It is my pleasure to welcome you to this issue of Willow magazine, my first as President and CEO of Willow Valley Communities. Like many of our 2,600 Residents who have relocated from 42 states, I have been deeply impressed by Lancaster’s vibrancy and the exceptional lifestyle offered here. It’s easy to see why Newsweek named Willow Valley Communities the No. 2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the nation and No. 1 in Pennsylvania.
As I begin this journey, my focus is on listening, connecting, and discovering what makes Willow Valley Communities so extraordinary. By building strong relationships with Residents, Team Members, and the greater Lancaster community, we can ensure that the culture that makes this organization so extraordinary continues to thrive.
I am grateful for the visionary leadership of my predecessor, John Swanson. For nearly 40 years, John boldly advanced innovation and growth, creating a nationally recognized community that leads with excellence. His courage to imagine new possibilities has paved a clear path for our future, and I am honored to carry that vision forward. That future is already taking shape. The SouthPointe expansion marks an exciting new chapter on our campus. Mosaic will bring a distinctive urban lifestyle to the heart of
Lancaster, redefining what it means to live well after 55. The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center, shaped by global best practices, will lead the nation toward a new way to view, experience, and embrace dementia.
At Willow Valley Communities, we believe life after 55 is not a season of diminished opportunities, but one of enrichment and possibility. In every residence we design, every amenity we offer, and every program we create, we affirm that this chapter of life should be defined by vitality, growth, and joy. I am deeply committed to continuing this tradition, ensuring that Residents experience a lifestyle that is not only sustained but elevated for generations to come.
There is so much to discover here, and I look forward to celebrating with each of you as we continue a Life Lived Forward — together.
Warmest regards,
Lisa H. Hawthorne President & CEO Willow Valley Communities
SEEING THE FUTURE, FINDING HOME | 3
For the Dolans, a Willow Valley Communities Open House made a big decision an easy one.
THE TIPTONS: FOUR SIBLINGS, ONE COMMUNITY | 5
Learn why — after a lifetime of moving from place to place — the Tipton siblings all decided to put down roots at Willow Valley Communities.
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES LOVES LANCASTER! | 7
Residents and Team Members are proud to support the city that has captured our hearts.
A LASTING LEGACY IN SPIRIT & STEEL | 9
Our recent Beam Signing Ceremony marked another milestone for the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center — the future of memory care at Willow Valley Communities.
HONORING WWII HEROES BY
PRESERVING
HISTORY | 11
Willow Valley Communities was honored to host Stephen Watson of The National WWII Museum this fall, as part of a moving event dedicated to our nation’s WWII heroes.
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION HONORING OUR VISIONARIES — MARLIN THOMAS & JOHN SWANSON | 13
On a recent evening filled with tributes, Willow Valley Communities celebrated the vision and service of Founder Marlin Thomas and longtime President & CEO John Swanson.
DICK COYNE: RAPPELLING FOR A CAUSE | 15
Resident Dick Coyne recently raised over $4,000 by dropping 10 stories down the side of a building! Read how he faced his fears to support Lancaster nonprofit VisionCorps.
RESIDENTS INVEST IN TEAM MEMBER DREAMS | 17
Through scholarships, Residents give back to the Team Members who give them so much.
SEEING THE FUTURE, FINDING HOME: HOW AN EASYGOING OPEN HOUSE LED TO A BIG LIFE DECISION
For Jim and Jane Dolan of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, finding the right 55+ community wasn’t just about square footage — it was about lifestyle, peace of mind, and a clear vision for the future. After touring five different communities, they walked into a Mosaic Open House, and something clicked.
“We knew right away,” Jim recalled. “Mosaic felt different. It felt like us.”
The Dolans’ first experience with Mosaic came at Willow Valley Communities’ Welcome Center, through a fully furnished model residence that reflected the elegant, elevated lifestyle Willow Valley is known for, right down to the simulated 15th-floor views.
“It was amazing to see a true replica,” said Jim. “We could walk through, picture our furniture, imagine our daily lives there.”
A digital display helped them explore available floor plans and views, while a scale model of the entire Mosaic building offered a clear sense of how the building fits into Lancaster City’s vibrant Market District.
Jane noted how easy the experience was from the start. “There was no pressure, just warm welcomes and thoughtful answers to every question,” she said.
The Dolans quickly chose their new home: an 1,800-square-foot residence on the 10th floor. Now,
as future Mosaic Residents, they’re enjoying the most meaningful part of the experience — the people.
“We’re already getting to know our neighbors,” said Jane. “It’s starting to feel like home.”
For the Dolans, Mosaic offers more than just stunning views and exceptional amenities — it’s the beginning of a brand-new chapter, with a strong connection to the life they’ve loved in Chester County.
“I went to Lancaster Central Market and was amazed,” Jim shared. “It reminded me of the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne, even some of the same vendors. It felt familiar and exciting all at once.”
Their advice for others? “Go to the Open House. Take a look. It’s relaxed, it’s welcoming, and who knows? You might just find your future, too.”
We’re already getting to know our neighbors. It’s starting to feel like home.
Jane Dolan, Future Mosaic Resident
FOUR SIBLINGS, ONE COMMUNITY:
WHY THE TIPTONS ALL CHOSE WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES
When four siblings, each with their own rich and independent life story, choose to settle in the same continuing care retirement community, it says something extraordinary — not just about their bond, but about the special place they now call home: Willow Valley Communities.
Meet the Tiptons: Jet, Pat, Abby, and Priscilla. Growing up in a military family with a Navy father, the Tiptons lived all across the map: New Jersey, Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Peru, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. So, when people ask, “Where are you from?” the siblings just laugh. Home was never a fixed location; it was wherever they were together. And now, that place is Willow Valley.
Abby Tipton was the trailblazer. “I was the first here,” she says with a proud smile. A former teacher and editorial researcher at National Geographic, Abby has always done her homework. “Research was in my blood, so I started looking all up and down the East Coast. But I kept coming back to Willow Valley because of the campus, the amenities and everybody I met was so nice... and the price was great compared to other communities. So, I kept coming back to Willow Valley for several years.”
Abby joined the waitlist and patiently waited six years for her turn, even though she was only in her early 60s at the time. “My friends were always saying, ‘Why are you doing this? It’s too early for you,’” she recalls. Still, Abby was determined to lock in her spot as early as possible. “I knew
The Tipton siblings all live at Willow Valley Communities: (L–R) Pat Longley, Jet Tipton, Priscilla O’Donnell, and Abigail Tipton.
it was popular, and I didn’t want to miss my chance.”
Abby’s move was soon followed by her older brother, Jet. A former Navy jet pilot who flew missions in Vietnam before transitioning to a career as a builder, Jet appreciated Willow Valley Communities’ thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
“He liked Willow Valley. He thought the residences were great, and his being a builder, that reassured me,” Abby says. “He also valued the active lifestyle and warm sense of community.”
I kept coming back to Willow Valley because of the campus and the amenities… Everybody I met was so nice… and the price was great compared to other communities.
Abby Tipton, Willow Valley Communities Resident
Next came Pat, another educator and pre-law advisor. She had explored other communities, but after a few visits to see Abby in her new home in Lancaster County, Pat was sold. That sweet spot — close to vibrant city life, yet set apart in peaceful, beautifully maintained surroundings — was one of Willow Valley Communities’ biggest draws for her. Compared to other communities she had considered, the difference was “night and day.”
This fall, Priscilla, the youngest sibling and former Chief Human Resources Officer of ATPCO, will become the fourth Tipton to join Willow Valley Communities. For her, the decision was easy. “I didn’t even need to look at any other communities,” Priscilla says, “because they did all the research for me!” With her siblings already happily settled at Willow Valley, she can’t wait to move in — not just to be close to family, but to lock in the peace of mind that comes with Lifecare.
In fact, Lifecare was a critical factor in the decision process for all the siblings. Willow Valley’s unique offering of Type A Lifecare, a comprehensive plan that covers future long-term care without an increase to the monthly service fee because of that need, was a game-changer for the Tiptons.
“We saw what a good model it was when our parents moved to a CCRC in Virginia,” Abby explains. “For us as their kids, it made our lives easier. They told us it was a gift to us, and it was.” Now, the Tiptons are passing that same peace of mind on to their own children. With predictable expenses, no financial surprises, and the freedom to travel without worry — “lock and leave,” as they call it — they’re free to focus on what matters most. For a family that’s spent much of their lives in motion, that freedom is priceless.
Even more priceless is the togetherness they’ve rediscovered. Though each sibling has their own residence and routine — one might be spotted at a fitness class, another joining a book club, and yet another enjoying coffee after a walk around campus — they gather often for dinners, birthdays, and holidays. And beyond their own family, they’ve found something equally precious at Willow Valley: a community. They describe it as “an extended family,” filled with caring Team Members and fellow Residents who are there for them at every turn. It’s a place where neighbors become friends and friends become family — exactly the kind of bond the Tiptons have always treasured.
As Priscilla prepares to join her siblings, the Tipton family circle grows even stronger, united not just by blood, but by the shared belief that the best years are not behind them, but right here, together, at Willow Valley Communities.
Willow Valley isn’t just where the Tiptons live — it’s where they’ve planted roots for this next meaningful chapter. A place that honors their independence, their legacy, and their lifelong love of family. After a life spent living around the world, the Tiptons have finally come home.
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES LOVES
LANCASTER! A CITY THAT CAPTURES HEARTS — AND INSPIRES US TO GIVE BACK
For more than 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has called Lancaster home. And after all this time, we’re still falling in love with this remarkable city every day.
Lancaster is known for its charm, its history, its vibrancy, its culture, and its deep sense of community. But it’s more than all that. It’s a place where people come together to create something greater. That’s why Willow Valley Communities has made it our mission not just to be in Lancaster, but to be a proud and passionate part of it.
With 2,600 Residents from more than 40 states, Willow Valley represents a beautiful cross-section of the country. Many of our Residents arrived here without knowing much about Lancaster or having any sort of connection to it. But after a single visit, they were captivated. And true to the Willow Valley spirit, they didn’t just settle in: They jumped in. They got involved. And they gave back.
Our City, Our Cause
At Willow Valley Communities, we believe that love is best shown through action. That’s why our organization, and the individuals who make it so special, actively support initiatives that strengthen Lancaster’s vitality, inclusiveness, and future.
Together with our Residents and Team Members, we’re proud to support and sponsor:
y The Witness Stones Project , honoring enslaved individuals and advancing historical truth and equity.
y Lancaster’s Race Against Racism, where our Residents and Team Members run united in support of racial justice.
y The VisionCorps Eye Drop, where Willow Valley Residents raise thousands to support those with vision loss.
A luncheon celebration at Southern Market followed the placement of three Witness Stones in Penn Square. (L-R) McCaskey student Izzy Alagbe; Chris Ballentine, Community Relations Manager, Willow Valley Communities; Historic Rock Ford volunteer Pamela Stoner; and Lauren A. Renehan, Executive Director, Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation.
y The School District of Lancaster, through impactful efforts like Sneakers for School, Cornhole for a Cause, Suitcases for School, and the College Send-Off Event, which help students feel confident, equipped, and cared for.
y The Fulton Theatre, originally built in 1852 and one of Lancaster’s oldest, most treasured cultural gems, bringing large-scale productions, musicals, and studio plays to the local community.
y Music for Everyone, including a specially designed public piano gifted by Willow Valley Communities.
y LancasterHistory and the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, preserving the stories that shaped our city.
y The YWCA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, where we donate books that inspire young minds and honor Dr. King’s legacy.
y The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra , bringing worldclass music to our community.
y The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program, supported by the talented Willow Valley Loomers, who knit warm hats and mittens for children each winter.
y CASA , providing a qualified and compassionate courtappointed volunteer advocate to every child who is abused and neglected, ensuring the fundamental human right of having a safe, nurturing, and permanent home.
More Than Neighbors
Beyond our formal partnerships and sponsorships, there’s a quieter — but no less powerful — kind of impact happening every day with Residents volunteering at local hospitals, libraries, and schools. Serving organizations like Meals on Wheels, Church World Service, and the Lancaster Public Library, they mentor students, clean up neighborhoods, and lend their skills, time, and compassion wherever it’s needed.
Transforming the Southern Gateway
One of our most visible expressions of love for Lancaster is the revitalization of an iconic local landmark — Southern Market. Once a farmers market, this historic building, built in 1888, needed a new purpose. It has been reimagined by Willow Valley Communities as a thriving food hall, entrepreneurial hub, and beloved gathering place for the Lancaster community. Today, it stands as a fun, social symbol of creativity, inclusiveness, and community pride.
And just steps away, a new vision is coming to life: Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, our next-generation 55+
residential community, will soon rise 20 stories high at the northwest corner of South Queen and West Vine streets, bringing elegant, modern living for active adults to the heart of Lancaster City and continuing our legacy of innovation, excellence, and engagement.
A Love That Lasts
We often say that we’re a community with a purpose, and that purpose is reflected in how we care for each other and for the city we love. Lancaster isn’t just where we’re located. It’s where our hearts are.
To our Residents, to our partners, and to the people of Lancaster who inspire us: Thank you for making this city such a special place. We’re honored to walk alongside you and to build a future that shines even brighter.
Willow Valley Communities has made it our mission not just to be in Lancaster, but to be a proud and passionate part of it.
A LASTING LEGACY IN STEEL & SPIRIT: BEAM SIGNING CELEBRATES THE MARLIN & DORIS THOMAS MEMORY CENTER
In a heartfelt celebration of vision, compassion, and progress, the Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation recently hosted a Beam Signing Ceremony for the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center. Held at the Cultural Center, the event marked a major milestone in the creation of what will be one of the most innovative and compassionate memory care environments in the United States.
Residents, Team Members, and special guests gathered to add their signatures and messages of hope to a structural steel beam. That beam was then permanently installed in the new Memory Center, symbolizing not just the strength of the building, but the strength of the community’s commitment to those living with memory loss.
“This center is being built with compassion and innovation at its core,” said Marlin Thomas. “It will be a place of dignity,
comfort, and care, not just for Residents, but for families and Team Members as well.”
The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center will feature a unique, village-style living environment that promotes autonomy, familiarity, and wellness across all domains: social, mental, physical, environmental, and civic. Campus life will mirror daily living, with Residents able to shop, cook, garden, join clubs, and socialize, reducing the stress of memory loss while nurturing meaningful engagement.
At the heart of the Memory Center will be a vibrant Town Center — no transactions, no barriers, just connection and dignity. Amenities are designed to foster natural interaction among Residents, families, and care partners, creating a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Memory Center has been
Doris and Marlin Thomas (center) pose with their two daughters and their husbands: (L–R) Blaise Holzbauer, Sheryl Holzbauer, Diane Poillon, and Richard Poillon.
This center is being built with compassion and innovation at its core.
Marlin Thomas, Founder, Willow Valley Communities
years in the making. The pursuit began in 2017 with the goal of transforming how memory care is experienced. The Willow Valley Communities team collaborated with global leaders in dementia care and completed more than 40 benchmarking visits to top-tier memory care communities across the United States and abroad, including The Hogeweyk in the Netherlands, known as one of the world’s premier dementia villages.
To bring this visionary concept to life, Willow Valley Communities partnered with NORD Architects of Copenhagen, Denmark, international leaders in designing for health and dignity. The result will be a first-of-its-kind environment that aims to destigmatize dementia, improve quality of life, and educate the broader community about brain health and aging.
As donors lined up to sign the beam, attendees applauded and cheered. It wasn’t just about steel and construction: It was about compassion, legacy, and the future of memory care at Willow Valley Communities.
Lauren A. Renehan, Memory Care Mission Director and Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation Executive Director
Artist rendering of the entrance to the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center.
HONORING WWII HEROES BY PRESERVING THEIR HISTORY
Residents of Willow Valley Communities were honored to welcome Stephen Watson, President & CEO of The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, for an unforgettable afternoon in the Cultural Center Performing Arts Theater. In his presentation, Mr. Watson shared the museum’s mission and vision, offering a powerful glimpse into how it preserves and honors the legacy of WWII veterans. His insights into the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served, as well as the immersive ways the museum tells these stories, left the audience deeply inspired.
The event was made even more meaningful when Resident Gail Miller introduced her father, Robert Adams, who is 104. A proud WWII veteran who served in the 8th Air Force in England under Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, Mr. Adams received warm recognition from the audience and later posed for a memorable photo alongside Gail, his other daughter, Regina Chandler, and Mr. Watson, marking a highlight of the day.
Mr. Watson also had the opportunity to meet Willow Valley Communities Resident Jane Huber, her daughter and son-inlaw, Janet and Theo Krapels, who are also Residents. Jane was a “Rosie the Riveter” as a young teenager and enjoyed sharing memories with Mr. Watson.
Resident Eleanor Isaacson also had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Watson. Eleanor is the author of two books about her experiences as a child in Nazi Germany: The Invisible Presence and Dancing from the Darkness.
Following the presentation, Residents gathered in the Cultural Center Art Gallery for a reception with Mr. Watson. The afternoon provided not only a chance to hear from one of the leading voices in WWII historic preservation but also an opportunity for personal connections, reflection, and celebration of the stories that continue to shape history.
Residents share their WWII memories.
Resident Gail Miller (right), Robert Adams (front), and Regina Chandler (left), and Stephen Watson
Stephen Watson meets Residents after his presentation.
Resident Eleanor Isaacson greets Stephen Watson.
(L–R) Residents Theo Krapels, Jane Huber, and Janet Krapels with Stephen Watson
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION HONORING OUR VISIONARIES — MARLIN THOMAS & JOHN SWANSON
In a momentous evening filled with admiration and gratitude, Willow Valley Communities recently gathered to honor its most influential leaders, Founder Marlin Thomas and past President & CEO John Swanson. The celebration brought together colleagues and honored guests — including Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace and Lancaster Alliance President & CEO Marshall Snively — along with cherished family and friends who traveled from near and far to take part in this special occasion.
Held at Chautauqua Hall, the event featured festive music and dining, heartfelt tributes, and warm memories of the past four decades at Willow Valley Communities, as well as a special video presentation highlighting the organization’s
rich history. Guests also heard moving remarks from Chief Operating Officer Scott Summy, former WGAL Channel 8 News anchor Kim Lemon, and others, all of whom reflected on the enduring impact of Marlin and John’s leadership. A highlight of the evening came when Marlin proudly announced that John had been named to the Senior Housing News Memory Care Innovation Awards Class of 2025 — a fitting recognition of his years of vision and service.
The following photos capture the joy and pride of this unforgettable night celebrating Marlin and John’s enduring legacy.
Former WGAL Channel 8 News anchor Kim Lemon greets John Swanson.
Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace with Marlin Thomas
Willow Valley Communities’ Chief Operating Officer, Scott Summy
DICK COYNE: RAPPELLING FOR A CAUSE
By Carol Gifford, Community & Public Affairs Manager, VisionCorps
Dick Coyne is a connector, known to many who live and work at Willow Valley Communities. He and his wife, Diana, have lived at Willow Valley for more than six years, and he likes to help those looking for assistance by making meaningful connections and taking action.
Dick first became acquainted with vision loss during a volunteer gig at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). He was helping a group of people with recent vision loss learn to deal with everyday challenges, such as navigating an escalator.
“That small part of their journey made me realize how much courage it takes for someone with low vision to tackle the everyday tasks that we take for granted,” he said.
Then last winter, Dick, a supporter of Lancaster nonprofit VisionCorps, was invited to their viewing of the 2023 National Geographic documentary, Blink . It follows a Canadian family who decides to travel the globe after three of their four children are diagnosed with an incurable eye disease that will lead to the permanent loss of their vision. The documentary chronicles their travels, following what the children choose to see and do.
“The film was inspirational,” said Dick. “Some parts were heartbreaking as the children with low vision — who at the time of the filming couldn’t see much of anything at night — were realizing that their vision in the future would be like that, Other parts were very touching, such as when they realized they could still play soccer with other kids.”
At the end of the film, viewers were asked to consider taking part in Eye Drop, VisionCorps’ annual fundraiser in which supporters raise money for the chance to rappel down a 10-story building in downtown Lancaster. Before he left the theater, Dick signed up to participate.
“I wasn’t sure what it would be like,” he said. “I was able to raise the $1,000 needed to rappel in the event, and a lot more. Family and friends were very generous in contributing to Eye Drop.” Dick raised $4,346 to compete in the event and support VisionCorps.
Still, on June 6, Eye Drop day, Dick was getting nervous.
“It was a very hot and humid day,” he said. “There was a delay up on the roof — where we waited outside — and I was nervous and felt dehydrated.”
It had been a long time since Dick had done any rappelling; his last experience was at age 14, when he was training to be a volunteer firefighter. Now, at 77, he wondered if it was a good idea for him to go over the edge and rappel 10 stories.
But the momentum was building. Dick was paired with a WGAL-TV reporter who interviewed him live on the noon news broadcast. While he was waiting on the roof, a photographer from the local newspaper took several photos of him.
“It helped that the people at the top of the roof were very thorough and reassuring, which is a tribute to an event that was well organized with many helpful volunteers,” Dick said.
“The drop was more physically taxing than I expected,” Dick admitted. “I got to see and talk to people who were blind and rappelling. What I learned is that with some support, people with vision challenges can accomplish much! They were doing a great job rappelling down the side of the 10-story Holiday Inn.”
He finished strong and was proud of his accomplishment. But even more inspiring to Dick was what he learned about people with vision loss — that with the right tools, training, and support, they can not only conquer everyday challenges but can also reach greater heights.
A leading nonprofit in Lancaster, VisionCorps is on a mission to empower individuals who are blind or vision-impaired to attain independence. This is done through providing rehabilitative, preventative, and educational services, as well as by employing people who are blind in manufacturing, food processing, and administrative services. To learn more about the organization, visit VisionCorps.net.
What I learned is that with some support, people with vision challenges can accomplish much!
Dick Coyne, Willow Valley Communities Resident
RESIDENTS INVEST IN TEAM MEMBER DREAMS: SCHOLARSHIPS FUEL FUTURES & CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
Life at Willow Valley Communities is all about connections — between Residents, Team Members, and the vibrant community they create together. Every day, more than 1,600 Team Members bring their talents and dedication to serving over 2,600 Residents. And in turn, Residents show their appreciation in an extraordinary way: by helping those same Team Members chase their dreams.
This year, that support added up to something remarkable. For the 2025–26 academic year, 97 Team Members were awarded $340,500 in scholarships to continue their education in nursing and a wide variety of other fields.
The scholarships come from two cherished funds. The Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund, established in 2000 by Resident Lillian Brunner, provides opportunities for Team Members pursuing nursing careers and advanced training. Thanks to Lillian’s vision and ongoing Resident generosity, 11 Team Members received $80,000 this year.
Throughout its 25-year history, the fund has supported more than 270 nursing scholarships totaling over $780,000.
The second, the Willow Valley Communities Team Member Education Fund (TMEF), was created in 2008 to support any field of study. From nuclear engineering to dance, cybersecurity to fashion merchandising, Team Members’ interests are as diverse as their talents. For the 2025–26 school year, 86 Team Members received $260,500, bringing the fund’s lifetime total to 803 scholarships and $1.9 million awarded across 50-plus fields.
What makes the TMEF unique is the Resident involvement. Committee members personally review applications and interview each student, making the process as meaningful as the award itself.
At Willow Valley Communities, generosity and gratitude flow both ways. Residents and Team Members together are proving that the legacy of excellence here isn’t just preserved — it’s lived forward every day.
For the 2025–26 academic year, 97 Team Members were awarded $340,500.
I feel privileged to serve as both a committee member and chair of the Team Member Education Fund. This role has allowed me to meet incredible Team Members who are furthering their education, pursuing new licenses, and advancing their careers — all while serving us with dedication and kindness every day. Reading their essays, interviewing them, and hearing their gratitude is inspiring. As a former educator, I’m in awe of their opportunities, their thoughtful plans, and the growth I’ve witnessed. Their heartfelt thankyou notes and willingness to share their stories remind me how truly blessed we are at Willow Valley Communities. I am grateful to serve on this committee, and I can honestly say our future is in good hands.
Debbie Mischo, Resident and Chair of the Team Member Education Fund
Since their inception, the two funds have awarded over 1,000 scholarships.
This scholarship has truly lifted a weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my RN studies at Harrisburg Area Community College. It has given me confidence, motivation, and hope as I work towards my dream of becoming a nurse.
Samantha
Boxleitner, CNA, Lakeside, Recipient of a Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund Scholarship
Dear Members of the Team Member Appreciation Fund,
I am deeply grateful for your generosity and for taking the time to talk with me about my future goals. As an adult returning to school, this journey can feel intimidating, but your support has given me both confidence and encouragement.
At Willow Valley Communities, “Life Lived Forward” is more than a slogan — it’s something I’ve seen reflected in Residents every day. Their stories, experiences, and ongoing passions continue to inspire me, and those interactions remain my favorite part of working here.
Thank you for awarding me this scholarship and for the example you set through your generosity and guidance. You’ve not only made my education possible but also reminded me of what it means to truly live life forward.
With admiration and appreciation,
Alison R. Wills, Relocation Specialist
The Willow Valley Way
For more than 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been dedicated to helping people pursue exceptional lives. Our mission is simple: to inspire each person to embrace the possibilities of a Life Lived Forward. We are committed to innovative programming, operational excellence, and prudent financial practices.
Our communities provide the peace of mind of Lifecare, which includes short- and long-term care, should you need it later, with no change to your monthly service fee due to the increased level of care.
And we are grateful to have been affirmed for our efforts. In addition to the many awards and recognitions we receive every year from various organizations, we consistently receive an “A” rating from Fitch Ratings, affirming our proven financial stability. Our most important recognition, though, comes from the people who live here.
Please call for more information. We look forward to welcoming you.
