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The Not-for-Profit Difference

Mission-Driven

Ohio Living is committed to our mission of providing adults with caring and quality services toward the enhancement of physical, mental and spiritual well-being consistent with the Christian Gospel. As a chartered not-for-profit provider of senior services, Ohio Living has a direct obligation to our community and our residents. 

A not‑for‑profit organization specializing in aging services is driven by mission rather than profit, focusing on the unique needs of older adults and reinvesting every dollar back into its programs. Instead of distributing surplus revenue to shareholders, these organizations use it to strengthen their vision, expand services, and improve long‑term community impact.

With a wide range of senior support programs—including healthcare, safe and affordable housing, social engagement opportunities, wellness initiatives, and advocacy—these organizations prioritize the dignity, independence, and overall well‑being of older adults. Their commitment to healthy aging enriches not only the lives of seniors but also the vitality and resilience of the communities they serve.

The legacy of Ohio Living is founded in enduring faith, compassion, and community.

In the early 1920s, an elderly church member in Troy, Ohio, grew ill and found herself with limited funds. Her Bible class had formed a close-knit community, and the members were filled with compassion. They petitioned the Presbytery to establish a home for the aged so that others like their friend could have a safe and loving place to live.

When Rev. W. Blake Love heard about the project, he recognized how important it was to meet this need. He spoke regularly to his congregation in Sidney, Ohio, about putting their faith into action for the cause.

Rev. Love’s daughter Dorothy was fatally struck by a car in 1921, and his congregation was moved with grief. The Russell family, who had planned to sell land to fund the girl’s education, instead donated it to the Synod in her honor. The land was designated for the cause Rev. Love had championed, and Dorothy Love Retirement Community was founded in 1922.

Over one hundred years later, our organization has changed and grown, but the foundation remains the same. You can feel the sense of community when you walk through our doors; witness people putting their faith into action both in our chapels and their everyday lives; and see our staff’s compassion as they serve residents and patients with diligence and heartfelt care. We cherish this legacy, and will continue to find new ways to demonstrate it in the century ahead. 

Quality

Not-for-profit providers of aging services offer a commitment to quality that stems from a mission of service and a history of compassion. 

Quality care at Ohio Living isn’t just an aspiration—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our commitment to excellence is woven into every service, every interaction, and every decision, ensuring older adults receive the highest standard of support. 

We believe exceptional care begins with empowered, well‑supported team members. That’s why we invest deeply in employee development, offering comprehensive training, ongoing education, and access to advanced tools and resources. This approach equips our staff to make informed, compassionate choices that prioritize the well‑being, safety, and dignity of every resident and patient.

Our dedicated Quality Improvement Committee plays a central role in advancing our standards. By bringing together diverse expertise, the committee evaluates performance, identifies opportunities for innovation, and strengthens care practices across all Ohio Living communities. This continuous cycle of assessment and enhancement ensures we consistently exceed expectations.

At Ohio Living, meeting industry standards is only the starting point. We strive to set new benchmarks for quality aging services—creating environments where older adults thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Our commitment to excellence drives us to deliver care experiences that honor autonomy, elevate quality of life, and foster trust with residents, patients, and families.

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Stability

Ohio Living’s not‑for‑profit mission creates long‑term stability in aging services, giving residents, patients, and families confidence in the consistency and integrity of the care they receive. By reinvesting every dollar back into our communities rather than shareholders, we ensure reliable support, trusted caregivers, and a steadfast commitment to the people we serve.

Our not‑for‑profit structure strengthens our dedication to serving older adults with compassion, transparency, and purpose. This approach allows us to prioritize senior well‑being above all else—focusing on safety, dignity, autonomy, and meaningful connection.

As a stable, mission‑driven organization, Ohio Living stands as a dependable pillar in the community. Families can count on us for consistent, high‑quality care today and for generations to come, supported by values that never waver and a commitment that never fades.

Continuum of Care

A continuum of care provides a seamless transition between different levels of care and support for older adults as they age while living in a life plan community. For example, residents may begin with independent living arrangements and gradually transition to assisted living or skilled nursing care as their needs evolve, ensuring they receive the right level of support at each stage of their aging journey.

 A continuum of care provides stability and comfort by keeping support within one trusted organization. Older adults maintain familiar relationships with caregivers and fellow residents, strengthening community and belonging. Coordinated services also improve communication among healthcare professionals, creating a seamless, team‑based approach to care. This model empowers individuals to age with dignity, safety, and peace of mind, knowing their changing needs will be met with compassion and expertise. 

Life Care Commitment

Ohio Living’s Life Care Commitment is a long‑standing promise that has defined our mission since 1922. This commitment ensures that no resident is ever asked to leave our community if—acting in good faith—they exhaust the financial resources intended to support their care. While many senior living communities may require relocation under those circumstances, Ohio Living stands firm in protecting stability, dignity, and peace of mind for every individual we serve.

This commitment is more than a policy; it reflects our core values and our dedication to resident security and high‑quality care. Regardless of financial changes, every resident continues to receive consistent, compassionate healthcare and supportive services within our communities.

Today, generous donor contributions help sustain 20 to 30 percent of the Life Care Commitment’s annual costs. As we look ahead to potential economic challenges, Ohio Living remains focused on strengthening this essential program to ensure its resilience and impact for generations to come.

Growth

"True growth for a non-profit organization isn't measured solely in financial gains, but in the depth of impact it creates within the communities it serves."

Not‑for‑profit organizations in aging services continue to grow as the need for high‑quality senior care increases. Their mission‑driven approach—centered on innovation, collaboration, and community engagement—positions them to make a lasting, positive impact. By prioritizing dignity, safety, and well‑being, these organizations help older adults thrive with the support they deserve.

Donor generosity plays a vital role in advancing this work at Ohio Living. Contributions directly strengthen senior programs, expand facilities, enhance services, and provide essential training for employees. This support enriches the lives of residents and patients while empowering team members to deliver exceptional, compassionate care. 

Governance

In a not-for-profit organization, governance is led by a board of directors, rather than an owner. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction, policies, and operations, ensuring alignment with its mission and objectives. They are typically volunteers who serve in a fiduciary capacity, making decisions collectively for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders.

Leadership by a board of directors in a not-for-profit organization benefits stakeholders by ensuring a more inclusive decision-making process that prioritizes the organization's mission and the interests of its constituents. The board of directors is comprised of diverse members who bring varied expertise and perspectives, so decisions are made collaboratively; this promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of resources. This approach fosters greater trust and confidence among stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, clients, and the community at large, as they see their interests represented and safeguarded by a dedicated and impartial governing body. Ultimately, this governance structure enhances the organization's credibility, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, maximizing its positive impact on stakeholders and the broader society it serves.