"On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest appreciation for the wonderful care that my mother received at St. John Specialty Care Center. She received exceptional, tender care and was treated with love and dignity. May God continue to bless and support you in the wonderful ministry that you have with many people and their families."

Seniors across Western Pennsylvania are living fulfilling lives because of the care they receive from Lutheran SeniorLife facilities.

Now in their second century, the Christian faith-based ministry is the cornerstone of their mission to help seniors live in a setting that promotes wellness and independence. In addition to residential and assisted living, Lutheran SeniorLife provides an array of health and wellness services, including home health care, rehabilitation services, and this region's premier Alzheimer's care program.

People join Lutheran SeniorLife's neighborhood communities for many reasons including social opportunities, escape from home maintenance and the peace of mind of being a part of a system with extensive services.

Lutheran SeniorLife operates a number of the Pittsburgh region's best senior communities, including Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars, Crown Pointe Senior Living Communities in Butler and Greensburg and the LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) — Beaver County program in Aliquippa.

What distinguishes Lutheran SeniorLife from other providers is its dedicated staff of caregivers. Their longevity is among the highest in the senior care provider community, and that fosters a special bond with residents.

The excellence of caring given at Lutheran SeniorLife is evidenced in the numerous notes and letters received at the facilities annually.

"The entire staff has been there for us from day one and we cannot say enough about all of their support" and "Quality of life is important for the residents by the little things the staff does; telling them how nice they look, telling them where their room is, or just holding their hand. Thank you."

In 1986, the Passavant Retirement and Health Center and the St. John Lutheran Care Center, within ten miles of each other in southern Butler County, forged an alliance and brought their complementary ministries of care for seniors together under that was called Lutheran Affiliated Services.

It has pioneered innovations such as:

n A "nursing home without walls" where seniors can continue to live independently in their own home;

• The region's premier Alzheimer's Care program.

• Specially-designed villas and manor homes that enable seniors to live independently;

• A "Main Street" program that enables residents to participate in the community and special interest programs for seniors.

Main Street is an indoor promenade and the center of community life at Passavant Retirement Community. Residents run and use a computer lab, wood shop, and Center for Creative Expression for painting, ceramics, and book reviews. There's a library, gift shop, and travel office.

Residents of Passavant Retirement Community are producing a weekly cable television news programs.

Lutheran SeniorLife is working to develop new concepts and programs in senior care and independent living that will further advance its mission of helping seniors live a full and abundant life.