The 30 Year Club

United Church Homes’ longevity in senior living and services is impressive, but equally impressive is the retention of its employees. Across the organization, 50 dedicated individuals have 30 years or more of service. UCH celebrates their years of dedication and commitment to the lives they touch daily.

Freda Eldridge, certified wound care nurse at The Fairhaven Community leads the way in longevity, having served the community for 49 years, nearly half of the organizations’ existence. Freda credits her drive to help others to a spiritual calling, “I feel as though God put me here. It’s truly a gift to serve.”

Freda has no plans for retirement and remains faithful to serve The Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for as long as she is able.

Fairhaven has some of the longest-serving employees at UCH, with 19 serving more than 30 years. Jean Smith, administrator, said the support of both the leadership and front line staff helps employees feel appreciated so they can do their jobs successfully. “The employees keep us focused on the primary goal,” Jean continued, “providing abundant living and excellent care for our residents.”

Darlene Marrs joined The Trinity Community at Beavercreek in 1976 and celebrated 46 years in October. Today, Darlene is a cook in the Sports Café where she serves à la carte items to residents and staff. In addition to her primary role, Darlene stays active with the Life Wish Committee, Employee of the Month Committee, Employee Giving Campaign, helping with activities and photographing community events and residents.

Darlene credits her longevity to opportunities to do more every day. “They allow me to be creative, innovative and problem solve,” she added. She also credits the friendships and relationships she’s made along the way as they’ve provided a way to learn from others’ lived experiences. “I have made many friends and am so grateful to know and learn from them.”

Darlene hopes to reach her personal goal of 50 years of service to UCH before considering retirement. Tammy Brubaker joined UCH in 1988 as an accounting secretary. Over the years, Tammy has worked in various roles of increasing responsibility and is now Director of Revenue Cycle for UCH Management. Tammy oversees accounts receivable, billing and all things revenue-generating.

Tammy said a lot has changed over the years and new programs and initiatives are creating renewed excitement within the organization.

“The communities now have more support from the central office operationally, clinically and financially.”

“The adoption of the mission, vision and values and the Live It! program have helped us grow closer together. I like the direction we are going, looking for new ways we can serve our residents.”

— Tammy Brubaker

Tammy gives credit to her team for her longevity and success. “I have a very knowledgeable and experienced team that I work with daily and together we make it happen” she noted.

Serving the longest in affordable housing is Gina Laine, property manager at Sterling Place and Cyprus Run in Florida. Gina found UCH’s mission very attractive when looking for a role in October of 1998, stating the focus on helping people set UCH apart from other housing providers.

“The UCH drive to help older adults in our communities is needed and I’m so glad I can be part of that,” said Gina.

Each of these employees view their primary roles as a conduit to helping people and the individuals our organization serves. They embody the core values, and recruit others to come alongside them, creating abundant life throughout our communities.

We would like to thank the 50 employees who have faithfully served our communities with 30 or more years of service:

Central Office

Amy Kotterman – 30 years Susanne Starner – 32 years

The Chapel Hill Community

Cheryl Baughman – 31 years Lyn Bell – 31 years Constance Oberlin – 31 years Patricia Fryberger – 34 years Kathy Grotsky – 34 years Sandra Wheeler – 35 years Renee Adkins – 35 years Brenda Withrow – 41 years Patricia Tallman – 44 years

Englewood Office

Tamra Brubaker – 33 years Thomas Lee – 41 years

The Fairhaven Community

Joyce Brewer – 30 years Rebecca Johnson-Blocksom – 30 years Connie Rinehammer – 31 years Catherine Schoenberger – 33 years Ava Bassler – 34 years Ginger Thornton – 34 years Karen Webb – 34 years Amy Barth – 35 years Karen Castanien – 35 years Carol Reep – 36 years Sandra Bash – 36 years Elaine Pfeiffer – 37 years Yvonne Brown – 37 years Diana Swankhouse – 42 years Sonya Jarrell – 43 years Debra Eldridge – 44 years Catherine Shepherd – 45 years Darlene Fredritz – 46 years Freda Eldridge – 48 years

The Four Winds Community

Gloria Osbourne – 31 years Janis Shaw – 31 years Lori Perkins – 33 years Judith Cossin – 34 years Floyd Jenkins – 35 years

The Glenwood Community

Kelly Casto – 34 years

The Harmar Place Community

Christine Tucker – 33 years Karen Metz – 41 years

The Trinity Community at Beavercreek

Karen Moore – 31 years Laura Farrell - 31 years Jack Matney – 34 years Tammy Woodall – 34 years Melody Szewczyk – 35 years Judith Mullikin – 35 years Rebecca Burba – 37 years Crystal Swayne – 37 years Sophia Sweitzer – 41 years Darlene Marrs – 45 years

*Years of Service as of November 2021