Perry Lutheran Homes Celebrates 70 Years

Seventy years of caring holds countless stories. Stories of families finding support when they needed it most. Of staff becoming beloved, familiar faces. Of friendships formed, faith shared and ordinary moments made meaningful through love.

On July 30, residents, families, staff, friends and community partners gathered at Perry Lutheran Homes’ Eden Acres Campus to celebrate those connections and the Christian mission that brings them together. Under the theme “70 Years: Rooted in Faith, Forward in Love,” the celebration honored God’s faithfulness through seven decades of Serving Christ by Serving Others.

Remembering the People Behind the Years

Historical photographs and shared memories brought PLH’s history to life, sparking conversations about the people whose care, generosity and faith have shaped this ministry since 1956.

For some, PLH has been a workplace or a place to volunteer. For others, it has been home, a source of comfort during a difficult season, or the community entrusted with caring for someone they love. Together, those experiences tell the story of what it means to be a Christian caring community.

Featured speakers included PLH CEO Rev. Max Phillips; Randy “Doc” McCaulley, whose service spans roles as an employee, board member, volunteer and donor; and Dave Menz, a PLH volunteer and donor, Christ Lutheran Church member and advocate for Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy. Their connections to PLH reflected the many ways people help carry its mission forward.

Dinner, ice cream, a community concert by the Perry Bible Church band, and activities for children and families provided time to enjoy being together. The strong turnout reflected the many relationships that have grown around PLH over the years.

A Mission That Reaches Beyond Our Campuses

Since 1956, Perry Lutheran Homes has served more than 5,000 residents and families. As needs have changed, its services have grown to include independent and assisted living, long-term and skilled nursing care, memory care, respite recovery, rehabilitative therapy, in-home care and Meals on Wheels.

That mission reaches beyond the people who call PLH home. Through Meals on Wheels, PLH serves 26,000 home-delivered meals each year in the surrounding communities, bringing nourishment, a friendly face and a reassuring connection to older adults. Approximately $1 million in charitable care annually further reflects PLH’s commitment to serving people with dignity, compassion and Christ’s love.

Whether someone needs help at home, a supportive place to recover, or ongoing care, PLH walks alongside individuals and families through changing seasons of life.

Generations Blessing One Another

At Perry Lutheran Homes, serving generations means both a legacy of care and the daily joy of bringing young and old together.

Through Acorns & Oaks Intergenerational Christian Academy, PLH’s onsite daycare, preschool and K–2 elementary program, children and older adults build meaningful relationships across all three campuses. Bible study, music, exercise, crafts and baby snuggles become opportunities to share faith, offer encouragement and help one another feel loved and needed.

Older adults share wisdom, affection and the gift of their attention. Children bring curiosity, laughter and opportunities for nurturing. Each generation has something precious to give.

Those connections were part of anniversary week as well. Residents, staff and children shared blessings, created together and exchanged heartfelt notes of appreciation. These simple moments reflected the purpose at the heart of PLH’s ministry: honoring each person as a beloved child of God with dignity and purpose.

Moving Forward in Love

This anniversary belongs to everyone who has helped shape Perry Lutheran Homes: residents and families who have placed their trust in us; staff who put Christ’s love into action through their daily care; and volunteers, donors, congregations and community partners whose support helps this ministry grow.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, shared photographs and stories, and helped honor this milestone. Your connections are part of PLH’s continuing story.

Seventy years after its beginning, the mission remains the same: Serving Christ by Serving Others. With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and hope for the generations still to come, Perry Lutheran Homes continues rooted in faith and moving forward in love.

Has Perry Lutheran Homes been part of your story? Send your memories, stories, and/or photos to info@perrylutheranhomes.org and help us preserve the history of our Christian caring community.