansas; Pinecrest in Illinois; Londonderry Village in Pennsylvania; and Good Shepherd, the Brethren Retirement Community, and West View Healthy Living in Ohio.
The keynote presentation was provided by Courtney Malengo, founder of Buzz + Smart Communications, who shared insights about effective storytelling, especially stories about the traditions, values, and philosophies of the Church of the Brethren upon which our communities were founded and continue to operate.
The group also heard from David Sollenberger, Church of the Brethren videographer and immediate past moderator of Annual Conference, who led a discussion about successful storytelling through video.
Additionally, Lisa McCracken, director of Senior Living Research for Zeigler Investment Bank, presented a comprehensive report titled, “2022 State of Not-Profit Senior Living and Care.”
The group enjoyed the hospitality of West View Healthy Living, gathering in the new, attractive, and inviting Connection Event Center. Eder Financial (rebranding from BBT), Resource Partners, and Ascension Capital Enterprises provided financial assistance to help underwrite the cost of the event.
— David Lawrenz is executive director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes. Find out more about the fellowship at www.brethren.org/homes.
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