Calvary Homes Affi liates with Tandem Living
On June 18, 2024, John Sauder, President of Tandem Living, announced that Calvary Homes, a Continuing Care Retirement Community located less than 10 minutes from Woodcrest Villa and Trillium Place, has chosen to affiliate with Tandem Living.
The affiliation is the result of discussions that began more than a year ago. The Board of Directors of both Tandem Living and Calvary Homes approved the affiliation, with final approval coming at the Calvary Homes’ Corporation meeting on June 17, 2024. Calvary Homes joins Woodcrest Villa and Trillium Place as the third campus in the Tandem Living family. John Sauder has been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as President of Tandem Living, which includes Calvary Homes.
The affiliation resulted in all skilled nursing, personal care, and rehab services at the Calvary Homes campus relocating to Trillium Place. Serving residents at Trillium Place reduces costs at Calvary Homes and creates operational efficiencies at Trillium Place.
Shortly after the announcement, a Relocation Task Force comprised of Calvary Homes and Trillium Place staff began carefully planning the resident moves to minimize the impact on residents and their families. Thanks to the incredible work of this team, all Skilled Nursing and Personal Care residents were relocated to Trillium Place by August 21, 2024.
The legal process to affiliate is complete with an effective date of August 1, 2024. In addition, a unified Board of Directors has been formed with members of the former Mennonite Home Communities Board and members of the Calvary Homes Board, as well as a Board for Tandem Living.
“The affiliation is clearly beneficial for both Calvary Homes and Tandem Living,” Sauder said. “Many members of the Calvary Homes staff, have accepted employment opportunities at Trillium Place. We enjoy working with the talented members of the Calvary Homes team, whose efforts have resulted in a 5-star rating from Medicare.”
Sauder stressed that Calvary Homes continues to operate as a separate independent living campus. Former President and CEO of Calvary Homes, Dale Weaver leads the campus as Executive Director. In addition,
Dale serves on Tandem Living’s Executive Leadership Team as Vice President of Strategy & Technology.
In his communication to residents and staff, Sauder emphasized that the affiliation with Calvary Homes makes sense for Tandem Living and Calvary Homes for several reasons:
• This is a strategic decision in keeping with the growth goals outlined in Tandem Living’s 2022 Strategic Plan.
• The affiliation maximizes operational efficiencies and strengthens both Tandem Living and Calvary Homes.
• The affiliation makes sense, especially considering the proximity of the two campuses.
• The independent living options at Calvary Homes are at a different price point than Woodcrest Villa, providing Tandem Living an opportunity to expand its product line.
• Both organizations have Christcentered missions.
We are excited about the growth of Tandem Living and welcome our new residents and family members.
Publication Reflects ‘In Tandem’ Message
Whether you heard about Calvary Home’s affiliation with Tandem Living prior to this publication, or if this is the first time you are reading about the affiliation, Tandem Living is excited to share a collaboration opportunity.
For years, Tandem Living published ‘Soaring’ magazine and Calvary Homes published ‘Gleanings’. Both communities used the publications to reflect the lives of residents while, promoting organizational opportunities and highlights.
With the affiliation, it made sense from a branding and messaging strategy to combine the publications. This allows for Tandem Living to provide authentic resident experiences, community news from all campuses and exciting staff insights.
While this publication provides a fresh, new look, readers will see familiar names and faces within its pages.
So, put up your feet, sit back, relax and flip through the pages and see what’s new in Living In Tandem!
Woodcrest Villa Resident, Reba Buckwalter is right at home in her villa where she can kick back with a cup of coffee and a good book.
Angel Hunter, Nurse Aide uses innovative technology with resident, Velma Hess, to stay up to date on current events.
A Mission of Love
Carl and Sandy Hodges met and fell in love in college. Shortly thereafter, the two married and traveled to Switzerland and France to study French. Becoming fluent in French was the preparation they needed to live out their calling as missionaries to Africa.
For more than four decades, Carl and Sandy played pivotal roles in teaching and training future leaders in Africa. Together, they served as house parents and Sandy taught English as a second language. Carl, known as “Mr. Fix-it,” was a problem-solver at heart, always
ready to step up when things needed repair. He designed and built three houses, rebuilt generators, and even ran a print shop. Carl eventually assumed the role of team leader.
The couple experienced the joys and the hardships of their calling. One of their most difficult moments came when they were evacuated due to civil war. Through it all, they remained steadfast, emboldened by their mission to serve Christ.
The Hodges embarked on a new chapter in 2008 when they moved to Calvary Homes, a community founded in part to serve returning missionaries. Though their time in Africa had ended, Carl and Sandy quickly realized that their opportunity to serve was far from over.
Transitioning to life at Calvary Homes didn’t mean settling into a quiet life of rest. The same energy and love they poured into their missions work soon found an outlet in their new community.
Carl and Sandy Hodges work together to provide a thriving thrift store for all.
Volunteering became their new ministry, and Calvary Homes quickly benefited from their commitment.
Carl, ever the craftsman, took on the oversight of the wood shop, where he led a team of retirees in creating handmade goods. The wood shop became a place of camaraderie and purpose for many residents. Sandy poured her heart into managing the campus gift shop and, alongside Carl, was instrumental in the opening of the Calvary Homes Thrift Store. Their combined efforts turned the store into a vital part of the community’s life. Sandy’s warm presence and organizing touch, along with Carl’s behind-the-scenes support, made the thrift store a place where residents and visitors could not only shop but also connect and support one another.
and each other for any positive outcomes they’ve achieved. They realize that their move to Calvary Homes wasn’t a departure from their life’s purpose, but rather a continuation of it. Although they reflect on their time in Africa with fondness, they look forward to each new day with the same passion, finding joy in the difference they can make in the lives of others.
Together, Carl and Sandy contribute countless volunteer hours, helping to raise funds through the thrift store while uplifting the spirits of those around them. Their tireless dedication fosters a sense of community and purpose among residents.
Carl and Sandy are quick to credit their faith
Carl and Sandy Hodges are a testament to the fact that no matter the season of life, there is always room for purpose, service and love.
Carl and Sandy Hodges pause to reflect on their life’s work in missions both abroad and at home.
Serving Together For Benevolent Care
The affiliation between Tandem Living and Calvary Homes has provided many opportunities for collaboration between departments, including the Development departments.
Discussions among Development department leadership have reinforced that the mission to provide high quality, Christ-centered benevolent care to residents in need will benefit from the collaboration.
While the need for benevolent care is high and continues to grow, the affiliation allows Tandem Living and Calvary Homes to partner together to create greater efficiencies so that gifts for benevolent care can impact more lives.
“The need for benevolent care continues to increase for the residents of Calvary Homes.” states Ryan Murray, Director of Development of Calvary Homes. “Our affiliation with Tandem Living is a blessing to our residents and donors because we can now provide high-quality medical and spiritual care to more of our residents thanks to the financial efficiencies we gained through this partnership.”
An important commitment has emerged
from the discussions: as residents move to Trillium Place for personal care and skilled nursing services, gifts for benevolent care will remain separate based upon donor intent. In other words, gifts for Woodcrest Villa benevolent care will support Woodcrest Villa residents, while gifts for Calvary Homes benevolent care will support Calvary Homes residents. Donors will continue to receive annual appeals from the organization that they have previously contributed to.
The intent of this commitment is to honor each donor’s giving history and affiliation with the organizations. In this way, the Development staff of Woodcrest Villa and Calvary Homes are working together to continue the shared mission of providing compassionate care to residents.
As the future unfolds, the Woodcrest Villa and Calvary Homes Development teams will look for opportunities to collaborate on community appeals and special events.
Kim Peters, Director of Development of Woodcrest Villa shares, “I am looking forward to working with Ryan in ways that will encourage our donors for the common mission of benevolent care.”
Woodcrest Villa, Trillium Place and Calvary Homes remain incredibly grateful for the support of donors and volunteers who help make our mission possible.
Please contact Kim Peters or Ryan Murray with any questions.
Trillium Place is honored to be entrusted with the care of our residents like Ann Landis and Nadine Eshelman, who appreciate the person-centered care they receive from this five-star facility.
Kim Peters and Ryan Murray enjoy fellowship with Trillium Place residents, Joyce Ruffner and Joyce Murray.
From left to right: Joyce Ruffner, Kim Peters, Ryan Murray and Joyce Murray.
Working Together For A Secure Community
One of the most sought-after benefits of moving to a retirement community is that residents have the security of knowing they live in a safe, caring community. Since its founding, Calvary Homes has been a safe community. Even so, its affiliation with Tandem Living has made it possible to hire two experienced security officers to serve the Calvary Homes campus.
Vincent DiMurro III, a retired New York City Police Officer and Dale Stewart, a retired Lancaster City Bureau Police Officer have a strong passion for public service. The two enjoy serving Calvary Homes and look forward to building long-term, meaningful relationships with residents, families, and team members.
Justin Lewis, Human Resources Recruiter shares, “We are fortunate to have these two experienced officers on the team. Their decades of experience will help lay a strong foundation for the security program that will serve Calvary Homes for decades to come.”
Tandem Living’s Security Supervisor, Rick Knight, has been consulting with the Calvary Homes staff to support the creation of the security team. Rick has shared Tandem
Living’s security policies and procedures so the team can function to their maximum level as soon as possible.
The establishment of a dedicated 24-hour security team is reassuring for residents, family members and staff. The team’s efforts
Tandem Living Security Supervisor, Rick Knight helps keep our campuses safe.
will improve emergency response times, ease resident family concerns, and promote a sense of safety.
Aerial view of the Calvary Homes campus.
Tandem Living Security Supervisor, Rick Knight meets with Woodcrest Villa Security officer, Ryan Albright to review security events.
1520 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
SERVICE REQUESTED Tandemlivingpa.org
“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:
Trillium Place residents Velma Hess, and Patricia Smith, share stories with staff member, Angel Hunter, while putting a puzzle together.
Living in Tandem Committee Members:
Susie Confer, Marcia Herneisen, Justin Lewis, Dan Mortensen, Ryan Murray, Kim Peters, Jess Sibbett, and Abby Zarfoss.
To receive information about Trillium Place, call 717-390-7979.
To receive information about living at Calvary Homes, call Susie at 717-393-0711.
To remove your name from our mailing list, call Abby at 717-735-2647.
