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Celebrating 55 years of serving Kansas and Missouri, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America has named 55 individuals who exemplify the spirit and mission of its active living and wellness communities. The honors are part of a special anniversary project called "The 55 Faces of Presbyterian Manors."
According to William Ward, president and CEO, Presbyterian Manors chose this method of celebrating its anniversary because people are key in the longevity of the organization, as well as Presbyterian Manors' future.
Honorees were chosen to represent the company as a whole, and at each Presbyterian Manor location, winners were selected based on the number of nominations they received from their peers, who were asked to vote for one person in each of the three categories. Approximately 600 written nominations were tallied.
"The main criterion was that the nominees for The 55 Faces of Presbyterian Manors be persons who have helped carry out the Manor mission and contribute to making their Manor or Village 'The Way You Want to Live,' " Ward said. The active living community's mission is to provide Christian-based retirement living and health care services through a continuum of care, dedicated to the values of service, respect, dignity and independence.
Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America began in 1949 as an individual "home for the aged" in Newton, Kan., and has evolved into a network system of 17 different active living communities located throughout Kansas and Missouri.
"When casting their votes, we asked our people to consider this: 'Whose names and faces come to mind when you think of your Manor or Village?' " Ward added. " 'Who best exemplifies the heartbeat of Presbyterian Manors and its enduring reputation for quality?'"
Each of the 55 Faces honorees received a certificate noting their selection and are featured on this web site.
Among those honored are former organizational leaders such as longtime president of Presbyterian Manors, the Rev. Thomas Wentz. He was selected as one of the 55 Faces representing the Manors' corporate headquarters. Rev. Wentz served Presbyterian Manors from 1966 to 1981 during a time of exciting change in the life of the organization.
Under Wentz's tenure, the company experienced significant change as the United Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas became Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, and the Kansas Manor corporation greatly expanded in Kansas and merged with programs in Missouri.
Early pioneers of Presbyterian Manors are also receiving special recognition. Dr. George Nelson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, was one of the principle persons who helped develop the network of Presbyterian retirement homes in Kansas and oversaw their operation. He was, in his words, "the responsible head of the whole program" from its inception until his retirement in 1972.
Dr. Nelson heard Alice Kalb's proposal in 1947 to develop a retirement home and brought up the issue during a Synod meeting later that year. Subsequently, he was named chairman of the original committee appointed to develop the new retirement home. Dr. Nelson served as secretary on the Manor's board of trustees and became the superintendent when the Manor opened in 1949, all while continuing his pastorate of the local church.
Headquartered in Wichita, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America serves as home to 2,070 residents and employs nearly 1,800 people. Manor locations include Arkansas City, Clay Center, Dodge City, Emporia, Fort Scott, Kansas City, Lawrence, Newton, Olathe, Parsons, Salina, Sterling, Topeka and Wichita, with Missouri communities in Farmington, Fulton and Rolla.
We invite you to read about the people who represent the mission, dedication and commitment to enable us to provide housing options and services that make Presbyterian Manors the way you want to live.
We invite you to learn more about the people who are part of our 55 years:
Brief History | Rev. Tom Wentz | Dr. George Nelson | 55 Faces Honorees
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