Learning is the Strength of Our Community
by Larry Zook
Grace Wenger's, 1994 book on Landis Homes, The First Thirty Years, describes the early founders' interest in learning from the experiences of other retirement/nursing communities. Early planners like Orie Miller, Frank Enck, Sanford High, Mowery Frey and Ira Buckwalter explored, visited and took photographs of innovative, cutting-edge communities in Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties as well as two communities in Florida.
Forty-five years later Landis Homes continues to preface action with times of research and learning. We are continuously learning through contacts with our present and future residents, volunteers and staff, as well as community leaders. We also partner with businesses and consultants who incorporate learning into their cultures.
We have heard from current and prospective residents how they value the learning opportunities offered here and look forward to new learning adventures. Support groups and seminars offered on campus and in partnership with other organizations provide information on topics such as aging well, Medicare coverage, advance directives and nutrition. The resident-driven Keenagers computer club provides learning opportunities through regular meetings, and we have supported learning by expanding the Wireless Internet Service across campus-a service similar to that provided on many college campuses-which enables residents to tap into the massive amount of learning and communication opportunities that are available online.
We also enjoy strong relationships with a number of institutions of learning in the area including; Lancaster Mennonite Schools, Hinkletown Mennonite School, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisburg Area Community College, Lancaster General College of Nursing and others. We partner with local providers of lifelong learning seminars such as Quest, a six-week program held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster. It is a joy to participate in early-childhood learning as well through supporting the children, staff and others by partnering with Hildebrandt, the operators of the Children's Learning Center at Landis Homes.
We realize that an organization like Landis Homes only grows and learns as its individual employees, residents, volunteers and others engaged in our community life grow and learn. We have, therefore, provided learning opportunities in culture-change and person-centered care throughout the past year and plan to continue in coming years. Learning is enhanced in a team setting, so in September we launched what we hope to be a monthly "Lunch & Learn" series. Staff will meet over lunch and learn about topics such as new trends in elder housing, creation care, campus master planning, and other topics.
The Landis Homes Board of Directors consistently values learning. Board members take advantage of opportunities to learn by attending Board Forums sponsored by the Anabaptist Providers Group, of which we are a member, as well as the Mennonite Health Assembly sponsored by Mennonite Health Services Alliance. The Board also recognizes that the local church and broader community seeks support in learning about health, wellness, finances, and social and other issues relating to aging. Therefore, a Speaker's Resource List of board and staff members willing to speak to congregations, Sunday School classes, and in other settings has been posted on our web site. See www.landishomes.org for a complete list of topics and speakers. We can also recommend books and video resources.
Learning is the Strength of Our Community and is a natural outgrowth of our journey to this point. Learning helps prepare us to be open to God's leading now and in the future as we seek his direction through prayer. Thank you for joining in this journey!
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