Behind the Rebrand
In late spring, we unveiled three new brands: for Woodcrest Villa, the former Mennonite Home, and our parent company.
While it might seem like these changes happened quickly, it took an incredible amount of work behind the scenes. We want to share a bit of that story here.
OUR HERITAGE
The history of our organization stretches back to 1903, when a group of Mennonite leaders established the Mennonite Home to care for older adults in need.
In 1993, we launched Woodcrest Villa: a residential community designed for folks over the age of 60 who wanted to downsize their home while keeping up their active lifestyle. Along the way, Mennonite Home Communities (MHC) was formed as the parent company for the Mennonite Home and Woodcrest Villa.
OUR GOALS
Despite the organization’s success, the need to update Woodcrest Villa’s branding began to emerge. We wanted to build a brand that was modern and vibrant—that better reflected the thriving community Woodcrest Villa has become.
For The Mennonite Home and MHC, we’d seen some confusion around who these organizations were for. Was residency restricted to members of the Mennonite Church? Would people from di erent backgrounds feel out of place? We knew it was time to choose a name and look that were more approachable.
OUR PROCESS
With these goals in mind, we assembled a committee of employees, residents, and board members to lead our organization through a rebrand. One of the first steps the committee took was to identify a branding agency to guide us through the process. After meeting with several candidates, we chose to partner with Infantree—a local firm with a respected reputation and body of work.
Together, we dove deep into our long-term plans and strategy. We sat down with a range of residents and employees to hear what it means to live and work here. These conversations became the foundation of everything to follow.
With our research in hand, we began the process of renaming The Mennonite Home and MHC. Because of Woodcrest Villa’s strong market presence, we decided renaming the campus was unnecessary.
We chose the name Tandem Living to replace MHC because of the imagery it evokes. You might think of a tandem bike, tandem kayak, or even a tandem airplane cockpit. It’s that idea
of partnership—and moving forward together— that so perfectly captures what we o er to our residents. It also signifies our belief in walking side by side with Christ.
When it came to renaming The Mennonite Home, we wanted to honor our Christ-centered heritage without implying that residency is only for those who share our beliefs. We landed on Trillium Place.
The trillium is a beautiful, three-petalled wildflower that’s found in Lancaster County. (You can see them carpeting the forest floor at local nature preserves each spring.) But more than a pretty flower, the trillium has long been a symbol of the Trinity. In fact, trilliums are often called Trinity flowers. For us, “Trillium Place” is a reminder of our past, a reflection of our faith, and a name that welcomes all.
Once the names were approved by our board, we began designing new logos for Woodcrest Villa, Trillium Place, and Tandem Living. It was important that each of these logos were elevated in their own right—and that they worked together as a family of brands.
We also wanted to capture photography of real community members. So we recruited volunteers to get out there and do what they love: visit favorite attractions, head downtown, and get into nature. You’ll be able to see these photos featured throughout our new websites and social media.
All told, well over a year’s worth of work went into our May launch. We couldn’t be more excited for the future of our communities, and we believe the refined, modern brands we’ve developed will serve us well for many years to come.
The Power of A Red Umbrella
People travel the world for many reasons. Some want to learn about di erent cultures, to fulfill a bucket list adventure, to be free, to find joy or to search for inspiration.
Little did Lancaster artist, Liz Hess (pictured left) know that a trip to Italy in 2002 would launch one of her most iconic collections: The Red Umbrella.
The self-taught artist, Hess, used the cheerful elegance of a red umbrella to unify her collection, which takes inspiration from trips abroad, as well from iconic landmarks in Lancaster, PA.
It is her life story, her artistic prowess and the iconic red umbrella that led to the invitation to be the featured guest at this year’s Hearts & Hands (H & H) Women’s Connection luncheon at Woodcrest Villa on Saturday, April 27.
The Development Department hosted the annual event which included a presentation by Hess, a lunch prepared by the Woodcrest Villa Dining Services Catering team, remarks by Hearts & Hands members, and an opportunity to purchase some of Hess’ items.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I met so many lovely, engaged women in such a beautiful setting and for a worthy cause. I am honored to have been asked to be a part of it,” states Hess.
As a growing community in Lancaster County,
Woodcrest Villa understands the importance of recognizing individuals who are making a di erence through education, art, philanthropy, and environmental e orts. Individuals like Hess who pursue their passion and make a di erence for others.
Woodcrest Villa resident, Pat Shaw, thoroughly enjoyed the event: ”If you enjoy being with both old and new friends, sitting at beautifully appointed tables, eating delicious food, and listening to a wonderful speaker, you should have been at the recent Hearts and Hands luncheon.”
This year’s luncheon exceeded attendance expectations with over 90 ladies in attendance. Sandy Brown, H&H Committee member, said, “Hearts and Hands provides an opportunity to connect with residents that you may not have met before. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by our Woodcrest Villa sta and was entertained by an excellent speaker.”
Kim Peters, Director of Development, launched Hearts & Hands Women’s Connection in 2018 with the intent to encourage contributions to Tandem Living’s benevolent care program while connecting women through social and
educational opportunities.
“I have had the privilege of serving with this wonderful group of ladies, who’s members come from both Woodcrest Villa and the surrounding community. Each year they demonstrate their generosity to others, willingness to serve and compassionate hearts in multiple ways to our Tandem Living community,” says Peters.
Over the last six years, participants have attended luncheons, helped residents during Trillium Place activities, completed service projects, and more.
And Hearts & Hands continues to grow. From 43 members in 2018, today the group has grown to over 70 members.
To learn more about Hearts and Hands Womens’ Connection, please contact Kim Peters, Director of Development at kpeters@tandemlivingpa.org or by phone 717-390-4105.
Gallery shoppers stop to admire Hess’ work in her gallery.
Residents Nancy Shenk and Rosalyn Ward pause for a photo with their red umbrellas at the Hearts & Hands luncheon.
1520 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
SERVICE REQUESTED
“Living in Tandem” is published three times a year by Tandem Living, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Tandem Living is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information of Tandem Living may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Please note: A donation or contribution to Tandem Living is purely voluntary. A contribution is in no way a requirement for the institution or continuation of any business relationship with Tandem Living. Also, a contribution is in no way a requirement for admission or continued stay at the facility. Residents of Tandem LIving will receive the same standard of quality care, the provision of which is not conditioned on any contributions.
To receive information about living at Woodcrest Villa, call Amy at 717-390-4103.
Featured on the cover:
Woodcrest Villa residents Pat and Adrienne enjoy lunch in downtown Lancaster City.
Living in Tandem Committee Members: Elizabeth Harvey, Marcia Herneisen, Daniel Mortensen, Kim Peters, Justin Lewis, Jess Sibbett and Abby Zarfoss.
To receive information about Trillium Place, call 717-390-7979.
To remove your name from our mailing list, call Abby at 717-735-2647.
Falcon Pointe On Track For First Quarter 2025 Occupancy
There’s no doubt about it, Falcon Pointe is on the move, skyward! Warfel Construction is building out the second floor and will then move on to the third and fourth floors with an anticipated ‘under roof’ date of mid-July of this year.
Future Falcon Pointe residents will have access to dining options just a few steps from their apartments. The first floor connects to The Garden Cafe and the second floor connects to The Bluebird Inn.
More details to come as the building continues to take shape!