SLCNA Report February 2020 - Report - Page 3
I. Introduction
Messiah Lifeways is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania that provides
a network of services for adults 55 and older living in south central Pennsylvania. Our roots extend back
to 1896, when the Brethren in Christ Church founded Messiah Home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to
serve older adults. The close affiliation between Messiah Lifeways (and its affiliates) and the Brethren in
Christ Church continues to the present time. Messiah Lifeways is a ministry that invites residents, clients,
employees, volunteers, families, donors, external partners, and other friends to create an effective team
that:
• Responsibly exercises prudent stewardship and operational excellence
• Enhances the lives of older adults with a spectrum of healthcare, housing, and community services
that offers opportunities for spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being
• Embraces Christ-like love as the model and vision for service
From the beginning, Messiah Lifeways has been committed to changing the conversation about aging
and believes that older adults should not fear growing older, but should reimagine the journey of aging
as a time of purpose and faith-filled living.
Messiah Lifeways Mission Statement:
We are a ministry that responsibly enhances the lives of older adults with Christ-like love.
In support of our mission, Messiah Lifeways decided to voluntarily conduct a Senior Living Community
Needs Assessment (SLCNA) focused on the needs of adults age 65+ in south central Pennsylvania. The
organization chose to do this for several reasons. First, Messiah Lifeways is continually interested in
the health and well-being of older adults and is committed to being an engaged partner in the greater
community. Much of the organization’s longevity and heritage can be attributed to our vision and
commitment to changing the conversation about aging, as well as exploring and implementing new ways
to serve older adults in this region as their needs evolve. Additionally, we recognize that new barriers and
challenges regularly occur during the journey of aging. Changes in social perspective, public funding, and
legislation also have an effect on the services, resources, and the prioritization of needs of older adults.
Therefore, we must keep pace with the evolving needs of older adults and their loved ones throughout
our community.
Act Courageously
Live Responsibly
“Behold the turtle:
he makes progress
only when he sticks
his neck out.”
-James Bryant
Contant
“Be the change
you want to see
in the world.”
-Mahatma
Gandhi
Our Core Values
Decide Collaboratively
Speak Kindly
Love Generously
“Alone we can do
so little. Together
we can do so
much.”
-Helen Keller
“Kindness is the
language which the
deaf can hear and
the blind can see.”
-Mark Twain
“My command
is this: Love each
other as I have
loved you.”
-John 15:12
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